Reflecting & Rejoicing Celebrating 60 Years of Impact »

The American Red Cross of the Bay Area announced its 2018 Red Cross Gala Honorees: The Unity Council, Tyler Florence, Jackson Phillips and Patrick Foley, and Wells Fargo. We are honored to be recognized alongside these local heroes during the Red Cross Gala, being held March 17 at San Francisco City Hall.

The Unity Council believes that community development organizations are best suited to develop creative spaces that are accessible, safe, and dedicated to the most vulnerable members of our society. After the fire in December 2016 that took the lives of 36 artists, makers, and musicians at the Ghostship Warehouse, in the heart of Fruitvale, The Unity Council and the Red Cross joined forces to advance safety and resiliency in the neighborhood for all residents.

The result of this partnership is Resilient Fruitvale, a cross-sector initiative that advances the resilience of the Fruitvale at the individual, organizational, and community levels. The goal is to streamline and strengthen access to resources and expertise for local leaders, so we can all do our part to protect our community, and its vulnerable residents, for years to come.

 “The Red Cross has always relied on the support of volunteers to carry through our mission and last year was no exception. In the face of the deadliest wildfire disaster in California history and the tragic GhostShip fire, Tyler, Jackson, Patrick, The Unity Council, and Wells Fargo made exceptional and selfless strides to deliver help and hope,” remarked Gala Co-Chair Lillian Phan.  “All of them are outstanding volunteers who have dedicated so much of their hearts and time to lifting up their communities. We ask you to join us in honoring them at this year’s Gala.”

About the American Red Cross of the Bay Area

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/bayarea or find us on Facebook and Twitter.