Red Cross honors Southern Nevada volunteers at annual event
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada celebrated the contributions of 15 local volunteers at its annual Volunteer Recognition Event held on Saturday at the Cannery Casino & Hotel in North Las Vegas.
These volunteers, along with over 1,100 others from the region, were recognized for their dedication to community service.
The event highlighted the volunteers' involvement in key Red Cross initiatives, including disaster relief efforts, emergency preparedness, and assistance to military families.
Over the past year, Southern Nevada volunteers have contributed more than 41,000 hours of service.
Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, emphasized the importance of volunteers, saying, "Volunteers are the lifeblood of the American Red Cross, driving our mission forward through their service and commitment. Whether they’re supporting the military community, installing smoke alarms to protect families, providing preparedness information, or responding to local or nationwide disasters, their efforts create a lasting impact. With more than 90% of our workforce comprised of volunteers, we simply could not achieve our vital work without their dedication."
The event also featured the presentation of the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership to Rockee Nelson of Las Vegas. Flanigan praised Nelson's dedication, stating, "Rockee has been a dedicated representative of the Red Cross throughout Southern Nevada for many years. Her commitment extends far beyond our state and region, as she has supported communities across the country impacted by disasters."
Nelson's contributions include mentoring new volunteers, leading Emergency Response Vehicle training, supporting blood drives and disaster deployments, and championing preparedness initiatives like Sound the Alarm.
Her leadership is described as quiet yet impactful, inspiring others through thoughtful solutions and a heartfelt commitment to serving the community.
