Several Long Islanders were honored for their humanitarian spirit during the American Red Cross in Nassau County's 91st Annual Awards Breakfast at the Milleridge Inn Cottage on June 19.

In all, 10 individuals and three area businesses were recognized for their efforts to improve the quality of life for their fellow Long Islanders by helping the Nassau Red Cross prepare for and respond to disasters.

"The driving force for any nonprofit service organization is its volunteers," said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau Red Cross. "This annual event not only recognizes the honorees for their efforts, but is a great way for us to come together - almost like a family - and reflect on how much all of our volunteers do for the community."

The two highest awards went to Linda Cohn and Ronald Hoffman. Cohn, a resident of Massapequa Park, received the Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Davison Memorial Award. Named for the Nassau Chapter's founders, the award is presented annually to the volunteer who most emulates commitment, motivation, and the quality of all-around performance in Red Cross activities.

"My whole life revolves around the Red Cross; my passion is working with victims of emergencies and catastrophes," said Cohn. "I didn't think it was necessary to honor me, but I am deeply flattered and humbled by it."

Hoffman, a resident of Jericho, was presented with the Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Award. Named for the founder of the American Red Cross movement, the award recognizes distinguished volunteer service given by an individual in a number of leadership positions over a period of years, as well as personal expertise that has enabled the American Red Cross to contribute valuable service to the community.

For their dedication to the Nassau Red Cross' community needs initiatives, Good Neighbor Awards were presented to the New York Islanders and Pierce Country Day Camps.

"On behalf of the Islanders Organization, we were so grateful to receive the Good Neighbor Award," said Dana Cipriano, Islander's community relations manager. "The American Red Cross has been a wonderful organization to work with and we are proud to support their efforts here on Long Island. We are excited and look forward to working with them for the years to come."

Michael Smerechniak, owner of Long Island Gourmet in Mineola, also received the Good Neighbor Award for his willingness to provide meals for Red Cross events.

Recognizing that youth are the future of any volunteer organization, the Florence Cohen Memorial Award was presented to Monica Chawla, of W.T. Clarke High School, and Leah Usry, of Westbury High School. Chawla, while president of her school's Red Cross Club, helped raise $4,000 for disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Usry was equally active in her school's club, helping with food, clothing and blood drives.

Five volunteers received the chapter's Exceptional Volunteer Service Award: Margaret Bullwinkel, Cheryl Plavin, Steve Schuck, Martha Thomasen, and Bruce Veloski. This award honors volunteers whose performance over a period of several years has substantially exceeded their original commitment to the American Red Cross.

"It really is nice to know that we are appreciated," Bullwinkel, a resident of Plainview, humbly said. "I really believe in what we do and I really love serving those in need."

Kristy D'Errico was honored with the lone, non-volunteer award of the day-the Employee Excellence Award. D'Errico, who is the director of human and volunteer resources, was recognized not only for her proficiency in her duties, but her reputation for being a caring person.

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer can call 747-3500 or visit online at www.nassauredcross.org. The American Red Cross in Nassau County is located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola.