Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Recognizing that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, genders and ages, the Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter, Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) and WAGM-TV are planning the 11th annual Real Heroes Breakfast to be held Thursday, April 2 at NMCC. Community members are asked to consider nominating an individual or group who has shown courage, kindness, and unselfish character by his or her act of heroism.
“The concept of the Real Heroes Breakfast has grown from a desire to develop an event that is closely related to the mission of the American Red Cross, which is teaching people to save lives,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County Branch manager of the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
“Over 1 million Red Cross volunteers accomplish this each day through the simple, yet powerful process of someone putting his or her own needs aside to help others,” she said. “I can think of no better way to celebrate this spirit of humanitarianism than by nominating and recognizing heroes who are in our own community!”
Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 14. Nominees must meet the following criteria for consideration of a Heroes Award:
• Individual or group must be residents of or employed in Aroostook County, or have performed the act in Aroostook County.
• The heroic act must have taken place from Aug. 1, 2007 to Feb. 14, 2009.
• The nomination form should also include a statement that clearly explains – in detail – the incident or act that occurred, and be accompanied with supporting documentation such as news articles, reports, photos and names/telephone numbers of witnesses.
“A Heroes Advisory Committee of community leaders will select this year’s Real Hero Award winners from nominations submitted by community members in early March,” said Jason Parent of NMCC. “All nominees will be invited to the breakfast and recognized at the award program.”
Businesses and organizations can also play an active role in the breakfast by sponsoring a table. Proceeds are used locally to assist victims of disaster in Aroostook County.
If you would like to nominate a local hero or for more information, please call the Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter at 493-4620 or e-mail knorrj@pinetree.redcross.org.
