Several residents nominated for Red Cross awards

Several local residents have been nominated for awards at the American Red Cross Real Heroes breakfast being held this morning at Harrah's in downtown Reno.

The event recognizes individuals, associations and companies who have shown courage, dedication and unselfish character by helping others.

Among the nominees are Christine Bradley of Carson City, who was nominated by Judy Williams, who wrote: "... in August of 2007 Christine gave me one of her kidneys. She heard I was sick and needed a kidney because both of mine were failing and I was on dialysis and my body was not handling the dialysis well. One day she showed up at my desk at work (we work in the same building at DMV) and told me she wanted to be tested to see if she could be my donor. For her to offer to give one of her kidneys to someone she hardly knew is amazing and for her to be a match was truly a miracle. She will always hold a special place in my heart and in my life."

Rebecca Rund of Carson City was nominated by Barbara Howe for her efforts in providing food for students who were homeless or hungry in a program she called Food for Thought. Wrote Howe:

"Her program is now in every elementary school, but two .... She has fundraisers, recently established her own board of directors and now needs a bigger warehouse. ... By providing food to hungry kids over the weekend, Rebecca touches so many lives and honors so much about what is right in the world."

Pat Fried of Carson City was nominated by Karen Kerley, who wrote: "I can't say enough about what Pat Fried does to help all of us and make this world a better place ... She works with challenged groups of adults and youth to get them out to experience our wonderful outdoors. She takes them rafting and kayaking on Lake Tahoe ... She takes groups hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. She teaches kids in the schools about the ecology of our rivers. She teaches safety in the outdoors and on the water and rivers."

Among other local nominees are Lin O'Kelley of Gardnerville, the program manager for Kids & Horses; Carson Valley Community Food Closet of Gardnerville; Mandi Lester of Gardnerville, who produces a public service TV show; Rita Hill of Gardnerville, chair of the Noel Christmas Dinner; Doug and Kim Russell of Minden, who donated food to the Food for Kids program; Raley's employees from Gardnerville, who donated food for a yearly food drive; and Symantha DeVoss of Fernley, who assisted the Red Cross during the Fernley flood.