Red Cross honors women's efforts
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers HOPE FOR HOMELESS- Claire Hope, recipient of the Clara's Angel Award at the 4th Annual American Red Cross' Clara Barton Awards Dinner, speaks to a crowd of dignitaries and community members at the World War II Aviation Museum in Camarillo on Saturday evening about her work with the Ventura County Veterans Stand Down group to provide services to homeless veterans.

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 Sat., March 24 at Camarillo's World War II Aviation Museum.

Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten co-chaired the event along with 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 spokeswoman, 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 events as fires and floods. Every year, about 70 house fires occur in Ventura County, she said.

Creadick called the seven 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 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 co-founder of FOOD Share, a nonprofit which feeds nearly 100,000 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 presented 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.

The Stand Down brings together under one roof a variety of essential services for veterans, including hot meals, counseling, housing and clothing assistance, medical care and access to legal aid.

Hope first attended a Stand Down in Long Beach in 1991 and was determined to bring such an event to Ventura County. She said that gratitude moved her to initiate and continue each year spearheading such a huge undertaking.

"This is a little way of thanking them for our country," Hope said. "Without veterans we wouldn't have the freedoms we have." This year's Ventura CountStand Down is scheduled foJuly 27-29 at the National GuarArmory in Ventura. The American Red Crosalso honored Gloria FriedricReed of Camarillo as the Philanhropist of the Year. Reed hadonated countless volunteehours in service to the community but also contributed financially through her foundation tarea charities and nonprofitsThe list of organizations she's donated to include OASIS, Casa Pacifica and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital.

Reed said the goal of the Joseph I. Friedrich Foundation is to help Ventura County's children, poor and elderly. The foundation carries on the work of her late husband, who wanted to improve the lives of these particular groups, she said.

"I'm very humbled, actually," Reed said of receiving the award. "I never expected to get one."