American Red Cross Heroes Among Us Gala 2023

Heroes Among Us Gala 2023

Hosted by Bill Ritter, WABC-TV

Welcome

Ashleigh Banfield, Host of Banfield on NewsNation; Co-Chair, Heroes Among Us Gala

Tonia Bottoms, Managing Director & Senior Managing Counsel, BNY Mellon | Pershing; Co-Chair, Heroes Among Us Gala

Welcome and Introduction of Corporate Leadership Honoree

Mary Barneby, Regional CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York

Accepted by Jolen Anderson, Global Head of Human Resources, Corporate Responsibility & Philanthropy, BNY Mellon

Introduction of Youth Humanitarian Hero

Jill Coyle, American Red Cross Greater New York Board Chair

Accepted by Davyon L. Johnson

Introduction of National Hero

Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, CEO, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists

Accepted by Corion Evans

Dinner is served

Introduction of Good Samaritan Hero

Eric Adams, Mayor, New York City, joined by Zachary Iscol, Commissioner, New York City Emergency Management

Accepted by Fritz G. Sam

Introduction of Humanitarian Honoree

Ashleigh Banfield

Accepted by John B. Osborn

Dessert, coffee and music

Welcome

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, it is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2023 American Red Cross Gala: Heroes Among Us, a celebration of our humanitarian mission and those who make this work possible.

Every day I am reminded of the urgent need for our vital mission: providing assistance after disasters, helping our military communities, collecting lifesaving blood, teaching critical preparedness and lifesaving skills, and supporting our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners during international humanitarian crises. At a time of global uncertainty, our work and this safety net of support funded by your generosity is more important than ever.

As part of this special evening, we will recognize some very generous and committed partners: our 2023 Corporate Leadership Honoree BNY Mellon and our 2023 Humanitarian Honoree John B. Osborn

And we will shine a spotlight on a group of selfless and inspiring heroes:

• Last fall, while driving a passenger to LaGuardia airport, Uber driver Fritz G. Sam spotted a house on fire in Brooklyn and saved the lives of two residents.

• In July, Corion Evans rescued four individuals from drowning after a car drove off the road into a river in Moss Point, Mississippi.

• In the winter of 2021, sixth-grader Davyon L. Johnson performed abdominal thrusts on a classmate who was choking. On the same day, he saw a disabled woman attempting to exit her burning home and ran over to help guide her to safety.

To all of you, our supporters here tonight, I offer my deepest gratitude for your commitment to the American Red Cross. And I ask you to consider: If not the Red Cross, than who?

Sincerely,

Mary Barneby

Regional CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York

Mary Barneby, Regional CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York

Welcome

Jill Coyle, Chair, Board of Directors, American Red Cross in Greater New York

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the American Red Cross in Greater New York Board of Directors, THANK YOU for being with us tonight in support of such an important humanitarian organization.

The lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is more important than ever. A quick glance at the news headlines on any given day only reinforces the urgency and need for this critical work, made possible when community-minded donors, volunteers, partners, and employees from all walks of life come together in service.

In addition to celebrating the work of this American institution, tonight we will also pay tribute to some generous Red Cross partners BNY Mellon and John B. Osborn We will also recognize extraordinary heroes Fritz G. Sam, Corion Evans and Davyon L. Johnson whose actions and sacrifice inspire us all. All of our honorees embody the Red Cross spirit of humanity and altruism.

To all our supporters, your belief in us ensures that the American Red Cross will be there 24/7 wherever it is needed.

With gratitude,

Jill Coyle Chair, Board of Directors, American Red Cross in Greater New York

BNY Mellon

Corporate Leadership Honoree

I am honored to accept the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of BNY Mellon and to be part of a night celebrating humanitarian ideals and the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross, which prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies.

At BNY Mellon, we support humanitarian causes through our philanthropy as well as our employee volunteerism, matching donations, and pro bono service.

Our work with the American Red Cross spans nearly four decades. We are proud of our role in supporting the American Red Cross’ vital recovery efforts, which have helped so many people in need to rebuild their lives in times of crisis.

Thank you to our colleagues at the American Red Cross for your commitment to serving our communities and congratulations to our fellow honorees recognized during this celebration.

It is an honor for BNY Mellon to be named among humanitarian heroes and we hope their stories will inspire others to action and create an even greater impact.

Jolen Anderson Global Head of Human Resources, Corporate Responsibility and Philanthropy, BNY Mellon

John B. Osborn

Humanitarian Honoree

John is a well known marketing leader, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of OMD USA. In his 5 years running the 1,800 person network, he integrated the agency’s brand, data & analytics and performance media practices in a combined-services model, while overseeing the agency’s transformation into a modern day, precision-based, agile and nimble media powerhouse. He also reignited growth, overseeing a string of new business wins, including Clorox, The Home Depot, Georgia Pacific, SNAP and LegalZoom, among others. John also served as a contributing member of the Worldwide Executive Committee, and he helped propel OMD Worldwide to being crowned “Global Media Agency of the Year” consecutively in 2019 and 2020 by AdWeek, and Cannes Lion “Global Media Network of the Year” this past June.

John joined OMD in 2017 after 25 years with BBDO, where he served as President and CEO of the New York creative Agency for 13 years. Under John’s leadership, BBDO New York more than doubled revenues, expanded its client base to include categories like BtoB, retail, healthcare and more, and diversified its workforce. He also led the agency’s transformation into data, marketing science and communications planning. The result: BBDO New York was named Agency of the Year more than 20 times by various media outlets.

Over the years, John has demonstrated that he is an energetic, positive and passionate leader with a proven ability to build strong client relationships and deliver results. John’s notable accomplishments over the years also include his involvement with the “New York Miracle” campaign, which helped lift spirits of New Yorkers in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

John has served as Chairman of the Board of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the “unifying voice for advertising,” and he remains active on the Board. More recently, John was elected to the Board of Directors for The Advertising Council.

John has been equally active outside business, lending his talents to other important causes. For 15 years, John served on the Board of Directors of the Police Athletic League of New York, and he served in the role as President of the Board for 10 years working closely with the Commissioner’s Office of the NYPD and the District Attorney’s office to serve over 40,000 underprivileged children of New York City. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, President of GlobalDignity.org and on the Board of the Woodstock Foundation in Woodstock, Vermont.

In recognition of his accomplishments, John was a recipient of a 2012 AdColor Award celebrating diversity champions in advertising, media, marketing and public relations. In 2003, he was inducted into the AAF Hall of Achievement, which honors people 40 years of age or under for their contributions to business. He has also been named to the Crain’s New York Business list of “40 under 40” as well as BtoB magazine’s “Who’s Who in BtoB.” In 2006, John was named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum. In 2016, the Police Athletic League recognized John as its Superstar of the Year, and the AAF presented him with the Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal Award its highest honor for service to the Federation and its membership.

John earned his BA at Dartmouth, for which he continues to serve as an active member of its Alumni Network and Friends of Dartmouth Ice Hockey program.

Corion Evans

National Hero

The 2023 American Red Cross National Hero honoree is Corion Evans of Pascagoula, Mississippi. On July 4, 2022, Evans, then a 16-year-old rising high school senior, jumped into the Pascagoula River to rescue three individuals after their car drove off the road into the water in Moss Point, Mississippi. One of the survivors, a 19-year-old woman, said she was about to take her last breath when Evans grabbed her and swam her to safety.

During the rescue, a police officer who was in the river to help with the rescue began to struggle in the water as well. Corion helped bring him safely to shore too.

Click on image below to view video

Fritz G. Sam

Good Samaritan Hero

The 2023 American Red Cross Good Samaritan Hero is Fritz G. Sam from Brooklyn, N.Y. In August 17, 2022, Sam, an Uber driver, spotted a house on fire in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant while driving a passenger to LaGuardia Airport. He immediately pulled over and sprang into action, rescuing a man and a woman from the flames.

When asked why he stopped his car and ran into the fire, Fritz responded, “I’m not trying to be a hero. I just want to help.”

Click on image below to view video

Davyon L. Johnson

Youth Humanitarian Hero

The 2023 American Red Cross Youth Humanitarian honoree is Davyon L. Johnson of Muskogee, Oklahoma. In December 2021, Johnson, then 11 years old, performed abdominal thrusts on a classmate who was choking on a bottle cap. His quick thinking dislodged the obstruction from his throat and saved the student’s life.

Around 5:00 p.m. the same day, Johnson was with his mother in their car when he spotted a fire in a nearby house. While his mother called 911, Johnson saw a disabled woman struggling to leave her burning home. Johnson ran across the street, raced up the porch steps, and helped her escape the building.

When asked why he jumped in to save the lives of his classmate and the disabled woman, Davyon responded, “I did it from the kindness of my heart.” He added: “my dad taught me kindness and to help people out of need.”

Click on image below to view video

Dorothy L. Alpert

Ashleigh Banfield

Matt Barr

Tonia Bottoms

Katherine Brennan

Kermitt Brooks

Tim Castelli

Mylan Denerstein

Board of Directors

American Red Cross in Greater New York

Jill Coyle, Board Chair • David Owen, Vice Chair • John Rhea, Vice Chair

Lyn DeSantis

Bradley Finkle

Marilu Galvez

Heather Goodchild

Joan Shapiro Green

Edwin B. (Ted) Hathaway

Steven Joenk

Radford W. Klotz

Shailesh Kotwal

Tara Maguire

Inderdeep Malik

H. Conrad Meyer, III

Peter Micca

Suresh Muthuswami

Chairs of Affiliated Chapter Board

Anthony C. Acampora, Co-Chair, LI Chapter Board

Lisa Cooper, Chair, MNYN Chapter Board

Matthew Thompson, Co-Chair, LI Chapter Board

Heather Wise

Red Cross National Philanthropic Board

Josie Barnett

Matt Barr

Monica Bomani

Ex-Officio Members

Zachary Iscol

Captain Zeita Merchant

Kelly McKinney PE CBCP

Associate Board Members

Erin Phillips

Rachel Rosenberg

Peter Riguardi

Mark Shelton

Matthew Sniffen

Meredith Spatz

Frank Stadelmaier

Funmi Taiwo

Jeffrey Vacirca, MD

Emeritus Board Members

John B. Osborn

Peter M. Rapaport

Ira M. Millstein

Heroes Selection Committee

Tonia Bottoms

Joan Shapiro Green

Lina Klebanov

H. Conrad Meyer, III

Lesley Osborn

Erin Phillips

Senior Management

Greater New York Red Cross

Mary J. Barneby, Regional Chief Executive Officer

Stephanie Dunn Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, Metro New York North

José Dominguez, Chief Executive Officer, Long Island

Dario J. Diaz, Jr., Regional Chief Disaster Officer

Andrea Grimaldi-Grafer, Regional Chief Volunteer Service Officer

Jodie Porto

Mona Saghri

Susan Rounds, Regional Chief Operations Officer

Desiree Ramos Reiner, Regional Chief External Affairs Officer

Krista Coletti, Regional Chief Development Officer

Gregg Porter, Director, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services

Our Mission

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

About the Greater New York Region

The American Red Cross Greater New York Region serves more than 12 million people in New York City, on Long Island, in Westchester and Rockland counties, at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and in Greenwich, Connecticut.

We provide free emergency relief shelter, food, clothing and emotional support following 5 to 25 emergencies and disasters each day; collect lifesaving blood; support military members, veterans and their families; and teach skills that save lives.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Hero Sponsor Entertainment Sponsor

Cocktail Sponsor

Visionary Sponsors

Hometown Hero Sponsor

Registration Sponsor

Table Hosts

Benefactor

Jill and John Coyle

Contributor

Patron

In-Kind Supporters

Ticket Purchasers

Benefactor

H. Conrad and Sarah Meyer

Contributor

Joan Shapiro Green and Frank Green

• Heather Goodchild and Mark Rose

Patron

Mary and Kirk Barneby • Josh Lockwood • • Peter Micca • Lissa Schiele

American Red Cross Greater New York Region

Fiscal Year 2022 Statistics | July 2021 to June 2022

The American Red Cross Greater New York Region serves more than 12 million people in New York City, on Long Island, in Westchester and Rockland counties, at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and in Greenwich, Connecticut.

We provide free emergency relief — shelter, food, clothing and emotional support following 5 to 25 emergencies and disasters each day; collect lifesaving blood; support military members, veterans and their families; and teach skills that save lives.

Installed 22,899 free smoke alarms for the Home Fire Campaign.

Responded to more than 2,400 emergencies and disasters: home fires, building evacuations, floods and more.

Provided 5,335 services to military members, veterans, and their families.

Educated 16,893 adults and children in emergency preparedness.

Trained 56,263 people in First Aid/ CPR/AED.

Collected 9,045 units of lifesaving blood and platelets.

A Look Back in Greater New York

Fiscal Year 2022 Statistics | July 2021 to June 2022

February 14, 2022 | New Rochelle, N.Y.

Help After Valentine’s Day Fire

After a massive fire in New Rochelle, dozens of residents turned to the Red Cross for assistance. Photo Credit: Maria Anguiano, American Red Cross in Greater NY

March 23, 2022 | New York, N.Y. Red Cross Month

New York landmarks across the state lit up bright red in support of Red Cross Month and Red Cross Giving Day. Photo Credit: Kevin Suttlehan, American Red Cross in Greater NY

March 24, 2022 | West Point, N.Y.

Collecting Lifesaving Blood

The American Red Cross partnered with the U.S. West Point Military Academy to host a series of blood drives where more than 600 units were donated by hundreds of individuals, over three days. Photo Credit: Daniel Neiman, American Red Cross in Greater NY

April 16, 2022 | New York, N.Y. New York International Auto Show

The Red Cross was on hand at the New York International Auto Show where former board chair John B. Osborn accepted a generous donation on behalf of the Red Cross from the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. Red Crossers also ran into some special guests at the auto show, including Tracy Morgan. Photo Credit: Daniel Neiman, American Red Cross

April 23, 2022 | Greenwich, Conn.

A Salute to Service and Valor

At the 2022 Red & White Ball: A Salute to Service and Valor, the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter honored civic and community leaders, and raised critical funds to support our mission. Photo Credit: Kyle Norton

May 7, 2022 | Spring Valley, N.Y.

Sound the Alarm

Hundreds of free smoke alarms were installed by Red Cross volunteers and partners in Spring Valley as part of the annual Sound the Alarm campaign. Photo Credit: Kevin Suttlehan, American Red Cross in Greater NY

May 13, 2022 | Riverhead, N.Y.

Sound the Alarm

As part of the annual Sound the Alarm campaign, Red Cross volunteers and partners gathered at the Riverhead Fire Department before fanning out into the community to install free smoke alarms and educating residents about fire safety. Photo Credit: Michael de Vulpillieres, American Red Cross in Greater NY

May 2022 | Eastern Europe

First Lady Visits Red Crossers

Lallita Maharaj, a member of the Greater NY Service to the Armed Forces team, met First Lady Jill Biden while deployed to Eastern Europe. Lallita helps facilitate emergency communication messages between service members and their families. Photo Credit: American Red Cross

May 31, 2022 | Long Beach, N.Y.

Hurricane Preparedness on Long Island

The American Red Cross on Long Island organized a hurricane preparedness press conference alongside local partners where they encouraged families to update their evacuation plans, organize supplies, and stay informed throughout hurricane season. Photo Credit: Craig Cooper, American Red Cross in Greater NY

June 27, 2022 | New York, N.Y.

Celebrating Pride Month

Red Crossers marched in the annual NYC Pride Parade. Photo Credit: Frank Farance, American Red Cross in Greater NY

July 15, 2022 | Long Island, N.Y.

Red Cross Youth Supporting our Veterans

The Bethpage High School Red Cross Club supported veterans and community members participating in the 2022 Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride. Photo Credit: Vito L. Reciniello, American Red Cross in Greater NY

July 2022 | New York, N.Y.

Providing Hands-Only CPR Training

The Red Cross community preparedness team provided free Hands-Only CPR training to more than 100 residents at NYPD’s Manhattan South Unity Day. Photo Credit: Bridgette Espinoza, American Red Cross in Greater NY

September 10, 2022 | New York, N.Y.

Preparedness in the Park

Greater NY’s inaugural Preparedness in the Park event at J. Hood Wright Park was organized by the Greater NY Red Cross community preparedness team. More than 50 volunteers, including youth club members took part. Photo Credit: Michael Koster, American Red Cross in Greater NY

September to November 2022 | Florida

Responding to Hurricane Ian

Dozens of Red Cross team members from across the Greater NY Region traveled to Florida to support the massive response to Hurricane Ian. Photo Credit: Scott Dalton, American Red Cross

September 22, 2022 | Huntington, N.Y.

Celebrating the Red Cross on Long Island

At the annual Heroes Among Us Gala, hundreds gathered at Oheka Castle to celebrate the Red Cross mission and to honor civic leaders and local heroes. Photo Credit: Kevin Suttlehan, American Red Cross in Greater NY

November 09, 2022 | New York (Central Park), N.Y.

Women of Service for America

Red Cross and their community partners organized the annual Women of Service for America event to honor and recognize women who serve this country and their local communities. Photo Credit: Nathalie Sayago, American Red Cross in Greater NY

November 11, 2022 | Greenwich, Conn. Honoring

Our Veterans

Red Crossers honored those who served our country at the annual Greenwich Veterans Day parade. Photo Credit: Kevin Suttlehan, American Red Cross in Greater NY

January 11, 2023 | New York, N.Y

Nasdaq Closing Bell

Red Cross team members from across the region gathered to ring the Closing Bell at NASDAQ highlighting the importance of blood donations. Photo Credit: Nasdaq

United States Disaster Response

In Fiscal Year 2022, generous donors and dedicated volunteers helped the Red Cross bring relief to individuals and families in need across the country.

Disaster Services Highlights

July 2021–June 2022

Over 2 million meals and snacks served with partners.

More than 220,000 households received 3.1 million relief items.

Some 132,000 households were supported with financial assistance and recovery aid. Over 161,000 overnight shelter and hotel stays were provided.

Wendy Halsey of the Red Cross visits LaPlace, Louisiana, one of the areas that suffered a massive impact from Hurricane Ida.

Service to the Armed Forces

In Fiscal Year 2022, the Red Cross stood with our military community in the face of new and unique challenges while continuing to provide daily comfort and care.

Service to the Armed Forces Highlights

July 2021–June 2022

Emergency communication services were provided to nearly 87,000 service members and their families.

Critical community services were delivered to nearly 136,000 service members, veterans, their families and caregivers.

Over 292,000 military family members were educated on what to do when faced with a family crisis while on active duty.

More than 19,000 service members, veterans, their families and caregivers helped through resiliency workshops.

Red Cross worker Lallita Maharaj supports US service members deployed to Eastern Europe.

Home Fire Campaign

Every day, seven people die in home fires, most often in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the American Red Cross launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014 to save lives.

Home Fire Campaign Highlights

October 2014–July 2022

At least 1,356 lives were saved.

More than 1 million households were made safer.

Over 1.8 million children reached through home fire preparedness programs.

Over 2.4 million free smoke alarms were installed.

Red Cross volunteer Channell Hogan reviews home fire safety information with Maryland resident Papa Mboup during a Sound the Alarm event in May 2022.

International Services

In Fiscal Year 2022, the American Red Cross contributed millions to the global Red Cross network to help alleviate the suffering of those impacted by the Ukraine crisis like Maksim and Artem. This support allows teams on the ground to provide lifesaving aid, such as food, shelter, water, medical care and mental health support.

International Services Highlights

July 2021–June 2022

More than 1.6 million households were visited to encourage measles and rubella vaccination.

More than 4,600 families separated by international crises were reconnected.

36 countries were supported by disaster response.

More than 113,000 individuals were reached through disaster preparedness activities.

Brothers Artem and Maksim stay at a Red Cross shelter, where they can just be kids after fleeing their home in Ukraine.

Bill Ritter Master of Ceremonies

Bill Ritter started at Eyewitness News in June 1998 anchoring weekends while working full time Monday through Friday for ABC News and 20/20 as a correspondent.

He started anchoring the 11:00 p.m. newscast on Eyewitness News in October 1999 succeeding the great Bill Beutel, and then added the 6:00 p.m. newscast in February 2001. He has covered, for Eyewitness News and ABC News, the big and important events since 1992 when he joined ABC as founding co-host of “Good Morning America/Sunday.”

Earlier in his career, Bill, a native of Los Angeles, reported on the Rodney King trial and the subsequent Los Angeles riots for the Fox Television Network. From August 1991 through February 1992 Ritter also served as a reporter for the Fox Network’s nationally syndicated show Entertainment Daily Journal (E.D.J.); and from February 1990 to August 1991 was an investigative reporter for KTTV-TV (Fox Television) in Los Angeles. He also was an anchor for the station’s Gulf War coverage.

He began his television career as a business and then investigative reporter for KNSDTV (NBC affiliate) in San Diego from February 1987 to January 1990.

Bill began his career in print journalism in 1972. He served as a reporter and then business editor of the San Diego County edition of The Los Angeles Times from February 1984 to January 1987. He also worked as a reporter and editor for the San Diego Business Journal from June 1980 to January 1984.

Additionally, Ritter served as a board member and then chairman of Crash, Inc., a nonprofit drug education and prevention organization in San Diego, from 1980 to 1990. He also was on the San Diego State University Business School advisory board in 1984 and 1985.

Ritter attended San Diego State University from 1968–1972. He was kicked out of school for demonstrating against the Vietnam War. Forty years later he went back to college, graduating from The New School in May 2016.

Betsy Alexandre is a charity auctioneer at Christie’s Auction House. She earned her B.A. in art history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and has worked for Christie’s ever since. She currently works as a project manager on the Christie’s client experience team, where she spearheads a variety of global digital initiatives.

Betsy Alexandre Auctioneer

We congratulate the people who dedicate their lives to making a difference. As a company committed to unlocking potential for all, we are honored to be recoginized alongside John B. Osborn, Humanitarian Award recipient; Fritz Sam, Good Samaritan Hero; Corian Evans, National Hero and Davyon L. Johnson, Youth Humanitarian Hero.

BNY Mellon is proud to support the Heroes Among Us Gala and the mission of the American Red Cross. bnymellon.com

At BNY Mellon, we celebrate those who create a better life for others.

Addressing

pressing global issues in rapidly changing times.

BNY Mellon is honored to accept the Corporate Leadership Award for our dedication to giving back and making an impact in the community. We are proud to support the American Red Cross as of part of our commitment to humanitarian causes.

WEIL IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE 2023 American Red Cross Greater New York Heroes Among Us Gala

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has been a partner of the American Red Cross since the mid-1900s, spearheaded by our co-founder Sylvan Gotshal. We are proud of our longstanding partnership and look forward to continuing to support the Red Cross’ critical and life-saving work.

THE HEROES AMONG US GALA

is proud to support the American Red Cross.

Marsh GuyCarpenter

Mercer OliverWyman marshmclennan.com

VORNADO REALTY TRUST

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE

ON THEIR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE WORK AND LIVE

WE CONGRATULATE THE HONOREES

BNY MELLON

JOHN B. OSBORN FRITZ SAM CORION EVANS DAVYON L. JOHNSON

Fostering more resilient communities

Barclays proudly supports the American Red Cross and its mission to provide compassionate care in our communities in times of need.