(From the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio)

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio will recognize and pay tribute to members of the community who have shown extraordinary courage by saving or improving the lives of others at the 2025 Hero Awards of North Central Ohio. The organization will also present the Clara Ayres Award for Extraordinary Service to a member or members of the medical profession who helped in a time of crisis.

Residents of Hancock, Putnam, Seneca, Wyandot, Erie, Huron, and Lorain Counties are invited to nominate a hero or heroes who have responded to life’s challenges with a true humanitarian spirit, mirroring the values that motivate and inspire the work of the Red Cross.

A hero could be someone who entered a burning home to alert a family, a neighbor who performed CPR on a total stranger, or a passerby who pulled a drowning child to safety. To nominate a hero, visit RedCross.org/NOHheroes. All nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee and must be submitted by Aug. 13, 2025. The heroic act must have occurred in one of the counties listed above between Jan. 1, 2025 and Aug. 1, 2025.

Those who are chosen will be honored at a special event at the Hilton Garden Inn Findlay on Oct. 22, 2025 at noon. The Red Cross thanks the Hilton Garden Inn for donating their space for this inspiring event. To purchase tickets for the event, visit heroesnc.givesmart.com or contact Todd James, Executive Director at Todd.James@redcross.org.