American Red Cross Celebrates 2025 Local Heroes
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (April 14, 2025) – The American Red Cross of Southeast Wisconsin is pleased to announce the local heroes that will be honored at its 2025 Brave Hearts event on Thursday, May 8, at 5 p.m. at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.
The 20th annual Brave Hearts event celebrates the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross and the local heroes who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to build better communities and make a positive impact on the lives of others. This year’s event will include dinner, a live and silent auction, and the inspiring stories of our 2025 Heroes.
“Brave Hearts celebrates local individuals and groups who have exhibited acts of courage, kindness, and service,” said Mark Thomas, CEO and Regional Executive for the Red Cross of Wisconsin. “I’m honored to introduce this year’s class of heroes and share their stories of courage, compassion, and community impact that truly embody the humanitarian spirit of the American Red Cross.”
Heroes in eight categories will be honored: Blood Services Hero, Community Impact Hero, Disaster Relief Hero, Emergency Response Hero, Hero of the Year, Military Hero, Red Cross Hero, and Youth & Young Adult Hero. These categories reflect various aspects of the Red Cross mission.
The 2025 Heroes are:
- Blood Services Hero – Debbie Bintzler
- Community Impact Hero – Pastor Lisa Bates-Froiland
- Disaster Relief Hero – Trinity Kornas
- Emergency Response Hero – Lt. Ben Baus and Captain Tim Leszczynski / Milwaukee Fire Department
- Hero of the Year – Naomi Berkowitz
- Military Hero – Tyler Cochran
- Red Cross Hero – Bill Satterlee
- Youth & Young Adult Hero – Hailey Beaty
The 2025 Brave Hearts Gala is made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors:
A. O. Smith Foundation, Brewers Community Foundation, Clarios, Gail and Jeff Yabuki, Generac Power Systems, Halo Branded Solutions, Johnson Controls, Milwaukee Business Journal, Molson Coors, Northwestern Mutual, Old National Bank, Rockwell Automation, Snap-on, TDS Telecom, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Uline, US Bank, We Energies Foundation, and West Bend Insurance Company.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, 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 deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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