ANTHONY LEANNA

Anthony Leanna, age 11 from Suamico, Wisconsin started a program in April of 2001 called Heavenly Hats .His Heavenly Hats program is a program that collects brand new hats for children and adults who lose their hair due to cancer treatments. As of July of 2002, Anthony has collected over 5,000 brand new hats, from as far away as Australia and has been able to send and deliver them to more than 60 different hospitals and clinics around the United States.

Anthony started this program after he spent a lot of time in different cancer hospitals when his grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Anthony was able to see many people in these hospitals without hair, and asked a lot of questions about their condition and why they did not have any hair. It was shortly after this that Anthony came up with the idea for Heavenly Hats.

He told his mother that he wanted to do something to help the people in the hospitals who had lost their hair. He said if he had cancer and lost his hair, he may feel bad and would want to wear a hat, so some of the patients must feel that way also. He said, “the patients probably would like to have a hat right in the hospital to pick out so that if they don’t feel good when they get out or if they can’t afford to buy one due to the expensive costs of treatments they won’t have to worry about it.” He said he wanted to put a smile on the faces of the people going through a tough time, even if it was just for a minute or two.

It was then that Anthony sat down at his computer and came up with the name Heavenly Hats. He made many flyers and then had his parents drive him to different businesses in the area. He bravely went to the store managers of many stores and asked them if he could place a box or a bucket in their businesses so that people could donate new hats. Soon the media got a hold of the idea and also helped him out. He then got on the phone and called local companies to see if they would donate hats and emailed hat companies around the United States to see if they would be willing to donate hats. The program started to take off and has been going strong ever since. He has even had a girl scout troop in Georgia use his program to earn their Silver Star Award. They were able to collect over 400 brand new hats for this program.

Anthony goes through each hat to make sure that it is new, separates them into categories such as adult hats and children’s hats, bags them all individually and then sends or delivers them to different hospitals and clinics who have requested them. He pays for all of the bags and shipping out of his grass cutting money and allowance. This Heavenly Hats program has touched more people than Anthony ever dreamed it would. He loves to be able to help the cancer patients and has received many rewarding phone calls from very appreciative people.

Anthony’s program means even more to him now than ever before as his dad, Glen was diagnosed with kidney cancer in September of 2002. He underwent a successful surgery in October of 2002 and is doing well. Anthony gave him an “awesome dad” hat.

THE BIG SHOULDERS FUND

The Big Shoulders Fund is a not-for-profit organization, which was founded in 1986 by the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin to provide support to Catholic inner-city schools. The mission of the Big Shoulders Fund is to provide assistance to those schools which serve the poor and disadvantaged in the neediest parts of inner city Chicago. In the past sixteen years, the Fund has raised more than $120 million, which has provided support for day-to-day operations, tuition assistance, special education programs, faculty development, salaries and ongoing operating and capital expenses.

As part of the larger Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic school educational system, Big Shoulders Fund sponsored Catholic schools are an important resource for the disadvantaged. Today’s students are challenged with succeeding against overwhelming circumstances. Many of the students face challenging, disruptive family situations, gangs, crime, drugs, poverty and racism.

Through the years, Big Shoulders has helped provide Catholic schools, their students and families with the ability to meet challenges and difficulties head on. The students need a solid, positive educational experience that will provide them with the tools to succeed in school, in their careers and in society since over half of the students attending Big Shoulders Schools live in families, which are at or below the poverty level.

The Big Shoulders Catholic Schools are value-based safe havens for the students who attend them. The students are disciplined, determined to succeed, respectful and represent a rich resource to meet the future employment needs of many Chicago-based companies. By educating these students, the Big Shoulders Fund hopes to help to break the cycle of poverty.

It is ever so important to provide every possibility for students to have the opportunity to attend both Catholic elementary and high schools. In some families, findings show that the older children are transferred to other schools in order to enable their younger siblings to attend Catholic elementary schools. By providing students with high quality educational opportunities, the Big Shoulders Fund hopes to ensure that they are placed on the road to successful, fulfilling lives.

The Big Shoulders Fund has always emphasized scholarship funding which provides students with the incentive to excel to the best of their intellectual abilities. The Big Shoulders Scholarship Program raises funds to bridge the gap between the actual cost of tuition and what the parents can afford to pay. Among the challenges facing families, none is more urgent than the task of educating their children. Many parents are struggling to keep their heads above water and make a living adequate enough to feed, clothe and educate their children. Still others live with a grandparent or are in foster care, or are the innocent victims of disease, drug abuse or neglect. Support from the Big Shoulders Scholarship Programs helps to assure a nurturing academic environment for these youngsters, one that provides them with the all-important foundation they will need to meet the challenges and the opportunities that await them.

Among other recent projects undertaken, the Big Shoulders Fund established a Patron’s Program that enables individuals, corporations or other foundations to become more involved in the schools sponsored by the Fund. Currently there are 16 Patron Schools associated with the Big Shoulders Fund.

Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago is heartened at the success the Big Shoulders Fund enjoys. “We know, because of our mutual involvement in the Big Shoulders Fund, that we are moving forward in serving inner city children. Yet, we also realize that there are many challenges before us. For example, for every one scholarship that it awarded through the Big Shoulders Fund, there are eight students who do not receive support. That is one of the many reasons why the need for increased support from the Big Shoulders Fund is so vital to the future of our inner city Catholic schools. In working together to strengthen these schools, I am confident that we can meet these challenges head on and achieve even greater success.”

HENRY ZARROW

Sixteen years ago, a group of concerned citizens formed a task force to evaluate the needs of the homeless in Tulsa. After several weeks of study, Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry was approached to be the supporting agency for the newly planned Day Center for the Homeless. TMM indicated that the organization would support the idea, but funding must be secured. The facts were presented to Mr. Zarrow, who immediately committed himself to raising money for the new program. Without his commitment, the Day Center might still be just a great idea.

For many years, Mr. Zarrow chaired the Day Center’s annual campaign, fundraising approximately $900,000 each year to keep their doors open. Setting goals and reaching them has always been his objective. However, his resolution has been to give the homeless of Tulsa the very best services possible. Mr. Zarrow never seems to see roadblocks to progress. He proceeds with absolute resolution. His positive attitude and determination are an inspiration to all who know and work with him. He seems to shun recognition and is quick to pass praise on to others who have been involved. At age 86, he continues to work quietly and modestly for many programs.

Mr. Zarrow’s good works reach across racial and religious boundaries. He has been given numerous recognitions and awards from as early as 1979 to the present for brotherhood, leadership, humanitarianism, outstanding support of services, as well as two honorary doctorates.

Mr. Zarrow, along with his sister-in-law Maxine Zarrow, stepped forward—like he has so many times in the history of the Day Center, and donated a square block of land just southwest of the existing shelter upon discovering that the current facility was deteriorating, overcrowded, and offered little respite and limited services to the needy. Under the guiding hand of Mr. Zarrow, and with the generous support of Tulsa’s philanthropists, a new facility designed to meet the specific needs of the guests, opened on January 9, 1995.

With an annual budget now exceeding $1,000,000, Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless continues to rely upon the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations solicited by Mr. Zarrow. In addition, the Day Center is supported by the Tulsa Area United Way and limited public funds. Mr. Zarrow recently completed a quiet endowment campaign raising $2,500,000 from Tulsa philanthropists to secure the future of our organization.

In June 2001, the Board of Directors hosted a reception to honor Mr. Henry for his contribution to the Day Center. More than 200 invitations were issued. Individuals were invited to write a personal note to Mr. Zarrow. These notes were filled with praise and gratitude for his gentle manner, commitment, and humble attitude toward giving.

DR. TURNER HARRIS

After four decades of practicing radiology with Radiology Associates at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center, Dr. Turner Harris retired in 1996. Instead of playing golf, he began recruiting retired physicians to donate their time to care for people in medically underserved areas of Little Rock.

“I noticed physicians who were in practice before me were retired and playing a lot of golf. I told my friends we still had medical knowledge and expertise and now was the perfect time to give something back to the community,” Dr. Harris said.

Harris organized the first meeting of the St. Vincent Emeritus Physicians Club, bringing about 40 retired physicians to a luncheon where Harris again shared his idea. By the end of the month, five doctors who were sincerely interested had committed to something, but they did not know what exactly.

After several months of discussion, Catholic Health Initiatives, a national nonprofit medical health care organization of which St. Vincent is a member, agreed to cover the cost of malpractice insurance for retired physicians who volunteered their services. While Dr. Harris was recruiting physicians, a St. Vincent-led community coalition opened two community clinics. It was a logical step for volunteer physicians to treat people who needed medical care at these community health clinics. Because of Dr. Harris’ efforts, physicians maintain their skills and community residents can have their medical needs met. Now nine physicians volunteer a portion of the day at four community clinics located in community centers or churches.

Altogether, physicians at the four clinics treat almost 5,000 people a year. Since June 1998, prescriptions valued at $221,402 dollars have been given to more than 2,000 people who could not afford their own prescriptions.

“We’re taking care of a segment of our population the way the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who founded St. Vincent, did in the 1880s,” Harris said.

LAURA PLUMMER

The Rise is a transitional housing facility for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence. A major objective of the program is to prepare the residents to become independent and self-sufficient by furthering their education and training. This will then result in their achieving gainful employment. Laura Plummer has been serving as a volunteer at the Rise for the past two years.

In partnership with members of Middle Way House’s professional staff, Plummer has helped to establish and develop a tutoring program at the Rise. Drawing on her professional expertise as the Assistant Director of the Campus Writing Program at Indiana University Bloomington, Plummer has helped residents to master all kinds of writing assignments and skills. She has worked with resumes and letters to prospective employers, class papers and essays, and she helps with basic math and computer training.

Plummer has promoted the tutoring program to the residents, established her own goals for it, recruited tutors and oriented new volunteers. In doing this work, she has demonstrated deep commitment, genuine sensitivity, unusual initiative and a true vision. Plummer empowers the women with whom she works to recognize their talents and strengths and to produce work that represents their best capabilities.

Giving generously of her time, Plummer has helped to establish the tutoring program at the Rise and at Middle Way House, its parent facility, ensuring that it will continue to serve as a significant resource to the residents. By this means, she has contributed in a major way to the economic and social rehabilitation of these victims of domestic violence, enabling them to restore some calmness and stability to their lives.

PAUL MARION

Paul Marion volunteers for Clermont County Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH) to help build simple, decent housing for Habitat partners families in need. Marion does more than pound some nails; three years ago, he accepted the role of site Manager to coordinate and direct CCHFH’s first corporate blitz build. He had to prepare the construction site, order materials, coordinate building inspections, oversee subcontractors, and manage 10-30 skilled and unskilled volunteers on any given day. All of this activity was scheduled for a two-week blitz build that ended with the family ready to move in following the House Dedication Ceremony. Since the initial blitz training, Marion has managed three new constructions, two complete rehabs, one refurbished home, and worked on TriState Habitat’s blitz builds in Lebanon and Northern Kentucky. Routinely, he recruits and trains other volunteers to build for the partner families as well, and goes out of his way to aid the families in other activities of daily living.

When Marion started volunteering for Clennont HFH the workers worked on Saturday and sometimes one evening a week in the summer months. Now there is a crew working every day at some site; this is because of Marion’s encouragement, leadership and his own desire to get more houses built.

Clermont HFH is twelve years old. Until the past few years they were able to build one or two houses a year, but with the help of Marion’s dedication and high performance they have been able to complete four houses this year. He has also given the feelings of dignity and pride of ownership to partner families. The elimination of substandard housing improves a community value system that empowers pride and self-determination. Stable housing has lead to a better living standard and improved educational achievement by the children of Habitat families.

Marion seeks no recognition for his service, and also now devotes six days a week to this Christian ministry. All of his time is devoted to the faithfulness of the ministry of HFH and gives freely of his skills in active listening, conflict resolution, consensus building and being a model for others to follow. Marion gives to Habitat for Humanity in so many different ways. After his retirement he was looking for a way to enrich his life and be useful to his community. He didn’t want to just stay home and watch television or go fishing. HFH has a goal of eliminating substandard housing and homelessness throughout the world and Marion is helping them do that in our community.

ROBERT SMITH

Robert Smith is the parent of a special needs child. Mr. Smith has been associated with the Challenger League program in Norwood since it was founded in 1994. The mission of the program is to allow those mentally and/or physically challenged children the opportunity to participate in structured athletic programs.

Initially, the league was only for baseball. Children from all age groups now not only have the opportunity to play baseball, but the league has expanded to include basketball, bowling, and other such activities thanks largely to Mr. Smith’s efforts. The children learn to expand their physical skills while they cooperate in team play. There are currently 80 boys and girls in the program from several communities.

In addition to providing recreational activities for these youth, this program serves as a support group for their parents and families and gives local high school students rewarding volunteer opportunities.

Mr. Smith started as a coach and recruiter of his son Robby’s team, and took over as President in 1997. He is a role model for the people of the community. He does everything for the program from getting kids to play to recruiting volunteers of all ages to help out. He has been recognized by the Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA), which recognizes individuals who contribute to their communities through service and volunteerism. Nancy Korman, Chair of the MSA, has been quoted saying, “Bob’s dedication to this program has enabled disable youth to experience all the benefits of participating in team sports.” Governor Jane Swift recognized Mr. Smith for volunteering his time over the past seven years saying, “Bob has touched many lives – he has helped young people with disabilities to experience the rewards of playing sports, given parents a forum to support one another and inspired others in the community to support the mission of the Challenger League. I salute Bob for his commitment to removing obstacles in the lives of young children and instead providing them with opportunities to succeed.”

ANGELA PHILLIPS

Angela Phillips had been volunteering an average of 60 hours monthly at New Smyrna Beach Middle School for the past three years. She started volunteering to work in the morning school store and afternoon school snack shop when she was in the 6th grade. She managed two businesses on campus and has learned excellent business and communication skills.

The concept of a school store has existed for many years, but under Angela’s direction and inspiration the pencils and paper were expanded to a variety of school supplies, gift items, juice, snacks and food. In the afternoon, students who stay until 5:30 for after-school programs and tutoring can now purchase pizza, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, cookies and hot apple pies. While there was also a small newspaper column existing, Angela expanded the traditional reporting of facts to include color photos and feature “spotlights” on students and clubs.

Angela was responsible for training new student volunteer workers, setting up the work schedule for other staffers for the week, maintaining the inventory stock, reordering supplies and overseeing the operations of the businesses on opposite ends of the campus. In addition, Angela wrote the Middle School News each week for the local newspaper, The Observer. She has played a significant role in transforming the community’s opinion and understanding of middle school by reporting the many positive things that take place. Angela spent many hours working in The School Museum, a new concept, which she has worked hard to establish during her time at New Smyrna Beach Middle School. Working with the local Audubon Club, she worked to establish an active Jr. Audubon Club.

Angela’s attitude and communication skills have created such a positive atmosphere, she serves as an outstanding example to her peers and adults daily. She is positive and greets all those who cross her path. While volunteering, Angela is pleasant and her smile is contagious. Due to her efforts, the businesses have earned more than $15,000 for various programs that would not have existed without her hard work to expand these businesses. She takes pride in all her work, and the weekly column she wrote not only serves to communicate valuable information; but it has helped the community to gain more understanding and respect for students in middle school.

In addition to her work with the school stores, Angela also volunteers at the New Smyrna Beach Christian Church, Southeast Volusia Historical Society and was a Cadet Commander for the Civil Air Patrol – where she was awarded the title of Cadet of the Year 2001.

Angela attends New Smyrna Beach High School now. She returns to the Middle School weekly and on early out days to keep up with programs there. She carries on the tradition of volunteerism with the New Smyrna Beach CAPS Alumni Association, and she participated in the Red Ribbon Organization for a Drug Free Youth’s rally. Angela carries AP Honors classes and has added American Martial Arts and soccer to her schedule.

Angela has had to deal with difficult challenges as a young adult. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, and she is the primary caregiver for her mother’s recovery. Angela carries a lot of responsibility. Her father lives in Virginia and also faces serious medical issues. Angela’s spirit is what keeps both of them going. The highlight of volunteering this year for Angela was of a personal nature. It was assisting her mother walk the lap, as a cancer survivor, for the American Cancer Society of Southeast Volusia County’s Relay for Life.

CATHERINE PEDERSEN

The Granite Education Foundation (GEF) is an organization that was started in 1988 to provide a way for schools and communities to interact in order to provide better educational opportunities for local students of all ages. There are various programs such as mentoring, businesses adopting and sponsoring schools and other youth/adult interactions. The GEF’s slogan is “Invest In Futures” and their mission is “to enable and encourage private individuals and businesses to make a direct and meaningful impact on our children in public education.”

Catherine Pederson volunteers with GEF. She has served faithfully as the President of GEF for two years and has been a member of the Board for five years. She is or has been the chairperson for the Art Auction, School Success and the Self-Esteem Conference. In addition, Pederson has served on the state PTA in excess of 24 years.

Pederson has come to know many of the children and realizes their specific needs. Countless times, without recognition, she has anonymously donated money for specific children in need on numerous occasions. Pederson serves the children of the Granite School District and has surpassed the call of duty for her responsibilities with GEF.

Pederson has been called a “Champion for Children” because of her work. She was recognized with the Outstanding Service Award for 2000 from the Utah Association of Public School Foundations.

BARBARA PHILLIPS

As an Occupational Therapist, Barb Phillips has worked for nearly 10 years with persons diagnosed and living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) ; a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that paralyses the muscles and leaves the patient unable to walk, breathe, swallow or talk without the use of special equipment. So in 1996, when she first detected a slight slur in her father’s speech, she feared the worst. Months later, her father was diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. During her father’s illness, Phillips found herself frustrated at not being able to adequately demonstrate her love for him. She finally asked her father if there was any task or activity that he wanted to do that he was no longer able to work on. Amazingly, what her father wanted most was to have the family’s New York home readied for the upcoming winter, as he had done every year prior.

While working with ALS patients as an occupational therapist at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA, the idea of helping other ALS patients fulfill their wishes blossomed into the idea for a new volunteer program for the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the ALS Association. She called it Simple Wishes. Since its inception in August 2000, Simple Wishes has directly touched the lives of more than 35 PALS (Persons with ALS) and their families. The program started by using occupational therapists from Rancho, but has expanded to incorporate volunteers from all walks of life – from students to corporate executives.

Some examples of ‘Simple’ Wishes that have been completed include compiling photos into albums for the grandchildren that one PALS will never know, writing a love letter to a husband of 35 years, tending to flowers so the PALS could enjoy her last days in her own backyard garden, and organizing a closet so a PALS’ father could move in. What is repeatedly impressive is the volunteers’ commitments to the PALS. Several volunteers went to great lengths to complete ‘not-so-simple’ wishes as well. One volunteer raised enough money for a PALS to get a helicopter ride over Los Angeles and up the coast, another arranged a meeting with Rick Fox from the LA Lakers and another compiled a video documentary of a Hollywood actor for his family.

In 2002, Phillips created yet another new program for the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the ALS Association – a free loaner pool for EADL equipment. EADL is an acronym for Electronic Aids for Daily Living. They are remote controls that help ALS patients do everything from operating lights and controlling the television, to alerting systems that allow care providers to know that the PALS needs help.

When Phillips was married in April of this year, she and her husband asked wedding guests to make contributions to the new EADL loaner pool in lieu of gifts. Her dedication to helping improve the lives of thousands of ALS patients in the southern California area is an inspiration to all who know her and a living memorial to her father, Peter Weintraub who lost his battle with ALS in 1997.