var dataarray=eval({"data":[{"ID":"19061","NAME":"Shawn G","CITY":"Bellville","ST":"WI","CHARITY":"Greene County Humane Society","SHORT":"Shawn G. took over the presidency of the no-kill Green County Humane Society in Monroe, Wisconsin when he was ","DESCRIPTION":"Shawn G. took over the presidency of the no-kill Green County Humane Society in Monroe, Wisconsin when he was only 23 years old. In his first year of tenure, Shawn raised $80,000 and increased the membership from 300 to 800 members. He did a wonderful job saving the lives of many homeless animals and personally handled all of the management duties, computerized the shelter, provided manual labor to repair the old facility, created and promoted fundraisers, and donated endless amounts of time and money into the cause. Shawn was able to motivate the Board of Directors and volunteers to provide the needed efforts to keep the shelter functioning and providing good care for all of the animals they save. Shawn has made a real difference in the lives of many animals and people, and he has a vision to build a new shelter for the community."}, {"ID":"19062","NAME":"Bill R","CITY":"Duarte","ST":"CA","CHARITY":"Creative Planet School of the Arts","SHORT":"Billy R. is a creative genius and an inspirational community leader. Five years ago he set out on a mission ","DESCRIPTION":"Billy R. is a creative genius and an inspirational community leader. Five years ago he set out on a mission to provide high quality, gifted-level arts and academic training to low income children throughout Los Angeles. Today, he has achieved this mission and then some by offering advanced academic and artistic training at an extremely low tuition and by creating full scholarships for families with economic hardships. And he's done all this while paying himself only the most minimal of salaries. His non-profit school, Creative Planet School of the Arts, is a haven of learning and creativity for students who were previously deemed at-risk, learning disabled or undisciplined. I have seen first hand how many children's lives have been changed by Billy and his amazing school. These kids can paint a masterpiece; sing in four-part harmony; dance ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap and modern; play the piano; and act a Shakespearean monologue, all while scoring in the top 20 percent of the nation on their SATs. Billy peppers our community with creativity every day...inspiring the hearts, minds and talents of the youth of Los Angeles to pepper their community with hope for tomorrow."}, {"ID":"19063","NAME":"Marianna V","CITY":"San Jose","ST":"CA","CHARITY":"Special Olympics","SHORT":"Marianna V. is a police officer who promotes the Tip-a-Cop program","DESCRIPTION":"Marianna V. is a police officer who promotes the Tip-a-Cop program at area restaurants where she and her co-workers wait tables. All of the proceeds earned are donated to the Special Olympics so that athletes with disabilities have a chance to compete. In addition, Marianna participates on the scholarship board that provides college scholarships to deserving youth, as well as provides transportation to and from football practice for children living in shelters. She is working hard for her community and loving it!"}, {"ID":"19064","NAME":"Lynn B","CITY":"Vandalia","ST":"IL","CHARITY":"Second Chance Animal Rescue","SHORT":"Lynn B. single-handily started the Second Chance Animal Rescue to help rescue","DESCRIPTION":"Lynn B. single-handily started the Second Chance Animal Rescue to help rescue homeless animals. The organization brings homeless animals into foster homes, pays vet bills and then looks for a quality home for each of the animals. To date, the organization has placed over 100 dogs in their forever homes, and has also helped with transports to other rescues. They met Hurricane Katrina transports that were passing through their area and supplied volunteers to walk, feed and water the cats and dogs. Second Chance works with a high kill shelter, moving all adoptable dogs to their rescue, and also works with other rescue organizations that have space. Currently, Lynn and the Second Chance Animal Rescue are looking to build a shelter so that they can take in more animals that need homes and avoid the limitations of current resources."}, {"ID":"19065","NAME":"Don S","CITY":"New Iberia","ST":"LA","CHARITY":"Iberia Sports Complex Commission (aka Louisiana Pepperplex Board)","SHORT":"Don S. is a volunteer coach and participates on just about every recreation board imaginable,","DESCRIPTION":"Don S. is a volunteer coach and participates on just about every recreation board imaginable, instilling teamwork and values. Don encourages good sportsmanship and helps in many aspects of his players lives. He volunteered to coach two girls elementary school teams, even though he doesn't have a daughter, just because they needed a coach - something he still does after eight years. He is also on the Iberia Soccer Association board, the parks and recreation board, and also on the board and helps raise money for the Louisiana Pepperplex. The Pepperplex will house baseball and soccer fields for youth who have nowhere else to play in the city. Don is always volunteering somewhere to help children grow from Boy Scouts to soccer and many other sports. He believes youth sports are important for children to learn and grow."}, {"ID":"19066","NAME":"Kari M","CITY":"Medway","ST":"MA","CHARITY":"Friends of Choate Park","SHORT":"Kari M. started the Friends of Choate Park to revitalize Medway's open","DESCRIPTION":"Kari M. started the Friends of Choate Park to revitalize Medway's open space in August 2005. The town of Medway told us that they did not have money for park improvements, and thus any improvements would have to be donated. In under a year, the Friends of Choate Park has made great strides and raised enough money to put in a new tot structure and a big kids structure. The organization has also purchased fencing because the playground area is surrounded by a pond. Kari has really brought this group of people together with her initial vision. Since our inception, we have had four charity events, and we are currently working on our next two. Initially a few people would come to this playground/park area; however, now you are lucky to find a parking spot. Kari should be recognized for having the vision to restore a beautiful open space and bringing the community together."}, {"ID":"19067","NAME":"Ronald S","CITY":"Grand Rapids","ST":"MI","CHARITY":"Children Need Both Parents Inc.","SHORT":"Ronald S. is founder of the non-profit organization Children Need Both Parents, Inc which is an","DESCRIPTION":"Ronald S. is founder of the non-profit organization Children Need Both Parents, Inc which is an organization that assists non-custodial parents in maintaining positive involvement in the lives of their children. Ronald volunteers four hours each day to the organization and also provides tickets to local events such as Disney on Ice, arena football games and Detroit Shock basketball games to parents and children who would not otherwise have an opportunity to attend. In addition, he works diligently in his church and volunteers time at the Guiding Light Mission in Grand Rapids, teaching a Bible study class every week and also assisting in serving food. He is active in assisting ex-offenders reenter the community and reunify with their families. Ronald has chosen to put others on payroll with the organization and not himself and most of all, he never says no to anyone in need of help!!!!"}, {"ID":"19068","NAME":"Geneva J","CITY":"Bronx","ST":"NY","CHARITY":"Urban Neighborhood Educational Technology for You, Inc","SHORT":"Geneva J. created Bring It On!!, the first and only youth service organization","DESCRIPTION":"Geneva J. created Bring It On!!, the first and only youth service organization in the Northeast Bronx. The organization creates youth service projects to promote youth leadership and community involvement through service learning projects. Eastchester Heights in the Bronx has been a hot spot for drugs and crime. Geneva wanted to make changes in the community; however, an organization for the youth did not exist. Geneva didn't ignore the community problem, she looked at it as an opportunity. Through Bring It On!!, Geneva created service projects ranging from environmental clean-ups, youth jams, entrepreneurship, and You Go Girl Go Empowerment Forums. She galvanized the youth in our community to create change so that they can have other options and opportunities other than running the streets and getting into illegal activities. Youth can take pride in the community, be involved and have a sense of ownership. Her motto is: \"If we know better, than we would do better.\" Her drive for success and empowerment came from first hand experience where her family had a legacy of teen pregnancy. For many years as an inner city kid, this lifestyle is how she envisioned her life would be like. Teen mothers in her family did not finish high school or aspire to go to college. She felt if she could have one program to change the lives of young girls this would be it. Geneva targets girls ages 9-21, who live in low-income housing, youth group homes, and attend the local, middle and high school. Through Geneva's efforts and tenacity, young women are able to build self-esteem and self-worth, as well as learn to develop and discover their passion by making better life choices."}, {"ID":"19069","NAME":"Don J","CITY":"Durham","ST":"NC","CHARITY":"The Durham Eagle Athletic Association","SHORT":"The Durham Eagle Athletic Association is dedicated to creating an environment of discipline, self-respect and ","DESCRIPTION":"The Durham Eagle Athletic Association is dedicated to creating an environment of discipline, self-respect and success to aid in the social, academic and athletic development of our student-athletes. Don J. is the current commissioner and founder of the Durham Eagle Athletic Association, a youth football organization developed in 1993 based on both academics and athletics. In Durham, gang violence, crime and dropout rates are on a rise. This youth football program was created to help parents, especially single mothers, mold their children away from gangs and drugs. The organization embodies academics through tutoring, Academic Hall of Fame, and All-American Scholars. The unique part of the story is that Don does not have any of his own children playing in the program, but he still spends endless times making sure that the organization is running properly. He takes the time to coordinate the tutoring, buys equipment (sometimes out of his pocket), fixes old equipment and insures the children are doing well in school. Don manages the fundraising effort and enlists coaches to volunteer their time as they do not have any money to be paid. And given that the young men come from low income families, Don's efforts are the only chance that some of these young men are able to play football. Don is not about winning championships, he knows that these kids are our future. As gangs are growing and youth death rates continue to rise, he wants to have another avenue they can turn to. Don is always looking for ways to expand on the tutoring services, equipment and down payment on some land for a permanent practice facility. Recognition for Don and his children he helps will be a blessing for those striving to make a difference in Durham and beyond! These are our future leaders!"}, {"ID":"19070","NAME":"Carrie F","CITY":"Portland","ST":"OR","CHARITY":"LifeShock","SHORT":"Carrie F., with the help of Jammin 95.5, helped develop and launch LifeShock, a program developed to","DESCRIPTION":"Carrie F., with the help of Jammin 95.5, helped develop and launch LifeShock, a program developed to help save lives of middle and high school students playing sports. Tragically, several members of the community recently lost their lives and this likely could have been prevented. LifeShock is raising money to purchase defibrillators for all middle and high schools in Portland. With a defibrillator in every school, Carrie is hoping they can lower the risk of children losing their lives."}, {"ID":"19071","NAME":"Loni G","CITY":"Williamsport","ST":"PA","CHARITY":"Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action","SHORT":"Loni G. is an amazing volunteer and was recently given the 2005 Person of the Year Award for ","DESCRIPTION":"Loni G. is an amazing volunteer and was recently given the 2005 Person of the Year Award for Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action (CAPPA), an organization providing help for struggling youth. Loni has done wonders to bring together a community that was torn by gangs and violence. Through CAPPA, Loni keeps children off the streets and involves them in activities that enhance their talents and academic abilities. He provides students with an opportunity to excel and strive for greatness and at the same time gets their families and the local community involved. Under Loni's leadership, CAPPA received the 2005 PAHRA Best Practice Award, the 2006 NAHRO Award of Excellence for the Mid-Atlantic Region and the National Award of Merit, all of which distinguished CAPPA as a provider of quality youth programs."}, {"ID":"19072","NAME":"Dawn A","CITY":"Houston","ST":"TX","CHARITY":"Pasadena Habitat for Humanity","SHORT":"Dawn A. is an overall incredible human being. When New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina ","DESCRIPTION":"Dawn A. is an overall incredible human being. When New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina and thousands of people had to relocate to Houston, she spent countless hours, volunteering at the Astrodome. On weekends, she frequently volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. When Hurricane Rita was on its way to Houston and most of the coast was ordered to evacuate, Dawn volunteered her time to an animal shelter helping out those who had to leave their loved ones behind. During the holidays, she has spent her time feeding the poor. Earlier in the spring, Dawn helped organize a \"Cancer Awareness Day\" at the local college which raised money for a cancer foundation which supports research in children's bone cancer. Dawn thinks about what will help other people first rather than herself. If someone mentions anything about needing help, she is already there working on the problem. From just the one year I have known Dawn, she has been an inspiration to me and many others in our community."}, {"ID":"19073","NAME":"Debbie P","CITY":"Burleson","ST":"TX","CHARITY":"Burleson Community Theater, a part of Burleson Making It Happen Foundation Arts Council","SHORT":"Debbie P., a former high school choir director in Burleson","DESCRIPTION":"Debbie P., a former high school choir director in Burleson and choir director of American Idol star Kelly Clarkson, recognized during her tenure that that many kids had desires to further their musical abilities, but lacked the opportunities and realities of going to New York to live out their dreams. To combat the fact that many of her talented students were leaving high school and never furthering a passion that they possessed, Debbie fulfilled her dream by creating the Burleson Community Theater. Without seed money or a venue, she and four others joined together with the Burleson Chamber of Commerce's Making It Happen Foundation Arts Council to create a cast of 21 members, including three technical crew members, all unpaid, for the inaugural performance of Smokey Joes Café. For the performance, Debbie tapped all local talent, many who were previous students of hers and several adults who were vastly talented but never had an opportunity like this locally. This is just one example of what Debbie can do with a vision. She now envisions creating a multi-purpose theater that will house the Musical Theater, a Children's Theater and a Dramatic Theater, as well as a venue for local churches to use to for productions. All in the name of re-introducing people to the love of art from childhood throughout adulthood, as well as giving many more an opportunity to build on the talents and abilities -- far past high school choir and musicals."}, {"ID":"19074","NAME":"Mike K","CITY":"Seattle","ST":"WA","CHARITY":"YouthCare","SHORT":"Mike K. is one of the directors of YouthCare, a Seattle based non-profit organization","DESCRIPTION":"Mike K. is one of the directors of YouthCare, a Seattle based non-profit organization serving the needs of homeless youth. YouthCare reaches out to homeless children, giving them a safe haven, job training, counseling and education. The organization addresses the needs of each individual in a way that gives that person a sense of safety and worth. Mike is one of the lifelines of this nonprofit organization, full of eagerness and energy with a drive to make YouthCare the best it can be. He is a man who is passionate about his work and sees the value in providing this much needed service to the community. Mike would do anything that would further the goals of YouthCare, and he is an admirable, honorable person."}, {"ID":"19075","NAME":"Olis S","CITY":"Oakland","ST":"CA","CHARITY":"Youth Uprising Center","SHORT":"Olis S., also known as Mama and Auntie, is the executive director and ","DESCRIPTION":"Olis S., also known as Mama and Auntie, is the executive director and founder of Youth Uprising Center which serves over 400 teens each day. Located in the troubled streets of East Oakland, Olis goes above and beyond the call of duty helping troubled youth stay off of the streets by working more than 80 hours each week. Olis loves the youth unconditionally and has provided a positive impact on a number of young lives."}, {"ID":"19076","NAME":"Martin M","CITY":"Miami","ST":"FL","CHARITY":"Scott Lake Athletic Club, Inc","SHORT":"Martin M., a single father, finds time to be both a role model and mentor for ","DESCRIPTION":"Martin M., a single father, finds time to be both a role model and mentor for not only his daughter, but for all kids in his community. Martin served as the president of Scott Lake Athletic Club for four terms and during his terms he revived a dying program that was once very rich in tradition. Scott Lake Athletic Club had 700 kids in the early 80's when Martin was growing up, but had only a dismal 150 kids when he returned home from college. He single-handily took over the program to rebuild the reputation and increase membership to almost 500 kids. He is not only instilling a love of athletics into the children, but is also teaching them the value of education to succeed in life. Martin overcame opposition by both parents and children, and with his persistence to see his vision through he kept the program in place. Martin is a true hero, and he is making a difference to benefit the community."}, {"ID":"19077","NAME":"Anne H","CITY":"Wylie","ST":"TX","CHARITY":"Blackland Praire Playground Foundation","SHORT":"Anne H. is a great asset to the community of Wylie. She founded ","DESCRIPTION":"Anne H. is a great asset to the community of Wylie. She founded the Blackland Prairie Playground Foundation to not only build the playground, but to help maintain and preserve it for future generations. Children and families can enjoy the community park for years to come. Anne continues to exemplify the persona of volunteerism and its importance by volunteering for other local charitable events at the schools, recycling efforts, political events and much more. She is a mother, wife, daughter and friend to so many. She is modest and yet full of energy to help others in need. Because of Anne, I have continued my volunteer work for our growing small town. www.wylieplaygroundproject.org"}, {"ID":"19078","NAME":"David B","CITY":"Minneapolis","ST":"MN","CHARITY":"Womens Community Housing","SHORT":"David B. has spent the past 34 years as Santa Claus. In the beginning, he would ","DESCRIPTION":"David B. has spent the past 34 years as Santa Claus. In the beginning, he would find a family or two in need and provide their children with gifts during the holidays. However, for the past 34 years, David has been helping Passage Community, a women's transitional housing unit that takes in 18 families at a time without any financial aide from the state. The mothers of these families are required to work full time and attend school. Needless to say, these mothers have little to no money to provide their children with Christmas presents. David, known as \"Santa Claus,\" spends each year raising money on his own with no corporate sponsors to make sure that every child and mother receives a gift. He personally shops, wraps and delivers them as Santa Claus. People from the shelter, including the moms and children, know him other than Santa Claus."}, {"ID":"19079","NAME":"Ann W","CITY":"McKee","ST":"KY","CHARITY":"Appalachia Mission of Hope","SHORT":"Ann W. works tirelessly to improve the living conditions of families in the Appalachia Mountains. One way she accomplishes this ","DESCRIPTION":"Ann W. works tirelessly to improve the living conditions of families in the Appalachia Mountains. One way she accomplishes this is by creating a network of churches in Lexington, KY to supply the needs of families in Appalachia. This has taken years to put into place. Once a week, Ann travels to Lexington, KY to pick up clothing, household items and furniture to provide to mountain families in need. Also, throughout the year she coordinates special events that center around Easter, Mother's Day, back-to-school, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each Easter, she brings together many friends to make handmade Easter baskets for children and the elderly. She then leads a group into the mountains to deliver these beautiful baskets door-to-door. For back-to-school, she coordinates festivals in different counties to provide much needed back-to-school supplies to our children. Food, clothing, and back-to-school haircuts are given away at this time as well. Last year after school started, Ann also created a shoe drive for the children. At Christmas, Ann coordinates Christmas in Appalachia parties for the children where each child is given a toy and gets to visit with Santa. These are only some of the things she does throughout the year. As I said before, Ann works endlessly to make a difference in the lives of the elderly, the children and their families here in eastern Kentucky!"}, {"ID":"19080","NAME":"Juan S.","CITY":"Purchase","ST":"NY","CHARITY":"Manhattanville My Soldier","SHORT":"Juan S, a college student and Army Sergeant, created the Manhattanville My Soldier","DESCRIPTION":"Juan S, a college student and Army Sergeant, created the Manhattanville My Soldier (www.mysoldier.com) pen pal program for soldiers and civilians. While serving a 14 month tour of duty in Iraq where he saw active combat and received a commendation for saving the life of a child, Juan gathered strength and motivation from letters of encouragement sent to him by family, friends, teachers and even strangers. To him, each letter was precious, \"like a piece of gold.\" When he returned to the States, he brought his \"adopt a soldier as a pen pal\" idea to his college president, Richard Berman. Richard wrote letters to Juan while he was in Iraq, and Juan considers him to be a leader and a friend. With their fellow staff and students, the idea grew into a nationally recognized program offering the gift of friendship and support to the brave men and women of the US military. Each participant that enrolls in the program at www.mysoldier.com receives a \"starter kit\" including guidelines for writing letters and a free My Soldier bracelet to publicly show their support for US Troops. By writing letters and sending occasional care packages, these civilians contribute to the morale and quality of life for troops serving on hardship tours in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Since Manhattanville My Soldier was launched on Veteran's Day, 2004, over 350,000 civilians have signed up to adopt 175,000 soldiers. Juan's original goal was to reach out to the guys in his platoon to let them know somebody back home is thinking about them and cares. If you asked him what he thought about the program's success he would say \"Thanks to My Soldier many caring Americans are writing to soldiers overseas, and hopefully they've gotten to know them, and made them feel as appreciated as I felt when I was over there. Letters are like gold. You read them, and right away you realize why you are out there, for the people back home that care.\""}, {"ID":"19081","NAME":"Cara C.","CITY":"Silver Springs","ST":"NV","CHARITY":"Healthy Communities of Lyon and Storey Counties","SHORT":"Cara C. works with youth in her community teaching them about prevention and ","DESCRIPTION":"Cara C. works with youth in her community teaching them about prevention and positive youth development. She helps put on events that promote positive youth development and leadership skills, as well as giving youth tools to make healthy decisions about their life. In addition, Cara has volunteered in many organizations. She helped plan an art appreciation program in the elementary and middle school levels. Cara also worked with the Community Task Force, an organization that addresses issues in the community and finds solutions. She is currently working with the organization to help put together a non-profit organization to provide after school programs. In the eight years in the community, Cara is an inspiration to everyone around. She is always working to make her community a better place by helping the youth and finding opportunities to get involved."}, {"ID":"19082","NAME":"John-Henry L.","CITY":"Gardnerville","ST":"NV","CHARITY":"Amazing Kids","SHORT":"John-Henry L. started helping his community 10 years ago when he was just a little tike helping collect","DESCRIPTION":"John-Henry L. started helping his community 10 years ago when he was just a little tike helping collect food for the needy, donating his toys to other children less fortunate, and cleaning the river beds for better irrigation. Four years ago, John-Henry created \"Kids Extreme,\" a program that helps disabled kids, like him, to live their lives to their extreme. \"Just because you have disabilities, doesn't mean that you can't do the things you've always dreamt to do,\" he says. John-Henry is both dyslexic, taking on an abstract view of words, making it difficult to read, and also asthmatic, making it really hard to breathe! He was told that competing in the 2010 Olympics and becoming an aeronautical engineer WAS just a dream. BUT through Kids Extreme, John-Henry teaches kids to reach for their dreams through over 20 clinics and 12 events during the year to kids ages 4-16. He has written and produced over 12 PSA's on asthma and dyslexia, and spent over 500 hours teaching kids to re-learn how to study in school. He has also raised over $10,000 and has been involved teaching 5,000 kids and adults for his cause. During the last four years, John-Henry teaches kids to ski, rock climb and golf regularly and speaks to parents on the subject of asthma on a regular basis."}, {"ID":"19083","NAME":"Sandra I.","CITY":"Warrensburg","ST":"MO","CHARITY":"VIA Positive Thinking Foundation","SHORT":"Sandra I. has worked as a full time volunteer within our community for over 6 years to renovate a","DESCRIPTION":"Sandra I. has worked as a full time volunteer within our community for over 6 years to renovate a park originally built as a segregated park. A long-time volunteer, she used her upbeat personality to win the hearts of the community and lead over 3,000 people to work together to create a beautiful community meeting place with amenities for the blind and wheelchair bound. Her ability to draw people of all ages, races and socio-economic groups together with a common goal created an atmosphere of family and helped break down many long-time barriers. She is still working to involve people and has remained involved herself by running the office, speaking to civic groups and students, writing grants, digging in the soil and whatever else is needed. Her seemingly boundless energy and positive attitude has inspired others to follow their dreams of community betterment. Her ability to encourage and include all around her in these positive efforts has made a real and lasting difference. Sandra has seen a wall and managed to climb over it or go around it to achieve a community betterment goal that no one else was willing to face. Her full time volunteer commitment of six years speaks to her commitment and love for her fellow man. Sandra is a true humanitarian!"}]}); list ="," var len =dataarray.data.length var cnt=0 function writeout(){ document.write("") for(x=0;x-1){ temp = Math.round(Math.random() * eval(len-1)) } list +=","+temp+"," cnt++ document.write("\"Vote"+dataarray.data[temp].NAME+" of "+dataarray.data[temp].CITY+","+dataarray.data[temp].ST+"
On Behalf of the "+dataarray.data[temp].CHARITY+"
"+dataarray.data[temp].SHORT+" ... MORE") if ((cnt % 2) ==0){ document.write(" ") } } document.write(" ") } function getone(id){ for(x=0;x-1){ temp = Math.round(Math.random() * eval(len-1)) } list +=","+temp+"," document.write("

"+dataarray.data[temp].NAME+" of "+dataarray.data[temp].CITY+","+dataarray.data[temp].ST+", on behalf of "+dataarray.data[temp].CHARITY+"

") } }