Red Cross encourages people to nominate 'everyday heroes'

The Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross kicked off its inaugural event Friday, inviting people from Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois to nominate "everyday heroes" for 2013.

The Red Cross helps people in need daily and not only after natural disasters, said Sara Gerau, executive director of financial development for the Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross. The everyday hero nominations recognize those in the community who go above and beyond every day to make a difference and often go unnoticed.

"We have such a great, giving community," Gerau said, and there are stories of local heroes "that will be told and should be told." The nominations are a way to honor local heroes and show them gratitude, she said.

A committee of members of the Red Cross, Isle Casino Cape Girardeau and KFVS12 each month will select from publicly submitted nominations. The chosen everyday hero will be featured on a KFVS12 segment and honored at a Red Cross event.

The Southeast Missouri chapter of the Red Cross will hold its first event June 24 at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, and the first three local everyday heroes chosen will be recognized. A hero then will be chosen each month, and all 12 will be recognized at a later Red Cross event.

Lunch will be served at the June 26 event, and all proceeds will benefit the Red Cross. Individual tickets are $40 per person.

To nominate someone, visit redcross.org/mo/springfield/heroes or KFVS12.com/everydayheroes. Nominations will be accepted all year.

For more information about sponsoring the event or to reserve tickets, contact Sara Gerau at sara.gerau@redcross.org.

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