Story and photos by Bill Fortune, American Red Cross
Often people in our community step up to do extraordinary things to make our lives better and our community stronger. Those acts of kindness, compassion or community service often go unnoticed and, just as often, have a positive impact that deserves recognition.
The American Red Cross Pueblo Hometown Heroes Dinner gives us an opportunity to recognize those local people as hometown heroes and an opportunity to say thank you. The event also serves as an important fundraiser for the Red Cross in Colorado.
The Pueblo Hometown Heroes Dinner for 2020 was held February 18, 2020 at the Colorado State University – Pueblo (CSU-P) Occhiato Ballroom where five individuals, three local organizations and one animal received recognition, all receiving standing ovations from the crowd of nearly 400. Title sponsor for the 2020 Hometown Heroes Dinner was Ent Credit Union.
Humanitarian Award – Daniel E. DeRose was recognized as the Humanitarian of the for his life-long commitment to Pueblo. He was instrumental in reestablishing the football program at CSU-P as president and cofounder of the Friends of Football, along with enhancing the wrestling and women’s track program. In his acceptance speech, DeRose emphasized that there are two terms to live by, Rue and Do. Rue is defined as regret while Do is defined as getting things done. DeRose sees himself as a “Doer”, rather than a “Ruer” and hopes that others would be the same when it comes to helping others and community service.
Community Partner Hero – The National Association of Hispanic Nurses for the group’s care for low income and elderly people.
Community Partner Hero – Pueblo Pro Bono Mental Health Services was recognized for providing free mental health service for those unable to pay.
Community Service Hero – Crag Eliot Cisney was recognized for his volunteer work and community service to numerous organizations as a host and emcee along with other roles.
First Responder Hero – Sgt. Franklyn Ortega recognized for community outreach and support through his position with the Pueblo Police Department as the Public Information Officer.
Animal Hero – this award was given to Tundra, the live mascot for the CSU-P Thunderwolves. Tundra is a 14-year-old Husky mix that has been the live mascot since 2009 and has been immortalized by a bronze statue on campus. She entertained the audience by howling like a wolf when the owners said, “Go Pack.”
Military Hero – ex-Navy Seal, Bill Bradburn, was recognized for his volunteer service with Pueblo Hospice.
Meet our sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Ent Credit Union
Hero Sponsors
Legacy Bank Pepsi Black Hills Corporation
Parkview Medical Center HUB Goal High School
EVRAZ
Event Sponsors
Xcel Energy First Oak Bank Ken White III
CSU Pueblo Foundation Carole and Mark Rickman Pueblo Pro Bono
Ralph Williams AIG Retirement Services Straight Line Construction
Ben Lutze Burnie & Pam Zercher Steven Nafziger
Doris Tomasi Foundation SoCo Primary Care Clinic Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office
Harsco Metals & Minerals Paula Kirchner US Bank
San Isabel Electric Bechtel CSU-Pueblo Alumni
Chem Treat Pueblo Community College Foundation
McPherson, Breyfogle, Daveline & Goodrich