Red Cross Central California Blog
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
By Dan Santos, American Red Cross Volunteer Bill Dutton started his career with the American Red Cross in 1970. In his 52 years with the Red Cross, Bill Dutton has seen many changes, except for one thing: “The mission to help others in need is still there. That’s what has kept me inspired.” During his … Continue reading Bill Dutton: 52 years and counting, still inspired by the Red Cross mission
Stories collected by Abby Oldemeyer and Jazmyn Vega, Red Cross Communications Volunteers As we round out the last day of Red Cross Month and Women's History Month, we reflect on the selfless drive of our founder, Clara Barton. Clara is one of the most honored women in American history – Guided by an intense devotion to … Continue reading Celebrating Women’s History Month in Central California
By Dan Santos, American Red Cross Volunteer Now and then, Red Cross volunteers take an indirect path to helping others in need. Bill Beebe was thirsty. He was in Florida in 2020 for his grandmother's funeral. "I went to the store and there was a display next to the 12-packs of Mountain Dew for Team … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: ‘It woke something up in me’
By Dan Santos, Red Cross Volunteer Garrett Mizuo has been to many disaster scenes in the past as a volunteer with the American Red Cross. He's helped victims of hurricanes, wildfires and mass shootings, but he wasn't quite ready for what he saw after a monstrous tornado tore through western Kentucky last December. A tornado … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Unforgettable Experiences
By Lucca Lorenzi Following her retirement from accounting, Mary Frazier was looking for a way to help others in her community. In 2015, she joined the Red Cross and has been serving the Central California Region ever since. “I’m a people’s person. I like meeting new people and helping wherever I’m needed,” she stated. “That’s … Continue reading Women’s History Month: Meet Mary Frazier
Dom Dopico transitions from hi-risk to hi-tech to hi-touch helping lead Red Cross Board by Tom Horan, Red Cross Volunteer Few people have experienced the diversity of careers as Serafin “Dom” Dopico, Board Member of the Central California Region. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Dom enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to … Continue reading Board Member, Dom Dopico, Wears Multiple Hats… and Helmets
Happy Valentine’s Day! We're celebrating love at the American Red Cross by sharing stories of amazing couples throughout our region who spend some of their quality time together volunteering for Red Cross. Meet some of our volunteer couples and learn about their love for the Red Cross! Meet Isabel Bravo and Jose Perez! For one … Continue reading Sharing the love this Valentine’s Day
Lori Wilson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter, recently returned from Bowling Green, Kentucky where she spent more than two weeks serving the communities devastated by the December Tornadoes. At the Red Cross, we keep stories that impact us close to our Red Cross vests. We like to call them our … Continue reading Hope Can Make All the Difference; Executive Director Reflects on Her Kentucky Tornado Deployment
Cynthia Fisher, middle, with Ashley Bonnoit, left, and Jennifer Samaritan at the French fire in August 2021. By Dan Santos Most people try to avoid the scene of a disaster. Cynthia Fisher — like many American Red Cross volunteers — sees an opportunity to provide safe shelter, food, and comfort to the victims. “I’m living my best life when I can help somebody get their life … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Helping Others, ‘It’s a Beautiful Thing’
The Central California Region recently welcomed Jose Molina to our team as our new Service to the Armed Forces Program Manager. Molina retired from the Navy after 21 years as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He earned his AA in Business Administration through Coastline Community College and is currently attending the University of Phoenix pursuing … Continue reading Salute to Service: Meet Jose Molina
Red Cross Central California Blog 