The American Red Cross Eastern New York Region will hold their 25th Fire and Ice Gala at the Capital Center on Friday, April 12. 

This year the Red Cross is honoring President Havidán Rodríguez and the University at Albany, SUNY with its Humanitarian Spirit Award. This award recognizes an individual, group, or organization that embodies the spirit of humanitarianism personified by our founder, Clara Barton, in her mission to put others before self.  

News10 ABC evening anchor Lydia Kulbida will serve as the Master of Ceremony.  The Gala will feature dancing with live music by Soul Session, outstanding silent auction items showcasing one-of-a-kind items and experiences are guaranteed to raise critical funds for the Red Cross mission.  

The Red Cross provides help and hope across the Capital Region 365 days a year. Whether responding to home fires, preparing for large-scale disasters, supporting local veterans, or collecting lifesaving blood, the Red Cross is there when it’s needed most.    

“In the past ten years, the Red Cross has seen a dramatic rise in responses to weather related events. UAlbany is training future leaders in disaster response and global humanitarianism. Our partnership offers students first-hand experience in the field and helps build our capacity.  We are delighted to present President Rodríguez and UAlbany with the Humanitarian Spirit Award,” said Kevin Coffey, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Eastern New York.

 “As a scholar, my research primarily focuses on the socioeconomic impacts of disasters, as well as disaster vulnerability. The impacts of disasters are most severe for low-income and marginalized populations residing in poorly resourced and at-risk communities. In this context, the American Red Cross’s global work supporting these communities is of paramount importance. It is with great honor and humility that on behalf of myself and the University at Albany I accept the Humanitarian Spirit Award from the American Red Cross of Eastern New York,” said Havidán Rodríguez, President of the University at Albany. “At UAlbany, and particularly in our College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity (CEHC), we are dedicated to educating future generations of community-minded leaders who are committed to serving the public good, following the exemplary service model that characterizes the American Red Cross. This award highlights our shared dedication and commitment to these values.”

The Fire and Ice  Gala is the signature fundraising event for the Eastern New York Region which serves more than 3.6 million residents. The region spans 27 counties and includes three chapters. Annually the region responds to over 680 local disasters, serves more than 2,300 local military families, and collects more than 106,000 units of live- saving blood.   

For more information about the gala and the Red Cross mission visit redcross.org/eny