Ventura Red Cross hands out 2007 Clara Barton Awards
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

The American Red Cross of Ventura County honored seven women for their contributions in bettering the lives of others at the fourth annual Clara Barton Awards Gala on Saturday, March 24 at Camarillo's World War II Aviation Museum.

Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten co-chaired the event along with Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long. Totten said the nonprofit agency is a valuable asset to county residents.

"The American Red Cross makes such a difference in our community; whether it's greeting returning servicemen from Iraq or helping Ventura County residents (who've) been affected by floods, wildfires or mudslides, they're always there," Totten said.

Debra Creadick, American Red Cross spokesperson, said they expect the event to bring in $100,000, which will be used to fund local disaster relief programs. Creadick said most people know that the Red Cross helps victims of large-scale disasters, but few are aware that the agency provides food, temporary housing and a clothing allowance for local families displaced by such things as fires and floods. Every year, about 70 house fires occur in Ventura County, she said.

Creadick called the honorees, selected by a committee of community leaders and event sponsors, "fabulous women" who never expected to be recognized for their efforts.

The American Red Cross honored Samantha Harris, a senior at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks, as the Young Woman of the Year for her volunteer work with the homeless. Oxnard resident Celina Zacarias was given the Diversity Ambassador of the Year award for years of service to people in need. Jewel Pedi of Ventura was recognized as Humanitarian of the Year as the co-founder of FOOD Share, a nonprofit that feeds nearly 100,000 people across the county every year. Camarillo bank manager Sue Chadwick was the Community Spirit Honoree for helping set up partnerships between businesses and charities. And 911 Dispatcher Deanna King of Simi Valley was named Life Saver of the Year for her role in helping to save three lives.

Camarillo resident Claire Hope was given the Clara's Angel award for taking on the daunting task of hosting a war veterans' Stand Down in Ventura County for the last 15 years.