“Red Cross is like the wrench in your car, you don’t think about it until you need it.” — Alfred Sanchez, South Florida’s Red Cross regional director 

This year, the Red Cross responded to 12 home fires in the Keys that affected 17 adults and five children. Keys volunteers canvassed 100 homes and installed 55 smoke alarms. Recently, they educated 8,000 local children in emergency situation tips and tools. Community super-volunteers Dennis Beaver and Bert Whitt were honored as this year’s Florence Spottwood Humanitarians of the Year at the annual gala which took place last Saturday night. In 1917, Spottswood, who was 27-years-old at the time, helped create the first Red Cross in the Keys and formed the first private hospital in Key West after a railroad explosion.

Dennis Beaver, left, and Bert Whitt receive the honor of the Florence Spottswood Humanitarians of the Year. ‘The American Red Cross is bigger than us and bigger than this room,’ they said.

Event coordinator Liz Love, past honoree Holly S. Merrill, American Red Cross Officer Stephanie Moraille, and Wendy Gerber help celebrate Whitt and Beaver’s induction.

Key West City Commissioner Clayton Lopez and wife Kim congratulate Dennis Beaver for his 2016 Humanitarian of the year recognition.

Maxine Makover and Jack Paul with Terri and Phil Wilson dazzle at the event.

Michael Halpern, Jenna Stauffer, and Todd German attend the gala at Beachside Marriott.

Edie Hambright and Julia Davis

John Spottswood and Cristy Spottswood with Raymond Vazquez and Matthew Nooner chat before dinner.

Jeffrey and Clarissa Fluker

Cathy Crane and Tommy Mack

Rosi and Jeff Ware

Jessica and Jason Barroso enjoy the cocktail hour. Wine was donated by Fausto’s for the event.