Two couples, one individual honored with Humanitarian Award in Southern Indiana

The Ohio Valley certainly has endured a fair number of weather-related disasters, including Hurricane Ike, the ice storm of 2009 and the recent flooding, which resulted in 122 outreach contacts by the Red Cross in Clark County.

During all of the weather events that damaged homes and left many without power, the Clark County Chapter of the Red Cross stood by to assist families in need with the help of 500 dedicated volunteers.

“Last year, we served 46 families who had house fires, and we could not do it without our wonderful volunteers,” said Kate Merchant, health and safety program director for the Clark County Red Cross.

In addition to the volunteers, one of the major ways the Red Cross is able to come to the aid of the community is by fundraising, and Thursday night at Kye’s in Jeffersonville, the Clark County Red Cross did that by holding the 12th annual Bales’ Humanitarian Award Gala. During the Gala, 325 attendees placed bids on silent and live auction items featuring such prizes as a balloon ride in the Sunny Side Balloon and a week-long trip on a private island for two.

However, the Gala was more than a fundraiser. The Clark County Red Cross held the event to honor local, Clark County volunteers by awarding two couples and one individual, Les and Virginia Albro, Don Day and Charley and Mickey Reisert with the Bales Humanitarian Award.

The seed of community service was planted in Charley and Mickey Reisert long ago as both grew up with parents who were active in the community. Charley recalls his mother volunteered long hours with the church, but also has fond memories of his grandmother regularly volunteering with the Red Cross.

Holding on to the tradition of helping others, the husband and wife team have been involved with numerous committees over the years, so they too can help their community.

“My mother and Mickey’s mother both just led by example. My mother was involved on her own and through organizations, and Mickey’s mom was the same way. Both of these women, through their example, taught us you can’t just take from the community, you also have to be a part of building the community up,” said Charley, 68, who continues to volunteer for numerous organizations including the Southern Indiana Realtors. He admits that one of his favorite activities was being involved with the opening of the Clark County Youth Shelter.

“Most of the things we have been involved with frankly have been fun,” said Mickey, 66, who has been involved with many organizations such as reading programs for elementary school children and Goodwill BridgePoint Services.

Don Day, 70, was surprised when he found out he would be nominated for the award, but admitted that he was most interested in the fundraising efforts of the Red Cross.

“The more I give, the more I get back the sense of satisfaction of helping others. It gives you a good feeling, and I feel very strongly in the service above self,” said Day, who attends four or five meetings each week for such organizations as St. Elizabeth Catholic Services.

“He’s just a dynamic person and he gets a lot of things done, and won’t back down from controversy. He brings parties together to solve differences in a diplomatic way,” said Liz Vissing, development director of St. Elizabeth Catholic Services.

Another couple recognized was Les and Virginia Albro.

“Many are in need in our community, and it’s always a great satisfaction to feel you had a part in taking care of someone in need in the community,” said Les, 75, who became involved with community service in the 1960s with the United Way. According to Les, Virginia often volunteers with Oak Park Baptist Church.

Les serves as president for Bales Motor Company and brings community service to the company by hosting an annual antique car show that raises thousands of dollars for Childplace.

“Our parents taught us you work hard and expect nothing handed to you. When you are successful you give credit to those who helped you and always give back,” said Lori Lewis as she introduced her parents, Les and Virginia during the Gala.

Clark County

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