For more information visit www.willowparkmercantile.com.

Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee and Delta Dental to be recognized for outstanding contributions at 29th Annual Gala

Now in its 29th year, the Red Cross Gala is a volunteer-led fundraiser dedicated to recognizing local heroes and supporting the Red Cross mission. This signature fundraising event, themed “Building Bridges of Hope,” will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Pier 27 in San Francisco and will celebrate its 2023 Honorees: Delta Dental and the Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee.

 “As Co-Chair of this year’s Gala, I am honored to stand alongside individuals and organizations committed to making a difference” said Pat Hayes, who is serving alongside fellow Co-Chair Elizabeth J. Folger. “We hope you can join us for an unforgettable night where we not only applaud the accomplishments of the Red Cross but also inspire each other to continue the journey of positive change.”

THE HONOREES 

During the black-tie event, the Red Cross will present new and seasoned volunteers Michael Gregory, Kathryn W. Holmes, Nichole Jordan and Jasper Smith with the 2023 Red Cross Humanitarians of the Year Award for their work as members of the Regional Blood Services Volunteer Committee. Collectively, this committee has dedicated their time and talent to the Red Cross and supported Blood Services by donating blood, hosting blood drives, providing financial contributions and innovative ideas. This team is wholeheartedly committed to the Red Cross mission and serves as an inspiration to the organization.

“The committee’s commitment to our mission and their tireless dedication to saving lives is truly remarkable,” shared Justin Mueller, Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “We are honored to recognize their selfless efforts, and we extend our heartfelt thanks as they serve as an inspiration to make an impact within our community.”

The Red Cross will also recognize Delta Dental as the 2023 Red Cross Philanthropic Company of the Year. “Delta Dental is proud to support the mission of the American Red Cross and honored to receive the 2024 Red Cross Philanthropic Company of the Year Award,” said Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President of Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. “Our partnership not only underscores our commitment to building resilient communities but also amplifies the efforts of the Red Cross in times of need.”

A major financial supporter for 34 years, Delta Dental has been a Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program partner since 2017, pledging $500,000 in annual giving, ensuring that the Red Cross is ready to respond whenever disaster strikes. But their dedication doesn’t stop there: they’re involved in other meaningful ways, including hosting blood drives and employee engagement events, building personal hygiene kits, providing skill-based volunteers for our Code4Good program, a first-of-its-kind volunteer workforce that gives software engineers and engineering leaders an opportunity to support the Red Cross, and engaging board members.
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Hosted by Co-Chairs Patrick “Pat” Hayes and Elizabeth J. Folger, the 2024 Red Cross Gala will feature a cocktail reception, a three-course dinner curated by Componere Fine Catering, a live auction and entertainment. Since its inception, this fundraiser’s purpose has remained steadfast: to celebrate and sustain the lifesaving programs and services of the Red Cross. All proceeds raised through this event will support Red Cross Blood Services. The Gala is made possible by Gold Sponsor Delta Dental and Honorary Committee Members, Juan Benitez, Kathryn W. Holmes and Nichole Jordan.

To view our full list of Gala committee members and additional event details, please visit redcross.org/redcrossgalasf.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/bayarea or find us on Facebook.

For more information visit www.deltarc.com.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/RivertownTreasureChest or https://rivertowntreasurechest.com.

Contra Costa Health (CCH) recommends that anyone who has spent time inside California Grand Casino in Pacheco since 2018 consider a tuberculosis (TB) test, after recent genetic testing revealed several related cases among staff and customers over the past five years.

Of the 11 confirmed TB cases, 10 are genetically linked and the majority are associated with staff or customers at the casino. The 11th case has not yet been genetically tested.

CCH has so far not identified a current or ongoing source of transmission at the casino. CCH is working closely with casino management to ensure prompt, appropriate testing, health advice and screening for all its staff.

“We are making this recommendation now because there is new evidence that TB may have spread among people who spent time at the casino from 2018 to 2023,” said Dr. Meera Sreenivasan, deputy health officer for Contra Costa County. “TB can live inside someone for years without showing signs of its presence. That is why it’s important to take a test, even if you do not feel sick. TB can cause serious illness, but it is treatable and curable with medicine, especially when caught early.”

To date, CCH has contacted more than 300 people who may have been exposed to active TB and is working with California Grand management to provide health education to staff and to encourage testing.

Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent or bloody cough, fever, unexpected weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.

TB bacteria can live inside a person for months or years without causing any symptoms, so even people with no symptoms should talk to their healthcare providers about getting a TB test if they believe they may have been exposed.

TB can spread when a person who has developed symptoms coughs or breathes out droplets containing the bacteria, particularly in an enclosed space over a long period of time, such as several hours.

The only way to know if someone was infected after a TB exposure is to test.

If you believe you may have been exposed to TB, talk to your healthcare provider or call CCH’s TB Client Services Program at 925-313-6740 if you are uninsured or need advice about next steps. Visit cchealth.org/tb for more information about TB.

Vacaville, Calif. – Travis Credit Union (TCU), today announced the appointment of Grady Bond as its new Chief Retail Officer (CRO). In this position, Bond will assume responsibility for branch management, member experience, member relationship center, wealth management, digital services, deposits, and payment products. His strategic vision and deep industry knowledge will drive innovation and enhance the overall member experience at TCU. 

“Grady’s extensive background in retail channels and product innovation make him the perfect choice to lead our retail operations,” said Kevin Miller, TCU President and CEO. “His strategic insights will be instrumental in shaping the future of TCU, and we are confident that his leadership will enable us to continue providing exceptional financial services to our members.”

Bond joins TCU from Bank of the West, where he served as Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer, Business, & Wealth Deposit Product & Strategy. In addition, his distinguished career includes diverse roles at TD Bank, Chase, and Bank of America, where he honed his skills in branch management, product management, and consumer banking strategy.

“Joining Travis Credit Union and making a positive impact on our teams, members and communities is priority one at the moment,” said Bond. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to further enhance our member experience and drive innovation to meet our members’ needs.”

As the 12th largest credit union in California, Bond’s appointment as Chief Retail Officer underscores TCU’s commitment to the financial wellness of its members and communities.

About Travis Credit Union

Travis Credit Union, based in Vacaville, CA, has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for its longstanding financial education and financial advocacy efforts. In 2022, TCU was once again selected as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes. It has also earned the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year award in recent years. Founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA, TCU today serves 12 Northern California counties. It is the twelfth largest credit union in California, with 245,000 members and nearly $5 billion in assets. Learn more about our mission at traviscu.org.