The Coastal Plains Chapter of the American Red Cross recently gathered to honor the contributions made by its volunteers. The Red Cross would be nothing without its volunteers as they make up 90% of the organization. Their hard work is what allows us to carry out our mission of alleviating human suffering and serving our communities. 

“We are so proud of the work of our Coastal Plains volunteers,” said Mia Bendixsen, Executive Director for the Coastal Plains chapter. “ They give so much to the chapter and to the Red Cross, as well as to the communities we serve. I want to thank ALL our volunteers for their hard work and selfless dedication to the work we do.”

 The awards designated by the Coastal Plains Chapter are as follows: 
Youth Award- The Youth Award is given to a Red Cross Club Volunteer who shows outstanding leadership and dedication. They also show inspirational enthusiasm in performing the Red Cross mission and engaging their peers in the mission.
Hannah-Aminah Phillips-Omoyinbo

Youth Award- The Youth Award is given to a Red Cross Club Volunteer who shows outstanding leadership and dedication. They also show inspirational enthusiasm in performing the Red Cross mission and engaging their peers in the mission.
Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award- The Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer Award recognizes an American Red Cross volunteer in a direct service, management, or leadership position who has made a measurable impact on the American Red Cross and the military customers and community we serve by strengthening or improving services to the military and their family members.
International Services Award The International Services Award recognizes an individual, group or organization whose work exemplifies or inspires the humanitarian values of human dignity, respect, compassion and the protection and assistance implied in the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Volunteer Leadership Award –This award recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated superior and outstanding leadership in service to the American Red Cross-at the local level and beyond.
Misha Tumma (Won all three)

Youth Sponsor Award- The Youth Sponsor Award is given to a Red Cross Club Sponsor who shows outstanding leadership and dedication and inspirational enthusiasm in engaging youth in Red Cross Club activities.
Emilee Cavazos

Operational Support Volunteer Award- The Operational Support Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding operational support to their local chapter whether through maintenance, fleet or administrative support.
Ed Fleischman

Nursing Award- Presented to a Registered Nurse, this award honors a volunteer whose contributions have enhanced the quality and delivery of health and safety programs. Through their clinical knowledge and compassionate care, they have strengthened the Red Cross’s capacity to serve communities in times of need.
Margarita Elestwani

Disaster Response Award- The Disaster Response Award is given to a volunteer who exemplifies courage, readiness, and initiative in disaster situations. Their actions have had a measurable impact in communities affected by emergencies, and their ability to bring calm to chaos representsthe very best of Disaster Cycle Services.
Marisa Harris

Operational Support Volunteer Award- The Operational Support Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding operational support to their local chapter whether through maintenance, fleet or administrative support.
Robert Young

Rising Star Award Each chapter can have up to three recipients of the Rising Star awards. Although relatively new to the chapter, they stand out from the crowd. Leadership, Dedication, Passion for the mission is evident from the beginning of their service. Any line of service position qualifies as long as they go above and beyond in what they do.
Rick Fell
Roy Haley

Nuts & Bolts Awards Each Chapter can have up to three recipients for the Nuts-and-Bolts award. This goes to any volunteer who responds enthusiastically when needed and is consistent with their dedication and service. Any line of service position qualifies if they go above and beyond in what they do.
Marisa Harris
Abdul Pajwani
Jeeline Cabaluna

Guardian Partnership Award- The Guardian Partnership Award is awarded to companies who prevent or prepare for emergencies in an exemplary manner. These are companies that sponsor the Red Cross training for their employees.Saint Simon and Saint Jude Catholic Parish

Clara Barton Honor Award – The Clara Barton Award is a meritorious service in Volunteer Leadership over a period of years. Given to a volunteer for a service in a number of Leadership positions held over a period of years. Epitomizes the 7 Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross (Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality) and 5 C’s (Compassion, Credible, Creative, Collaborative and Committed).
Debbie Frizzell

2024 Texas Gulf Coast Regional Award- The Regional Volunteer of the Year award is for meritorious service in Volunteer Leadership over a period of years supporting the efforts of the entire Texas Gulf Coast Region. The Volunteer epitomizes the 7 Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross (Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality) and 5 C’s (Compassion, Credible, Creative, Collaborative and Committed) and must have served in more than one role and previously received the Clara Barton award.
Debbie Frizzell

Photos from the event: Coastal Plains Awards 2025

To learn more about the work of the Coastal Bend chapter and how you can get involved, please visit: Texas Coastal Plains Chapter | Texas Gulf Coast Region | American Red Cross