American Red Cross of RI

SE HABLA ESPANOL
Para mas informacion en espanol favor de llamar a Gisela al telefono
(401) 831-7700 x108

PRESS CONTACT INFO

ROBIN ERICKSON
Director of Communications

PHONE
(401) 831-7700 x101
E-MAIL
[email protected]

Wednesday, May 5, 2004
BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD OF RHODE ISLAND AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF RHODE ISLAND ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY HEROES FOR MAY

Howard Brown and Robin Croft of East Greenwich Are Recognized

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and the American Red Cross of Rhode Island are proud to honor Howard Brown and Robin Croft of East Greenwich as the May recipients of the Community Heroes Award.

Nominated by the public, the award recognizes the good works of everyday people who have made a significant, positive impact on individuals, families, organizations or entire communities in Rhode Island.

As a retired Army colonel and veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Howard Brown is an advocate for military causes of all kinds.

The 86-year-old volunteers as secretary-treasurer for the 43^rd Infantry Division Veterans Association and edits their newsletter. Brown serves as secretary of Westerly Armory Restoration, a non-profit dedicated to restoring the historic building for use as a museum and community gathering place. Brown previously served on the executive board of the Rhode Island Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an advocacy group that promotes understanding of the rights and responsibilities of reservists and their employers.

Robin Croft is an entrepreneur with a passion: Helping people down on their luck.

Her giving spirit comes from her dad, John Croft, a recovered alcoholic who spent 33 years in Alcoholics Anonymous before he died. John Croft dedicated his life to helping those in need, whether it was driving an alcoholic to a detox center or making a sandwich for a homeless man. In memory of her dad, Robin Croft founded the John T. Croft Recovery House, a West Warwick safe house for women struggling with alcoholism and drug abuse. After opening its doors in November 2002, the non-profit has helped more than 20 women beat addiction.

Both Howard and Robin will be acknowledged as May's Community Heroes in local newspapers and on WLNE-TV, Channel 6.

The Community Heroes program is a collaborative effort between the American Red Cross of Rhode Island and BCBSRI. It's designed to recognize Rhode Islanders who care enough to make a difference. Community Heroes can be everyday citizens, local firefighters, police or emergency responders. They can be nominated for spontaneous acts of heroism (such as saving someone from drowning) or for an effort over time (such as reading to an elderly neighbor on a regular basis). To nominate someone for a Community Hero Award, call 459-1304 or go to www.riredcross.org or www.bcbsri.org and click on "In the Community."

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has been Rhode Island's leading health insurer for 65 years and covers more than 660,000 residents. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

American Red Cross of Rhode Island volunteers provide emergency food, clothing and shelter each year to more than 1,000 Rhode Islanders who suffer from a house fire or other disaster. All Red Cross Assistance is provided free of charge. The American Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations to fund its work.

© Copyright 2002-2004 American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
American Red Cross of Rhode Island • 105 Gano Street :: PO Box 2496 • Providence, RI 02906
(401) 831-7700 • TOLL FREE 1-800-842-1122

This site is best viewed at 800x600 screen resolution.