14-05-2025
Real Heroes Breakfast honors community members for their bravery
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A moving tribute to real life heroism was held in downtown Binghamton Wednesday morning.
The Red Cross held its annual Real Heroes Breakfast at the DoubleTree Hotel.
26 individuals were honored for their acts of heroism in a variety of categories.
Four teenagers received the Good Neighbor Award for their efforts to save the life of AJ Presto, a Chenango Valley student who suffered a significant injury diving into a pool last June.
Three of the four students utilized the Red Cross training they had received as lifeguards.
Ally Zaverton says she feels blessed that she was able to use her training.
'It can be life saving. Me, Fin and Gabe are all lifeguards for numerous years. It's always essential. I really think that was a big part of how the outcome turned,' said Zaverton.
'We were all just trying to help out a friend. It's an absolute honor to be recognized for something like that, but in the end, it was all just for our friend,' said Gabe Tallant.
'This is all just people coming together for A.J. Honestly, everyone loves him, he's very loved, we all love him. To say that we started it, no, everyone coming together and supporting A.J., that's all A.J,' said Fin Dollaway.
'It's definitely an amazing feeling. It definitely feels like the community really came together for this event. It really is inspiring looking around seeing all of the people around giving support to each other, support to the causes,' said Joe Paugh.
Presto was on hand to watch his friends receive the honor.
Awards were also given out in the categories of fire rescue, animal rescue, good Samaritan adult and good Samaritan youth, workplace safety, blood donor, medical, lifeline, law enforcement, education, and military.
Real Heroes Breakfast honors community members for their bravery
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