The 6th annual Clara Barton Awards & Dinner Gala will be held on Saturday evening, October 10, 2009 at Sherwood Country Club.

The evening will include passed Hors d’oevres, a silent auction, dinner, wine generously donated by Cantara Cellars of Camarillo, Clara Barton Awards, entertainment and dancing. Black tie preferred is the dress code for the evening and the woman who best utilizes red in her style will be given a special award as selected by those in attendance.

Singer, songwriter and philanthropist, Richard Carpenter will be presenting the Clara Barton awards at the Gala to remarkable women in our community who share a common thread: a sincere desire to utilize what they have for the betterment of others.  Those awards are:  Humanitarian of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year and Life Saver of the Year.  The nomination form is available at the top right of this page.

Please review and select a category that best describes your nominee. Please complete all the information requested so we may contact both parties if selected. The deadline to submit is September 18, 2009, 5pm. If you have questions, please contact Maria Sanchez, 805-987-1514 x311. Save your work and email the nomination form to sanchezmaria@usa.redcross.org.

In addition, the New West Symphony and the Harry Selvin Orchestra will provide musical entertainment that evening for your dancing pleasure as well as magician Andrew Goldenhersh.

No one better symbolizes the spirit of caring and active volunteerism than Clara Barton, one of the most honored women in American history. As a pioneer, Ms. Barton began teaching school at a time when most teachers were men. She was among the first women to gain employment in the federal government. As a pioneer and a humanitarian, she risked her life when she was nearly 40 years old to bring supplies and to support the soldiers in the field during the Civil War.

At age 60, Ms. Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and led it for the next 23 years! Her understanding of the needs of people in distress and the ways in which she could provide assistance to them, guided her throughout her life. By the force of her personal example, she opened paths to the new field of volunteer service. Her intense devotion to the aim of serving others resulted in enough achievements to fill several ordinary lifetimes.

Tickets are $195 per person and made payable to the American Red Cross, Ventura County. Please consult with your tax advisor as to the deductibility of your donation. Your generosity and support will continue to ensure our chapter’s commitment to serving our community in times of disaster.

For more information, please feel free to call Maria Sanchez, Director of Development & Communications at 805.987.1514 x 311 or email her at sanchezmaria@usa.redcross.org