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Daily Point of Light #4323, Mike Penketh

Before his 1993 racecar accident, Mike Penketh was a pilot for a major airline. After the accident, with both arms amputated below the elbow, he felt lost. Through hard work in re-hab, he gained profficiency using his myo-electric prosthetic hands and managed to retain both his driver’s and pilot’s license. His career with the major airline was lost forever. During this time of difficult transition for Mike, he was often heard to say, “Just find me the nearest bridge…”

Daily Point of Light #4290, Greg Scott

Greg Scott has been involved with youth organizations since 1984. His deep dedication to help young people gain life skills that will help them to become active and engaged citizens can be felt throughout the communities in which he has lived. After moving to Chester in 1992, Gregg immediately went in search of an organization in which he could serve. He connected with the American Legion and volunteered to develop the Boys State program for the Legion post, becoming District Chairman in 1998.

Daily Point of Light #4284, Lou Nelson

Imagine a program that brings together the victim of a crime, the perpetrator and the impacted community to solve local challenges brought about by crime. Lou Nelson volunteers for such a program in River Falls, Wisconsin. The St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program(SCVRJP), engages community members to be active particpants in a healing process. Lou has made a significant impact as a resource to the executive director and board of directors at SCVRJP. Lou helps screen and hire new staff, supports office procedures, edits documents and consults strategically with the director.

Daily Point of Light #4282, Nancy Carie & Lois Ruppel

For many, the idea of volunteering means finding an issue you care deeply about and giving your time to help out programs that address that issue. But what if you care about a multitude of issues? Meet Nancy Carie and Lois Ruppel; a dynamic duo whose volunteering knows no bounds. Nancy and Lois are both members of the RSVP Advisory Council in Knox County, Indiana… but that is just the beginning of a long list of volunteer duties the duo has taken on.

Daily Point of Light #4281, Erin Mankus

Denise Perez is barely a teenager, yet her life is already full of adult sized challenges. Every day she watches her mom try to cope with depression, her older sister, a teenager as well, dropped out of high school and is already the mother of two. She shares a small bedroom with five other family members in a small house in a rough section of San Antonio. There aren’t many people who wouldn’t forgive Denise for giving up hope. But, Erin Mankus is not one of those people. Erin has been Denise’s “Big Sister” for the past six years through Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas.

Daily Point of Light #4286, LaDrene Coyne

Preparing for, and finding a job in this economy is difficult task. Add a disability into the mix, and the obstacles to employment may feel utterly insurmountable. But disabled residents in the state of Washington have someone to help them overcome both the fear and the challenges of employment, and her name is LaDrene Coyne.

Daily Point of Light #4279, Rebecca Evanoff

When disaster struck the small town of Holden, Massachusetts, it was during one of the coldest months of the year. A treacherous ice storm had brought the town to a halt. With electric thermostats rendered useless, many families were left to huddle together for warmth as temperatures dipped below freezing. In this great time of need, the people of Holden turned to Rebecca Evanoff, and to no one’s surprise, she was more than ready to help.

Daily Point of Light #4289, Gerard Inguagiato

Tax season brings apprehension and anxiety to many people. Filling your taxes can be a daunting and time consuming experience. For hard working lower income families, having help to file your taxes is often out of reach – tax preparation cost money, and on a tight budget it may not be a possibility. Enter Gerard Inguagiato. A CPA by trade, Gerard volunteers for the Center for Economic Progress, an organization that offers free tax preparation for hard-working, low-income families at free tax sites in all across the state.

Daily Point of Light #4267, Dianne Guillot

In 2009 alone, Dianne Guillot logged in 1,800 volunteer hours and this is probably a small part of what the she actually gives to our community. West Monroe, Louisiana is lucky to have a citizen like Dianne in it’s ranks! She has served on the Advisory Board of both Retired Senior Volunteer Program and on the Community Emergency Response Team since 2004 and is president of the board of Communities Acting to Benefit Louisiana's Elderly.

Daily Point of Light #4266, Karen Benson

Karen Benson continues to be instrumental in helping the state of Missouri recover from tornadoes, flooding, and severe weather – and she donates her time and expetise for free. Karen has a passion to serve those in need at their most vulnerable times after disaster strikes, and she is a leader in providing strong disaster case management training across the state. Karen, who lives in Mount Vernon, Missouri, has been a key member of the Missouri State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster movement for many years, serving in multiple roles.

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