Red Cross volunteer recognized for her 80 years of commitment
Betty Grenig was recognized by the American Red Cross for volunteering 80 years of her time around military bases and for delivering pastries to other staff and volunteers at the Greater Phoenix Chapter Office.
A Scottsdale resident, Grenig, 97, began her volunteer career as a teenager at the Red Cross knitting socks for service members. For 20 years, she volunteered at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona where she would wear the original 1950’s “Grey Lady” uniform. She served as an informal Chief Morale Officer shredding patient records for the medical unit.
Grenig tried to retire in 2015 but knew she had more to offer to the public. Nowadays, she organizes packages to take on disaster responses and sorts of volunteer recruitment materials.
On March 23, 2019, Grenig was honored during the annual Red Cross Volunteer Event in Phoenix for her volunteerism through the years.
“Betty is an example of community stewardship we all aspire towards,” said Danielle Rudolph, Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist for the Red Cross Arizona-New Mexico-El Paso Region.
The Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter presented awards to nine volunteers who have made a difference through their acts of courage, compassion, and leadership. Named in Grenig’s honor, the Betty Grenig Service to the Armed Forces Award was given to the volunteers and presented to KD Kannenberg of Phoenix.
Other award winners:
Ann Magnussen Award: Linda Hicks, Glendale.
Partnership Award: Jim Anderson, Cave Creek; and his Red Cross partner, Phil Schauer, Mesa.
Biomedical Achievement Award: Frank and Sharon Hall, Casa Grande.
Bill Bombeck Disaster Volunteer of the Year Award: Marlene Medici, Phoenix.
Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Award: Leah McCormack, Scottsdale. Randi Knappenberger Exceptional Volunteer of the Year Award: Doug Patriquin, Phoenix.
Youth Volunteer Award: Domenic Jones, Phoenix.
“The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that all people affected by disasters across the country and around the world receive care, shelter, and hope,” said Kurt Kroemer, CEO for the American Red Cross Arizona-New Mexico-El Paso Region.
March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross asks everyone to be a hero in their community by becoming a volunteer, learning lifesaving skills, giving blood or donating to #help1family on Red Cross Giving Day, March 27.
