By Los Angeles Region Grants Specialist, Sabrina Skacan
At the end of each year, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is proud to host the Hope Luncheon – an afternoon to thank our donors and partners who make the work we do possible.
The gathering recounted details to the size and scope of the many disasters that hit our shores and scorched our earth last summer. It was also an afternoon to honor a very special Red Crosser.
This year, Josie Tong was named the 2017 recipient of the Red Cross Star Award. Josie gives her time, talent and treasure to the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.
As a child growing up in Taiwan, Josie always saw the Red Cross logo and volunteers who provided aid when her region flooded from storms. When she emigrated to America, she knew she would make a donation when she received her first paycheck. That was over 35 years ago, and Josie has been a loyal donor ever since. She even served on the board of the Santa Monica Bay Chapter for many years.
As our current Tiffany Circle Chair, Josie guides a premier networking group for powerful women leaders who advance the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross. She was recently elected to the Tiffany Circle National Council, where she serves on the communication committee.
In her professional life as a realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty Beverly Hills Brokerage, Josie represents local and international buyers and sellers. She specializes in high-end second homes for foreign buyers and has represented clients from around the world.
For the last few months of 2017, Josie donated her expertise in helping the Los Angeles Region sell the beautiful Cravens Estate that has been the San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter office for 55 years. This was a major undertaking. Josie was dedicated in her resolve and spent countless hours meeting with Pasadena community members, researching into the history of the mansion and past owners, and marketing the property to ensuring the sale would carry on the legacy of this cultural landmark and maintain the integrity of the neighborhood.
As an advocate of the Red Cross, her work also conveyed our organization’s commitment to the humanitarian service in the San Gabriel Valley. Last month, Josie and her partner sold the mansion and donated their entire 6-figure commission on the multi-million-dollar sale back to the Red Cross.
The Red Cross Los Angeles Region is not only grateful for Josie’s generous gift, but also for her enthusiasm and commitment to serving others. Along with her spirit of humanitarianism, the Red Cross will continue to support individuals and families as they cope with and recover from emergencies and disasters.
Congratulations, Josie,
So well deserved.