NEW YORK, N.Y. – OCT. 5, 2016 – New York Liberty forward Tina Charles was presented with the American Red Cross New York Region Vanguard Award at the organizations annual Heroes Among Us Gala at the American Museum on Natural History on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
The Vanguard Award recognizes individuals who are making an impact in the community by spreading ideas and new developments. Charles received the prestigious recognition for her continued efforts through her Hopey’s Heart Foundation to place life-saving technology in areas of need as well is continuing to provide CPR certification grant programs.
From the American Red Cross:
Tina Charles is committed to advancing sports safety and raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest by providing free Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR Certification to all non-profit organizations and institutions through Hopey’s Heart Foundation. An award-winning athlete with the WNBA New York Liberty, Tina founded the Hopey’s Heart Foundation in memory of her late aunt, Maureen “Hopey” Vaz, who died of multiple organ failure in 2013. Through fundraising events, campaigns and Tina’s personal donation of half her WNBA salary the past two seasons and her entire salary this year, Hopey’s Heart Foundation has successfully placed over 200 AED’s worldwide.
Charles founded the Hopey’s Heart Foundaton in April 2013, named after her late aunt Mareen “Hopey” Vaz, who passed away from multiple organ failure. In the three years since, Charles has been able to donate more than 200 AED’s world wide, and has since expanded her foundation to include CPR grant certification programs, and youth sports safety clinics.