You’re invited: fundraising gala celebrates southeastern Wisconsin heroes, supports Red Cross mission

By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross

The 2023 Brave Hearts fundraising gala is approaching soon and will be a night guaranteed to inspire all! There is no better way to celebrate as a community than by honoring this year’s heroes from southeast Wisconsin and supporting the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.

The fun-filled night at Kohl’s Innovation Center will begin at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 11 and features Honorary Chairs Peggy Williams-Smith, Visit Milwaukee CEO and Mark Kass, Editor, Milwaukee Business Journal. This year’s event will include inspiring hero stories, alluring auction items and many opportunities to join the Red Cross mission. Auction items will be available online for bidding.

Tickets are now on sale and will be available through the start of the event.

Chosen across a handful of categories, honorees at this year’s Brave Hearts represent the best in spirit, service and action in our communities. The 2023 heroes are:

• Hero of the Year, Det. Andrew Wilkiewicz, Milwaukee County
• Adult Good Samaritan Hero, Nancy Piscina, Milwaukee County
• Community Safety, Security & Resiliency Hero, Gualien Smith, Milwaukee County
• Emergency Response Hero, Rebekah McAleese, Milwaukee County
• From the Heart Hero, Charlotte Yourell and Family, Waukesha County
• Military Hero, Chris Kolenda, Milwaukee County
• Youth Good Samaritan Hero, Essence Collier, Racine County

Brave Hearts is made possible by incredible, generous support from organizations in southeast Wisconsin. Lead supporters this year include William Murgas, Northwestern Mutual, Kohl’s, Molson Coors, Brewers Community Foundation, Halo, Johnson Controls and Snap-on. All proceeds benefit the programs and people helped by the Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross.

For info on ticketing & the event, email Lisa Weisman lisa.weisman@redcross.org.