Hundreds showed up to honor some area residents who have made a difference in the community within the last year. Many of the honorees said they aren't the real heroes. It's the people of the Valley who really make the difference.
"That's the most powerful question: "Please help me," and I think that in this Valley more people respond to that than anywhere else because we know what it's like to need the help," said Diane Less, Honoree, Angels for Animals.
The Red Cross honored 11 for their acts of goodness. They've rescued animals off the streets, saved children from a burning home, and built houses for victims of crime. American Red Cross spokesperson Gail Froomkin says picking these honorees from the list of 100 nominees was very difficult.
"Every time you read a story about somebody who's gone out and done something, you want to honor them because they've all done such wonderful things."
Sam Pitzulo, who was one of the core six who built Joe Kaluza's new home after he was shot and paralyzed in 2008, says after meeting Kaluza at the Canfield Fair he knew donating his time was the least he could do.
"I walked by their booth and all, and I gave them the money I had in my pocket and kept walking. Then I felt, "I can do a little more than this," so I went back and I volunteered my company to trim the house out and do that type of work, and I walked another 50 feet and I thought, you know I can go more than that, so I came back a third time and decided to be the general contractor to build the home."
He said he's inspired by the people in the Valley to help.
"We just have a commitment to the Valley and I don't think you're going to find that in other places."
Diane Less of Angels for Animals also said the people of the Valley are unlike anyone else in the country.
"Everybody out there who helps everybody, animals, people, and that's why our community is as wonderful as it is."
