November 20, 2007 - (Bremerton, WA)  The Red Cross saves lives. When disaster strikes, we respond with food shelter and hope. When barriers of distance, language or wars separate loved ones, we open lines of communication. When families, co-workers and communities prepare for emergencies, we help them take action.

Each year, the American Red Cross Serving King and Kitsap Counties host a Real Heroes Breakfast in the Kitsap and North Mason Counties area to bring attention to heroes in our community who have saved lives, committed selfless acts of courage and compassion and exemplify the mission and qualities of the Red Cross movement.  We need your help to acknowledge these individuals and to support American Red Cross service delivery.

The American Red Cross is looking for “real heroes” from our community.  Do you know someone who performed life-saving CPR, pulled a person from a burning building or raised money to help someone in need?  We need your help to identify local heroes for recognition at our annual Real Heroes Breakfast. 

You can help the Red Cross recognize these extraordinary people by nominating your hero. You may complete a nomination form on-line or by calling 360-377-3761 ext 10201 or emailing janet.heath@seattleredcross.org. 

The Red Cross will honor its heroes on March 6, 2008, at the Ninth Annual Real Heroes Breakfast.  Each year the Red Cross presents its Real Heroes awards in categories such as Fire, Police, Military, Workplace Safety, Adult and Youth Good Samaritans, Compassion in Action and Medical Rescue. 

The candidates must live or work in Kitsap or North Mason County and/or the event could have occurred in the West Sound area. The heroic act must be ongoing or have occurred between January 1, 2007 and December 15, 2007.   Nominations will be accepted until December 15, 2007.  Each person nominated will receive a certificate of recognition from the American Red Cross and winners will be notified in advance of the breakfast.

For more information about the Red Cross Real Heroes nomination process, please call 360-478-7681 or visit www.westsoundredcross.org.

Proceeds from the Real Heroes Breakfast support American Red Cross programs and services in Kitsap County and North Mason Counties. With the generous support of the community, Red Cross volunteers and staff are ready to respond throughout the county to assist families devastated by fires and other local disasters and to help our communities prepare for emergencies.

Media Contact: Janet Heath (360) 478-7681 or janet.heath@seattleredcross.org