Daily Point of Light

    What is the greatest gift that you can give to veterans of the “greatest generation?”  Often, just a heartfelt thanks.  

Founded by in 1997 by Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest on Vanderbilt's campus, Magdalene is a residential program for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution and addiction. For two years, Magdelene offers housing, food, medical and dental needs, therapy, education and job training, all without charge or to the women receiving treatment.

Maria Precht has dedicated 900 hours to the Junior League of Annapolis, a non-profit organization comprised of women committed to promoting civic action. Maria’s service is largely spent with children and homeless families. She recently distributed 1,000 bags of school supplies to children at local schools through the League’s Book Bag program. To raise awareness about childhood obesity, Maria taught healthy eating choices to kids in her community.

Debbie Reid co-founded the Bikes for Kids of Utah non-profit organization. Each year the organization gives 1,000 underprivileged kids each a bike to promote exercise, give them a mode of transportation, and teach them safety. Service has always been important to Debbie. Many volunteers and sponsors step forward to help provide kids with a bike they will remember forever. Bike rides and silent auctions also raise money for the event.  The fundraising efforts are very successful and have brought in enough money to provide children with helmets, locks, and water bottles.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix had a plan to combat the increases in juvenile crime, gang activity and drug trafficking that was plaguing the West Valley.   Together with several community partners, they were preparing to tackle these challenges by expanding programs and building three new Clubhouses in these needy areas. However, to be successful in these efforts, the Boys & Girls Clubs needed to increase the fundraising and volunteer efforts of its auxiliary groups.