SHELL HOUSTON OPEN PROGRAM

The world’s greatest golfers tee-off at the Shell Houston Open; and by the time the tournament is over, a wide range of activities to raise money for youth programs has also been done. Golf takes on an entirely new dimension in the city of Houston.

The Shell Houston Open ranks second in charitable giving on the PGA tour. This year, they raised more than $3.5 million, which benefited more than 300 worthy youth-oriented causes. It is one of the only three tournaments on the PGA tour, which generates more dollars for charity than for the players.

Shell Oil became the title sponsor of the Open in 1992. Since then, $13.5 million has been donated to charity. Some of the charities that have benefited are the Boys and Girls Clubs of Houston, Junior Achievement, the United Way, and the Salvation Army.

Volunteers are at the heart of the tournament’s success and its ability to touch so many different causes. From Shell employees to members of the Houston Golf Association to the students and youth who benefit from the fund-raising efforts, more than 1,700 volunteers give of their time and energy to the Open. The volunteers aid in parking, staff entry gates, and food venues. The efforts of the volunteers help the tournament run smoothly and generate additional dollars for charity.

In addition to these activities, there are others that surround the tournament. They want to focus on activities that enhance the lives of children, which may range from a fun run to support medical research to a hospital visit by a professional golfer. In addition to the 1,700 volunteers working the tournament, more than 1,500 runners raised about $50,000 for the David Center at Texas Children’s Hospital. The center is named in memory of David Vetter who is better known as the boy who lived in a bubble. David’s Dream Fun Run is sponsored by the Shell Houston Open and the Houston Golf Association and has raised over $70,000 for the center.

The Birdies for Charity program allows people to pledge money for each birdie made during the Open. More than 150 area organizations benefit from that program. In addition to this, each person who makes a donation of at least $20 is able to guess the total number of birdies for a chance to win a car.

This year, Kid’s Day at the Open drew 40 children from the “Say Yes to a Youngster’s Future” program and 20 patients from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for educational and recreational activities. This program is a partnership designed by the National Urban Coalition and funded by Shell Oil. It prepares low-income children for success in math, science, and technology. Golf demonstrations, a “Cookie Monster” project, and teachings by the “Mad Scientist” give the children a firsthand look at how golf, math, and science relate to the real world.

JAMES PRESENT

James Present is an active, committed citizen of the Rochester community. He is a retired fourth grade teacher of the Rochester City School District, a devoted family man, and remains involved in the faith community. He contributes most of his time serving his community utilizing his expertise in education, business, finance, strong family values, role modeling his faith in spirituality, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

Present is currently serving terms on the Hillel Foundation at University of Rochester, Jewish Family Service of Rochester, Inc., Compeer, Inc., and Board of Governors for the Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester. He has served on the Board of Temple B’rith Kodesh, where he is a member of the congregation and serves on numerous committees. He also served on the Board of the Rochester Eye and Human Parts Bank, Inc.

After retiring, Present started an organization at the University of Rochester (U of R) for college students to tutor inner-city students each week at their schools, and then the mentors would invite the students on the U of R campus to expose them to the college environment. Two years ago Present confidently left the program in the very competent hands of U of R campus student leadership so that they are able to continue to develop healthier starts for children in education. He volunteers weekly by tutoring English to an inner city school #36 third grade student. The Soviet Union immigrants relocating to the community are also helped by Present, who teaches them for two hours each week on the many human resources available to them, so that they can obtain access to the services needed and transition into the community and American lifestyle.

On May 18, 1994, Present began working as a volunteer at Compeer, Inc. to provide one-on-one friendship and support for a young man with a mental illness. He joined the Compeer Board of Directors in 1995, serves on two committees, Finance and Faith In Action as liaison to the Board. Since his involvement with Compeer, he has worked to recruit volunteers. This year he made referrals for a new campaign called, “Open the Door to Friendship – Close the Door to Loneliness.”

He is committed to the agency’s strategic plan, improving services to the mentally ill, and recently negotiating the new facilities lease for the Compeer relocation of their offices. He saved the organization thousands of dollars by reading, studying, and interpreting the hidden fine print of a long-term lease contract for the administration.

Present’s Compeer, Daniel, has improved in so many areas over the past few years since they have been matched. He is more open, trusting of others as well as himself, confident, self-reliant, more in control of his thoughts, actions and activities and appears to be happy within himself. Previously, Daniel was not involved in volunteer activities but now, thanks to the time and companionship of James Present, he does extensive volunteer work for many organizations.

DAVID PETERSON

The Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) is a facility with many programs geared towards helping those living with HIV/AIDS. Their Basic Needs Program provides home delivery of grocery bags to persons living with AIDS. David Peterson is an outstanding volunteer and advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS in Tacoma and the outlying areas of Pierce County, Washington.

Peterson is an “all around” volunteer. He is valuable, reliable, consistent and willing to handle any volunteer assignment he is asked to carry out. Most of his volunteer hours are spent in PCAF’s Basic Needs Program. In addition to delivering meals, he provides practical and emotional support to the clients. He also transports them to and from medical appointments on an as-needed basis. He can also be seen performing office support tasks like bulk mailing. He contributes an enormous amount of his time and talent to the agency on a weekly basis.

With regards to the Basic Needs Program, Petersons’s effort goes quite a way. His service contributions ensure that more than 100 clients receive two grocery bags full of nutritious food per month. Each Friday morning, he drives to a warehouse outside of town where the food is stored. He fills the bags with items such as peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables and then loads his station wagon. He makes two trips to the PCAF office where he unloads all the bags so the other volunteers can assist with delivery. But, he does not stop there. He makes sure that all of the delivery volunteers have all the clients on their routes, and if anyone does not come in or is missed; he makes a route of his own or fills in for another driver. Through Peterson’s efforts, the clients are nourished with food and the compassion of the volunteers who greet them with a smile.

Though his job may seem mundane, it is a huge commitment that takes at least five hours each Friday. If he is filling in for other volunteers, it takes more time. He begins the train that ends up at the client’s home. Without his dedication, the chain of nourishment may take longer, not be as consistent, or even be broken. Peterson’s efforts help meet the needs of PCAF’s diverse client base. In comparison to statewide figures, PCAF’s client base is poorer, lower educated and more likely to be minorities, children or drug users. The community has a tremendous need for the free food and household supplies he brings to them.

Peterson not only serves, but he recruits others to volunteer as well. He solicits volunteers to provide food bag filling and delivery services, and he acts as supervisor of the other volunteers. His community service is hands-on and ongoing. In addition to the clients of the Basic Needs Program, Peterson provides weekly emotional and practical support and a “buddy” relationship to other clients. He commits to meet with clients with medical and mental concerns, and without him, they would be homebound.

David Peterson is an exemplary volunteer. Though he has heart disease, he perseveres to make the world brighter for some who society would much rather forget. In addition to working with PCAF, Mr. Peterson gives of his time to a literacy organization, his church’s Sunday school, and causes to benefit disabled children.

ASK PROJECT

AMBUCS is a national service organization composed of a diverse group of men and women dedicated to creating independence and opportunities for people with disabilities. There are 5,600 members currently in AMBUCS in 15 states across the country.

The Sooner chapter of AMBUCS in Norman, Oklahoma, had been engaging in a community service project when they met Linda Durbin. Durbin was a busy mother and active in her community when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1986. She has been confined to a wheelchair for many years but has not let the disease stop her from helping others.

Durbin learned about computers using Commodore systems. In 1995, a foundation gave her an IBM 286 computer. Her experience with that system was so positive that she decided to help others with disabilities obtain similar computers.

One of her early computers was given away to a five-year-old child with cancer. The look on the child’s face and the joy it brought to him was all that was needed to confirm to her that this is the work she wanted to do. Over several years, Durbin was able to give away more than 70 computers. She was hampered, however, by her lack of affiliation with a 501(c)(3) organization and her inability to provide tax receipts for donations. Enter the Sooner AMBUCS.

The Sooner AMBUCS met Durbin in late 1997 and surmised that her experience and contracts combined with their energy, resources and tax status, it was a “marriage made in heaven.” In 1998, they formed the ASK Project. Computers range from old Tandy machines to Pentium level systems. The very old machines can be fixed up and used by Head Start programs. They provide 286 level systems to Learning Disability labs in area schools. They also provide systems to children with disabilities to use at home. Machines with 386 and 486 processors go to individuals who need more capacity for schoolwork, record keeping, communication and sometimes home-based businesses. The Pentium level machines go to those who need voice recognition software.

Computers come from individuals, small and large businesses, and government agencies. Durbin and one of her relatives handle every system, building systems using donated components, making small repairs, and setting them up to match specific recipients’ needs and abilities. Other chapter members pick up systems, handle paperwork and storage, make small repairs and match up components for distribution. Financially, it is a very low-cost project, with primary expenses being the trailer rental ($100 per month) and most repair parts are taken from non-repairable systems.

Yet, the computers have brought so much joy to many. One mother said that her 15-year-old son, who was paralyzed from the waist down, was thrilled and could not wait to get home and get his computer hooked up. Also, a grandmother with teenaged grandsons, who have to be indoors most of the time because were born without pores in their bodies, no hair or teeth, and cannot handle cold or heat, use their computers as their lifelines to the world. They got matching computers for Christmas through the ASK Project.

SAN DIEGO POLICE OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES

The San Diego Police Department’s Volunteers In Policing (VIP) program offers a unique opportunity for citizens to become actively involved in providing efficient, effective, and responsive service to the community. No police department is large enough to keep a community safe on its own. Effective crime prevention requires the active support of citizens – a partnership between police and the community. This growing recognition has increased interest in community oriented policing and problem solving in police departments across the country.

San Diego, like many cities, has introduced community policing into its police department. However, what makes their approach to neighborhood policing innovative, is the extent to which the police department has made its volunteers an integral component of its program. They are viewed as a leading force in law enforcement innovations occurring across the country. The adult workforce in San Diego is approaching 1100 persons. These volunteers play a vital role in the department’s vision to engage the community in a problem solving partnership that will reduce crime and positively affect the quality of life in all communities. In 1999, the volunteers generously donated more than 198,000 hours of service to the department and their community.

The San Diego Police Department has used volunteers for a wide variety of assignments for several years. Programs throughout the department are considered models of volunteerism in the public sector, and the volunteers are essential to the departmental operations. They help provide a level of customer service that could not be achieved by the department’s staff alone. Volunteers represent all segments of society. The special activities within the VIP program are: Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP), the Crisis Intervention Team, and the Volunteer Interpreters Program. The volunteers also assist with research and writing reports, working with computers, doing fingerprinting, help with crime prevention, and clerical work.

The Office of Volunteer Services is dedicated to providing an exciting, challenging, and meaningful work environment. The VIP program offers a unique opportunity for citizen volunteers to become actively involved in providing efficient, effective and responsive service to their community. The VIP program is a result of two decades of change in policing philosophy that has heralded San Diego as a pioneer in many areas of law enforcement. The officers, staff and volunteers make the San Diego Police Department’s Office of Volunteer Services the most advanced and well-respected police volunteer program in the nation.

RITA MARINELLO

As a retired elementary school teacher, Rita Marinello is no stranger to hard work and education. The commitment she brings to her volunteer work at OASIS is unwavering. She is a tutor in the OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program. In this unique and rewarding program, Marinello helps local schools recruit and train older adults to work with children in Kindergarten through fourth grade that are having difficulty learning to read. She and other tutors work one-on-one with the students for an hour each week throughout the school year as mentors and friends.

The need for Marinello’s service to the community is immense. Teachers have found that a growing percentage of school children are failing to learn to read well in grades K-3. The most recent National Assessment of Education Progress, known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” shows that more than four in 10 Arizona fourth graders lack basic reading skills. The survey of Phoenix schools revealed that many perform at or near the Arizona average. Many Phoenix area elementary school students need more reading help than they now receive. Students who benefit most are often stuck in the “gray area”: they do not qualify for special services, but they need extra help. A fundamental principle of education is that during the first through third grades, children are learning to read; after that they are reading to learn.

Tutors such as Rita Marinello provide the individual attention and instruction that is so effective in the early stages of development. She and her partner, Janet Keyser, provide the training for new tutors. In the 12-hour training, volunteers are taught from the OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring model and are required to break into one-on-one sessions with each other to become comfortable with this process. Recognizing the need to maintain enthusiasm and skill development during the summer when school is not in session, Marinello began conducting a series of seminars called “Helping Hands.” These sessions include guest speakers and hands-on activities that promote sharing, cooperation, and interaction.

In addition to her one-on-one sessions during the school year, Marinello also reads to approximately 1,800 students in the five schools in which she tutors, using a single innovative toolherself. Knowing how important it is to reach today’s young people in an effective, positive manner, she developed a wholesome method to capture and hold the student’s attention. She has had an impact on thousands of children since she joined the OASIS volunteer ranks. They have learned to read, build up their self-esteem, and have become better students.

ALFRED CIFFO, III

Alfred Ciffo, III, a 10th grader, discovered that Hallandale Beach has many senior citizens over the age of 65 and he felt that he could do something to improve the quality of life of the seniors. In 1998, he founded Teen Connect, a program through which high school students are paired with mature citizens. The pair talks several times a week to provide company and an outlet from solitude. Not only does the project help alleviate the negative effects of isolation for some elders, it also helps others to embrace the opportunity to share their perspectives with a youth. Teen Connect was initially a partnership between Pine Crest High School students and the elderly, but Alfred has spread Teen Connect to schools throughout Broward County and the State of Florida.

Alfred penned a manual titled, Teen Connect, A Social Service Guide. This was produced to help other youth start more Teen Connect chapters in their schools as well as other intergenerational projects. Through the office of Dr. Thomas Geismar, Executive Director of Educational Programs for Broward County, the project has been presented to all 24 school districts throughout the state. To further assist in the advancement of Teen Connect, Alfred will spend the summer as a volunteer intern in the Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs offices.

Alfred speaks at schools as well as radio and television programs. Through his efforts, Teen Connect has had an overwhelming response as membership and new chapters continue to expand. Annually, Alfred and the charter chapter host a Valentine’s Day Luncheon, which brings together teens and seniors. There, they can put a name with a face and strengthen their bond.

To date, Alfred Ciffo has logged more than 1,200 hours in support of Teen Connect. He has also donated his manual and designed and maintained a Web site for all of the Teen Connect chapters. Alfred’s diligent efforts have impacted the lives of countless teens and seniors. A recent survey found satisfaction high between both groups. The intergenerational sharing has become important for both the teens and the elders. Teen Connect is a simple way for teens to bring hope, care, and friendship and the elderly to bring a different perspective to the lives of youth.

DECATUR GENERAL BOOT SCOOTERS

The Boot Scooters are a group of senior citizens who have danced their way into the hearts of hundreds of area residents from children to the elderly. What started as a six-week healthy exercise class has branched out to a community outreach program that has encouraged many who needed to be uplifted.

The Boot Scooters began line dancing for exercise in 1996. With a bond that will never be broken, they soon became a support system for one another; and now they have evolved into a program that increases self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and healthy lifestyles.

The Boot Scooters have worked in Decatur and have branched out further in the State of Alabama also. They teach and perform at the Wesley Acres Retirement Home monthly. They have been providing special dances and parties there for the past three years. The Boot Scooters also work with Decatur General as a Partner in Education with Somerville Road Elementary School where they participate in work parties to provide goodie bags for the children on each holiday and for other special occasions.

In addition to this, the Scooters work with NARCOG Annual Health Fair for Seniors. They provide entertainment and staffing at the event, which encourages seniors to move in any way they can to contribute to good health. They provide entertainment for the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Annual Health Fair, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and donate money to the Mental Health Association. The Boot Scooters were instrumental in encouraging other seniors to utilize the Decatur/Morgan Senior Center, and they provide entertainment at Delano Concerts in the Park, Decatur General Hospital’s Camp Bluebird and the Girl Scouts of North Alabama Country Hoe Downs.

In their special way, The Boot Scooters meet the emotional, physical, and social needs of all age groups. Members are constantly identifying both large and small needs of the community-at-large and individuals, and then igniting their network into action. The amount of time they spend together has also encouraged the free exchange of ideas that led to innovative programs such as an investment club designed to guide seniors through financial management.

The Boot Scooters overcome challenges everyday. Individuals in this group have mobility problems, but they are able to overcome this by modifying the dance to meet their individual need. Others have hearing and or vision disabilities and some are cancer survivors. Many have also overcome the loss of their spouses. It is easy for some to give of their money, but it is hard to give of your time and self. This group gives of their time, talent, and financial support, along with their mental, social, and emotional support to all they encounter.

TIMOTHY BRUNGARDT

After graduating from Youth Leadership Jeffco, a yearlong leadership training program in his county, Timothy Brungardt wanted to put into action what he had learned. He conceived of a community program which he titled “Each 1 Reach 1.” The program’s purpose is to help families within the Wheat Ridge community by encouraging people to contribute goods to needy families.

Timothy recognizes that the need exists for this service, not only during the holidays, but all throughout the year. Yet, virtually all of the supply drives in the area occur only around the holidays. Although it is good that people are helping others in need, what about a week after Thanksgiving, or the month after Christmas?

Each 1 Reach 1 fills the need year-round. Supply drives are held the third week of each month. To make the drives accessible so that everyone in the community is able to participate, Timothy organized 12 drop-off locations, one at each of the Wheat Ridge High School feeder schools. Through Each 1 Reach 1, he has challenged local principals, elected officials, students and community members to help fill the needs of those in the community. Local newspapers have written about the project several times. The turnout has been substantial and area principals are supportive of the project. Everyone has faith that Each 1 Reach 1 is making a difference.

During the month of the diaper collection, Timothy received many full cases and numerous packages in various sizes. One little girl brought a single diaper with her name taped onto it. This simple act was the project in a nutshell. People giving not from their abundance, but from their own sparse supply. It is reminiscent of the woman in the Bible who gave her last two coins.

Tim also volunteers in the ER at Lutheran Medical Center four hours per week. Since 1987 he has been a SHARE Colorado volunteer where he packs, sorts and distributes food on a monthly basis. He’s also President of Student Voice, member of the National Honor Society and key Club at Wheat Ridge High School and was recently honored by a local Denver television station as a “7 Everyday Hero.”

AL BEHRMAN

When Al Behrman returned to his hometown almost 20 years ago to care for his ailing mother, the only job he could find was driving a school bus. While driving the school bus, Behrman discovered the career he wished he would have found when he was younger – teaching. He saw the need in the children he befriended on his bus routes and decided to help them. During the past 20 years, he has found creative ways to make a difference in kids’ lives and the community has come to recognize him as an advocate for all children, especially those who come from single-parent, low-income homes.

Behrman has refurbished donated desks and desks he finds at St. Vincent de Paul for children who need a quiet study space at home. He checks out books from the local library and delivers them to children in trailer parks and apartment complexes. Children who meet reading goals are rewarded with treats and trips to McDonald’s, Devil’s Lake State Park to go swimming and Baxter Hollow, a local nature area, to spend the day exploring – all hosted by Behrman at his expense.

For seven years, Behrman ran a year-round tutoring program for children aged four to nine – volunteers helped him transport and tutor the children. Last summer a local elementary school’s parent support group paid for a school bus and Behrman transported children to and from his program. He makes sure that every child makes regular trips to the library and got their own library cards. Over the years, more than 100 children have benefited from his informal, fun approaches to learning.

In 1996, the Baraboo Literacy Council awarded Behrman its first Individual Award, given annually to individuals who show outstanding support for improving literacy and ongoing education in Baraboo. In 2000, he was awarded the J. Martin Wolman Outstanding Service Award, given by Wisconsin State Journal Youth Services Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin, to recognize people who have made a significant contribution to the welfare of children and who have inspired others to do the same.

Due to poor health, Behrman, 69, hopes someone else will take over his tutoring program. He continues to volunteer almost daily at South Elementary School in Baraboo – tutoring, telling stories with handmade puppets, helping in the computer lab or helping to fix things that break. One year he gave every teacher in the school a boom box so that the kids could be exposed to different kinds of music. Another year he donated money so that the teachers could buy something they needed for the classrooms.

Behrman says that he does not understand why more retired people do not see that the kids in their communities need them. He said he could see it the first day on the bus.