Nominations Closing Soon for Red Cross 2027 Hero Awards
Less than one month remains to nominate local heroes before the Nov. 20 deadline
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (October 26, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is reminding the public that there is less than one month left to nominate outstanding individuals and organizations for the Red Cross 2027 Hero Awards. Nominations will be accepted through Nov. 20, 2026, recognizing people whose courage, compassion, and dedication have made a meaningful difference in communities across southeastern and southwestern Wisconsin.
Hero Awards honor everyday people who go above and beyond to help others, from assisting neighbors during emergencies and supporting military families to strengthening communities through service, leadership, and volunteerism.
Recent Red Cross Heroes have included a young girl who helped save her family from a house fire, a man who transformed his personal experience with sickle cell disease into an effort that helped put more blood on the shelves for patients in need, and a bystander who used CPR to save the life of a man who collapsed in a coffee shop. Whether it’s acting courageously in an emergency, inspiring others through lived experience, or dedicating time and talent to helping those in need, these stories show that heroes can be found in every Wisconsin community.
“We know there are remarkable people making a difference in our communities every day, often without seeking recognition,” said Catherine Rabenstine, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin. “As the nomination deadline approaches, we encourage anyone who knows a deserving individual or organization to take a few minutes to share their story and help us celebrate their impact and inspire others through their example.”
Honorees are selected by an independent awards committee composed of local community leaders. Each nominee is evaluated on how well their actions embody the values of the Red Cross and their positive impact on the community.
Red Cross 2027 Hero Events in Wisconsin
Brave Hearts
April 7, 2027 | Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee
As the largest fundraising event benefiting the American Red Cross of Wisconsin, Brave Hearts celebrates extraordinary heroes while raising critical support for Red Cross services across the state. Nominees may come from any of the Red Cross Southeast Wisconsin counties: Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. We will celebrate honorees across the following categories: Blood Services Hero, Community Impact Hero, Disaster Relief Hero, Emergency Response Hero, Military Hero, Red Cross Hero and Youth & Young Adult Hero.
Morning of Hope and Heroes Breakfast
May 18, 2027 | Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Madison
The inaugural Morning of Hope and Heroes Breakfast will celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations from southwestern Wisconsin while continuing the region’s tradition of honoring local heroes. Nominees may come from any of the Red Cross Southwest Wisconsin counties: Adams, Buffalo, Columbia, Dane, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Trempealeau, Vernon and the Ho-Chunk Nation. We will celebrate honorees across the following categories: Blood Services Hero, Community Impact Hero, Disaster Relief Hero, Military Hero, and Red Cross Hero.
Help Us Celebrate Wisconsin’s Heroes
With the Nov. 20 nomination deadline approaching, now is the time to recognize someone whose actions have made a lasting impact. To learn more or to submit a Hero Award nomination, visit redcross.org/wisconsin. For additional information, contact Beth Rieth at beth.rieth@redcross.org.
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 nonprofit 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 follow us on social media.
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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