American Red Cross to Honor Volunteer

A Sherman Oaks woman will receive one of the American Red Cross’ highest volunteer honors at an awards ceremony Thursday.

Lisa Gray will be presented with the Los Angeles chapter’s Candlelight Award for helping raise $1 million by devising new fund-raisers and writing grant proposals for the chapter.

“It’s a very high honor,” said Mike Powers, a Red Cross spokesman. “She’s done a great job for us.”

Gray was chosen by an awards committee from nominees selected by each of the Red Cross’ different departments.

“It’s a wonderful surprise,” said Gray, who has been volunteering at the Red Cross for just more than a year. “This is such an important organization. I’m glad to help any way I can.”

Gray began volunteering after John Charnay, associate director of Corporate Foundation and Planned Giving, spoke at a UCLA extension class she was taking on nonprofit management. A few weeks later, she was helping secure funds for the chapter.

“When I’m volunteering there, I feel like I’m helping myself, my family and my community,” Gray said.

Writing the grant proposals came naturally to Gray, a professional freelance business writer.

Gray is also involved in several other nonprofit organizations, including the Network of Executive Women and Hospitality, for which she is Los Angeles chapter president.

The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the chapter headquarters, 2700 Wilshire Blvd.