Courtney LaHatte

The Smiley Kids Club, led by Courtney, addresses the dental health and nutritional needs of Baldwin County, Georgia. Through the Club, Courtney uses visual demonstration, child-centered activities, songs, and literacy and discussion to engage and educate children on health and dental hygiene. By putting its focus on children at a young age, the Club makes an impact on children’s lives that can instill lifelong healthy habits. The hope is that if children develop positive dental hygiene practices at a young age, they will retain them throughout adulthood.

Brian Boyle

In 2004, a horrific car crash almost claimed Brian Boyle’s life on his way home from swim practice. His heart moved across his chest and all major organs were damaged. When he emerged from a medically induced coma, doctors predicted he might never walk again, but after multiple surgeries, 36 blood transfusions, 13 plasma treatments and physical therapy, Brian walked. Just three years after leaving ICU, he crossed the finish line at the Hawaii Ironman Triathalon. He wears the American Red Cross logo when he competes to thank those who donated blood for him, and to show his sincerest appreciation to the blood donors that saved his life. Only a small percentage of people donate blood and Brian wants to change that.

For the past five years, Brian has travelled across the nation speaking at Red Cross events, hosting blood drives and acting as a national spokesperson to illustrate the crucial need for blood. He also participates in marathons and triathlons on behalf of the Red Cross, each time wearing the Red Cross emblem on the front and back of his suit. By sharing his personal story, Brian encourages others to support the Red Cross by donating blood, volunteering their time or making a financial contribution.

Kayla Tinucci

Kayla Tinucci created The Shoe Crew to help kids in need. This summer, she spent more than 400 hours collecting shoes for kids across southern California. In five months, she led a group of 20 kids and teens to collect more than 3,000 pairs of shoes and $17,000. Kayla’s Shoe Crew keeps a stock of shoes for emergency and disaster relief and sent more than 200 pairs to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Stephen Elgin

Steve Elgin strongly believes in keeping his neighborhood safe and clean. He has spearheaded clean-up and recycling programs in Highland Park that have created a more beautiful community.

Kyle Pease

Kyle Pease’s mission is to help improve the lives of disabled youth through sport. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age, he never let illness slow him down. Now a motivational speaker, employee of Piedmont Hospital and an endurance athlete, Kyle shares his love of sports and its benefits through is foundation. He believes endurance sports are inclusive – everyone must work to cross the finish line – and encourages disabled youth in his community to take on the challenge and see what they are capable of.

Shabar Mohajer- Irvani

Shabar Mohajer-Irvani, chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, believes in leading by example and giving back to his community. He volunteers as a judge for Junior ROTC drill team competitions and serves as a mentor to the young participants. He heads the Navy Ball Committee, which hosted more than 2,000 people and boosted morale, and spends time at the U.S., participating in several Honor Flights.

Rudoff Liverpool

First Class Petty Officer Rudy Liverpool not only serves his country in the U.S. Navy, he always has an eye on volunteer service. While at sea, he volunteers in almost every port he visits. He has painted schools in the Middle East, restored pet shelters in Hong Kong and cleaned up beaches in Guam. At home, he joins with groups like the Petty Officers Association to give back to his Illinois community.

Bill Bryant

Bill Bryant, a member of the Milburn Masonic Lodge, leads the organization’s efforts to raise funds to support various social service agencies inside and outside the United States. He organized a shoe and book drive to help disadvantaged children in the Philippines, and a scrap metal drive that raised more than $6,000 to support local college scholarship programs.

Nancy Ballard

Nancy Ballard founded RTR4C because she saw a real need to reach out to those who are often marginalized because of cancer and who, because of their urgent health needs, must accept without complaint what is given to them. She saw those receiving chemotherapy subject to dismal, dark rooms rather than restful, tranquil spaces designed to help the healing process.

Working with local interior designers, Nancy has “rocked” 65 chemotherapy treatment rooms, making them warm, comforting and dignified. Through these rooms, RTR4C has impacted more than 50,000 patient visits per year and engaged more than 200 volunteers. Nancy’s work has also increased awareness of cancer patients’ personal needs among health care professionals, creating a better, more supportive care environment.

Stella Bressler

Stella Bressler, 90, has volunteered at the University of Texas Southwestern Hospital for 43 years and has contributed 125,000 hours as a volunteer in the gift shop. Beyond that, she sees that any small requests or needs of patients or their families are met – whether its providing a meal or a book or a warm jacket. Her colleagues in the hospital call her a “silent saint,” always willing to lend a helping hand.