Lifeguard

The sculpture, Lifeguard, was presented to George Chitty upon his retirement as CEO of the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross. George started his 42-year tenure with the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard. George was the CEO of the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross for the last 26 years .

The award was designed to reflect George's focus on helping youth, his fondness for water, and his helping hand, his beginnings as a lifeguard, and in a deeper sense his constant role as lifeguard. In subtle layers of clear beveled glass the form of the Red Cross is superimposed over images made of kiln fired glass, giving the work kinetic optical properties that change as the viewer's perspective changes and react to the slightest change in lighting. Much of George's career was spent on coming to the aid of others facing disaster.

It is the hope of his colleagues at The American Red Cross, as well as the artist, that the work brings inspiration and a focus for meditation to George for many years. It is intended to expresses the gratitude of those who worked with George and the multitudes he helped.

The recent tragic tsunami struck after this project design was complete.

During his career George was dedicated to growing the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow. In his honor, the Red Cross has established the George Chitty Youth Scholarship Fund. Those wishing to donate to this fund, please make checks payable to the Orange County Red Cross and in the memo section of your check indicate George Chitty Youth Scholarship Fund.

During the eighties and nineties George Chitty inaugurated the Orange County Spirit Awards. This program recognized a citizen of the year for outstanding citizenship. It was a privilege to have been commissioned for these awards.


Ron Wood
Orange County, California
22JAN05