“Every day we’re surrounded by heroes and often their stories remain untold,” said Amy Papageorges, Executive Director of the Greater Long Beach and South Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, which has hosted the event since 2004. “We need the public’s help to identify everyday heroes in our community whom we can recognize for their contributions.”

Heroic acts such performing CPR or rescuing someone from drowning are encouraged. The heroic act must have occurred outside of the normal course and scope of the hero’s usual and customary work. Additionally, the Red Cross asks that all nominated heroes work or reside in L.A. County (even if the heroic acts occurred elsewhere) and have taken place in the last year.

This year’s award recipients will be honored at the 18th Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 18, at the Carson Community Center in Carson, sponsored by TABC, Inc.

Honorees from last year’s Hometown Heroes Luncheon include Bali Fedalizo, who used his Red Cross first aid training to rescue his younger cousin; Andres Alonso, a Marine Corps Veteran who repeatedly risked his life to save his comrades; and Monique Champagne, Shayla Jackson and Hunter Collins, who delivered CPR and defibrillator support that saved a life following a "widow-maker " heart attack.