THE American Red Cross-NMI chapter honored the islands’ humanitarian leaders and “hometown heroes” in a Hollywood-themed Red Gala on Saturday night in the Kensington Hotel ballroom.
From Washington D.C., President Joe Biden sent his warmest greetings saying: “The tireless work of civil society and organizations like yours is a daily reminder of how Americans see one another, hear one another and strive to take care of one another.”
He added, “Our country faces many challenges but with your work, and restless, bold and optimistic outlook that defines our country, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.”
“As you celebrate this evening,” the president said, “may you be filled with pride in all the progress you have achieved, and may you continue to embody our nation’s spirit of service.”
The Red Gala night was also a celebration of the Red Cross, its mission and its corporate sponsors, NMI Chapter Executive Director John Hirsh said.
“Tonight we shine a special spotlight on our hometown heroes — those who have gone above and beyond to support our community over the past two years during the pandemic,” he added.
“We are so grateful to you all,” Hirsh said.
In an interview, Hirsh said the NMI chapter board members and staff were inspired by the “amazing turnout” for the gala which raised funds that support the Red Cross mission and humanitarian work in the Northern Marianas.
“We just can’t thank enough the corporations and the individuals who are here to help us fulfill that mission,” Hirsh said.
Awardees
Tan Holdings Corp. President and CEO Jerry Tan, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter board member Tayna Belyeu-Camacho and Hirsh received the Humanitarian Leadership Award.
The NMI chapter likewise honored “the heroes among us that make a difference each and every day.”
Receiving the Frontline Superstar Hometown Heroes Award were Triple J’s Caroline Lucenara, McDonald’s Lloyd Vincent A. Javier, Joeten’s Darlene P. Macaranas, Chong’s Corp.’s Honesto Servida, GHD’s Crispy Bahillo, Atkins Kroll’s Dexter Brennan, Bank of Guam’s Raena Camacho and Constance Mizutani, Hawaiian Rock’s Chuck Cabrera and Leo Canedo, Tan Holdings Ivan Quichocho, Martin Jambor and Alex Sablan, Marianas Variety’s Emmanuel T. Erediano, Marpac’s Thomas Basa, Jr. and Docomo’s Shane Deleon Guerrero.
Also recognized were the corporate sponsors: McDonald’s, Atkins Kroll, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Joeten Daidai Foundation, Bank of Guam, Docomo Pacific, Triple J, Bridge Capital, IT&E, Budweiser, Bank of Saipan, Raymond James, the E-Land Group, Marianas Variety, GHD, Brabu, Hawaiian Rock Products, Chong’s Corp., Turnkey Solutions, Island Image and Motion, Coca-Cola, Hyacinth Creation, Foremost, Exotic Mini’s Marianas Chapter, Soundhire and AP Group.
The silent auction donors were Ace Hardware, Aqua Resort Club, Crowne Plaza, Fu’una Jewelry, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Marpac Inc., Rapture Tarlit, T-Galleria, World Resort and Yolani Camacho.
In addition, the NMI chapter extended its “special thanks” to Jojo Alepuyo, Kensington Hotel, Cristina Lustre, Rio Pabalan, Monique B. Sablan, Jeanette Sarabia, Margarita Sugaste, Rob Travilla, Red Cross staff and volunteers, the Baraha Band, the Saipan Pacific Winds Concert Band and the Sugar King Band.
The event’s mistress of ceremonies was Monique B. Sablan.
The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter’s 2022 Hometown Heroes pose for a photo during the Red Gala in the Kensington ballroom on Saturday.
Humanitarian Leadership awardees: American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Executive Director John Hirsh, left, and Tan Holdings CEO and President Jerry Tan.
The Saipan Pacific Winds Concert Band performs Hollywood movie theme songs during the Red Gala in the Kensington ballroom on Saturday.
