| Extraordinary Profiles - Humanity |
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Terry Grahls
Transforming Lives From the Outside In
Terry Grahls - a life-changer who has helped rebuild lives from the outside in for women and families living in homeless shelters.
As an award-winning interior decorator, Grahls is using her creative eye for design and her love for making a difference to help improve and brighten the lives of the less fortunate.
Her passion? To inspire people to dream while they’re awake.
As a visionary and as the founder of Enchanted Makeovers, her love for decorating has resulted in amazing transformations for shelter residents living in her community. She’s found her true calling.
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Jose Guzman
Changing the Lives of People with Alzheimer's
As a former major league pitcher for the Texas Rangers, Jose Guzman has had more winning games than one might imagine. He’s thrown hundreds of curve balls and has also received many of them from his on-field opponents as well.
Guzman began his career as a successful pro ball free agent with the Texas Rangers in 1985 when he was 22 years old. For the next three seasons he won 34 games and pitched over 200 innings twice. Overall, Guzman compiled an 80-74 record in 193 major league appearances with the Rangers and Chicago Cubs.
Years ago life threw his mother a curve ball that changed her life and ultimately Guzman’s perspective on life. His mom suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, but her suffering was not in vain. It inspired Guzman to make a difference in the lives of other elderly individuals who suffered from the disease. He started a charity foundation, Guzman 23 Foundation. The mission is to provide financial assistance to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and their families or loved ones when finances or basic insurance is unavailable.
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Tamara A. Smith
Inspiring Women and Young Ladies to Live Purposeful Lives
Helping people improve their lives has always been a part of Tamara Smith's life’s purpose. From corporate America to the non-profit sector, she has made a difference by improving the health and well being of individuals and families, providing opportunities for women to improve their economic sustainability and developing young leaders.
For the past 30 years, Smith has held positions that have enabled her to make leadership decisions on health care plans affecting thousands of lives. She has served as President and CEO of D.C. Chartered Health Plan, CEO and Executive Vice President of Capital Community Health Plan, Director of Government Relations and Director of Marketing at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, and in other top leadership positions.
While fulfilling her passion for helping people improve their health and well being, Smith has made an amazing transition from corporate America to the non-profit sector and currently serves as CEO of the YWCA, National Capital Area.
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Geir Ness
Celebrity Fragrance Designer Runs New York Marathon in Memory of Champion Grete Waitz
Geir Ness came to America to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor. He has achieved amazing success – but not as an actor. As a celebrity fragrance designer, Ness is living his ultimate dream. He’s using his success to inspire others to live happy and healthy lives.
Ness arrived in America with a very little money, but his passion and thirst for success has allowed him to achieve an amazing feat that others thought impossible. Through his company Laila, Ness is not only enjoying his success as a fragrance designer, but he’s sharing it with thousands of people as he travels across the country spreading his message of hope.
His love and caring spirit was most evident through his bold decision to team with Norwegian Olympic Gold Medalist Grete Waitz, who recently lost her battle with cancer in April of 2011.
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Bev Smith
The Queen of Talk Radio—Tackles Tough Issues & Advocates for Humanity
She’s bold, tenacious and willing to take on subjects others are afraid to tackle. She’s Bev Smith, the woman with the golden voice heard across the airwaves in America. Through her radio show, “The Bev Smith Show," she is committed to bringing controversial societal issues to the forefront. Smith has never been afraid to tackle issues such as homelessness, AIDS and illiteracy. As a matter of fact she’s lived with the homeless, talked to inmates on death row and walked the streets communicating with prostitutes. Smith has received nearly 300 awards and many other commendations for her contributions in television and radio. |
Diana Epstein
Giving the Gift of Sight to Thousands
Diana Epstein is a young woman who is passionate about helping the less fortunate.
She involved her community in a project that she developed called See for Change to make a difference in the lives of the visually impaired. Through her efforts and with the help of her community, See for Change raised over $6,000 and collected 5,000 pairs of glasses last year for New Eyes for the Needy, a non-profit organization that was founded in 1932, by Julia Lawrence Terry. New Eyes for the Needy is committed to providing eyeglasses to needy children and adults across the United States, as well as developing countries around the world.
As the brainchild behind See for Change, Epstein is proud to support New Eyes for the Needy. See for Change has personal meaning for Epstein. She was born with double cataracts, and had them removed at the age of four.
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Jacqueline Downey
An Advocate for Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity -- it has become an epidemic in today’s society. That's what inspired Jacqueline Downey to become an advocate for children who are overweight. She founded an organization called, Those Picked Last.
Through her foundation, Downey addresses the issues of childhood obesity. Through her personal experiences of raising an adopted child with obesity, she has garnered the support of political leaders, doctors, teachers and parents who share her enthusiasm for creating a solution to a nationwide problem.
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Michelle Hollaendar
Helping Hands for Central American Communities
As a native of Guatemala, Michelle Hollaender knows all to well about the living conditions of the people in her country.
As Director of Public Relations of HELPS, International, she is thrilled that she’s made a positive impact on communities in the country.
HELPS is the brain child of Co-Founder and President Stephen W. Smith, who joined Paul Townsend in 1982 to bring the necessities of food, clothing and blankets to the refugees of Guatemala during the height of that country's conflict. The organization’s main focus is to aid Guatemalans and Mexicans.
Hollaender has played a major role in shaping and developing programs to help citizens of that country become self-sufficient, while providing them with hope for a better future.
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Ashlee and Chris Kleinert
Changing the Economic Outlook for Out-of-Work Senior Executives
From CEOs and executives, to secretaries, auto mechanics and other professions, it is pretty safe to say that most of us know of someone who has lost their job or who have experienced a cut in pay due to the state of the economy.
On the bright side, one couple is determined to change the outlook for unemployed executives.
Through their non-profit organization, Executives In Action (EIA), Ashlee and Chris Kleinert’s vision is two-fold. They are helping unemployed senior executives to rebuild self-esteem and providing them with hope for the future by utilizing their talents and skills while they are seeking employment.
Secondly, they’re helping non-profit organizations become self-sufficient in their mission to sustain their communities. |
Jerricho Cotchery
Devoted to Family and Community
Insightful Player™ Jerricho Cotchery, the second youngest of 13 children, awakened to a new life and new vision, but it took a tragic event for him to realize that he had much to be thankful for.
As some other young people in America's inner cities have done, Jerricho joined a gang. He was 12 years old at the time. He joined in an attempt to fill a void in his life that was unclear to him, but he believed that something was missing from his life. That experience, however, would teach him a lesson of a lifetime, one that has become engrained in his memory and his soul.
His life as a gang member taught him lessons that he shares with young people through the Cotchery Foundation. His vision is to have the foundation instill hope, inspiration and excitement in the lives of young kids who live in communities similar to the one where he grew up.
As a humanitarian, Cotchery is inspiring young kids and helping them realize that there's a lot more to life than gangs and that they should dream big. |
Heath Evans
A True Champion for Children Around the World
Growing up in a disciplined and faith-filled home has had an astounding impact on Insightful Player™ Heath Evans. Today, he is the Running Back for the New Orleans Saints and he’s living the life of a champion on and off the field. As a humanitarian, Evans is helping kids and parents effectively deal with child abuse issues through his organization, the Heath Evans Foundation.
As a young child, he learned many of life’s lessons through his father’s experiences, which also enabled him to build a solid foundation for his future. As an ex-Marine, his father instilled in him the importance of being open and honest with himself and others.
With the strength and inspiration Evans gained from his father’s stories and the help of both parents, he was well prepared for the challenges that he would encounter. |
Sarfo Abebrese
Africa’s Date with Destiny Has Come and Gone
But the Dream Lives On
For many years it has been one of the most popular sports around the world, the sport of soccer or football as it is often called throughout Africa.
During the 2010 World Cup series held in South Africa, it is estimated that over 24.3 million people watched the game between Spain and the Netherlands. The 2010 series set a record for being the most-viewed World Cup ever on English-language television.
As people around the world watched the game, Sarfo Abrebrese was behind the scenes planning strategies to change the lives of many Africans, and the World Cup presented a unique opportunity, in Abrebrese’s view, to implement his plans. |
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Dr. Bill Dorfman
Brightening Smiles and Lives
He may be known as the dentist to the stars, but to thousands of underprivileged, disabled and seriously ill children around the world, Dr. William Dorfman is the celebrity.
He’s become a star in his own right as a featured dentist on such television shows as “The Doctors” and “Extreme Makeover.” He has blazed a trail as bright as the smiles he’s created over the years and his future is destined to continue shining brightly as he transform lives, one smile at a time.
This innovative and brilliant entrepreneur is widely recognized as one of America’s leading dentists. He’s also a dedicated humanitarian and one of only 33 Fellows in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
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Chrissy Carew
Inspiring Excellence in Everyone
Today, as some may agree, the world has changed in a way that leaves us wondering, what’s happening? Where are we headed? It seems that we’re losing hope. Whatever happened to dreaming big and living life to its fullest?
It sometimes seems that we’ve given up on our dreams; we’re living in doubt and fear with no plans of how we’re going to make the future better than the present.
Visionary Chrissy Carew has a plan – one that will restore hope. It will inspire young boys and girls, who are our future, to dream big, become excited about growing up and envision making significant contributions to the world.
As the founder of Insightful Players, Carew is on a mission to help make the world a better place. She is reaching thousands of young people through Insightful PlayersTM, a project that was borne from her desire to uplift and inspire young people around the world to be the best they can be. She’s reaching them through current and former NFL players who are passionate about inspiring their fans and young people through their life experiences. This project will have a lasting impact throughout communities around the world.
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Matthew Jurian
An Angel of Mercy Gives Abundant Life to Children of India
For thousands of children in India, Matthew Kurian is an angel of mercy. As founder of El Shaddai Charitable Trust, Kurian has been rescuing women and street children in the slums of India for over 12 years.
Kurian gained a new perspective on life after visiting a slum in India. Women and children begging, eating out of garbage cans and living in desperation – it was a scene he would never forget. During that visit Kurian realized his life’s purpose.
He founded El Shaddai, a charitable organization, to care for orphans, street children and women who live in economically ravaged conditions within the communities and slums of India.
The organization’s mission is to provide the children with food, shelter, clothing and an opportunity to live a normal childhood. Many of the children’s lives have been drastically altered because their parents have terminal diseases or have been imprisoned.
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Baroness Monica von Neumann
Bringing Love, Compassion and Hope to Others
As a young child, Baroness Monica von Neumann had dreams of what she wanted to become when she grew up. She had an incredible passion for dance, ballet and jazz. Following in her mom’s footsteps, Baroness von Neumann pursued her desire to become a dancer. She also had a deep love for history. Would either of them play a major role in her life?
Her mom taught her to be an independent thinker, to look beyond the ordinary, to think outside the box and be open to new opportunities. With that advice Baroness von Neumann has created an extraordinary life for herself.
Within a short period she has succeeded in a number of roles. As a wife, she dedicated her life to her husband. As a dancer and model, she lived a dream that few young ladies fulfill. As a business woman she has blazed an amazing entrepreneurial trail. Fourth, but not least, she is an outstanding philanthropist and humanitarian.
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Ron Clark
The Ron Clark Academy
The Ron Clark Academy is a place where award-winning visionaries instill dreams and a passion for learning in the minds and hearts of young children. It is a place where they can learn to become responsible adults.
Clark has been called America’s Educator, and rightfully so. As Founder of the Ron Clark Academy, he has created a model for educators around the world. They are able to glean insights into teaching methods that they can take back to their classrooms.
Aristotle once said, “The roots of education can be bitter, but the fruit is sweet”. Within the minds and hearts of the youth who attend the academy, Clark has planted seeds of hope and innovation. He is reaping the benefits through kids who are eager to learn, who are graduating with honors, overcoming academic challenges and becoming model citizens. For many of them, the academy has opened doors of opportunity that would not exist otherwise.
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Ana Maria Alvarez
Building Solid Connections Between Latinos and Blacks and other Races
Fusing dance with culture, politics and life, CONTRA-TIEMPO espouses that though the world is filled with people of diverse ethnicities, we can work together to achieve a common goal.
For Founder Ana Maria Alvarez, the goal is to change the world through dance. “Our unique Urban Latin Dance Theater brings to life voices that are not traditionally heard on the concert stage, while building community spirit, facilitating dialogue and moving youth to imagine what is possible in the world,” says Alvarez.
Through her programs, Alvarez has created a platform for young people and adults to learn the power of communication through dance rather than violence.
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Dr. Carnell Cooper
Heal the Body. Redirect the Mind.
There’s no denying that many cities across the America have high crime rates but there are those who are determined to do something about it. Dr. Cooper brought positive change to his community through his profession as a doctor. He is saving lives inside and outside of the operating room.
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Osprey Orielle Lake
Artist and Visionary
It is through her vision as an artist that Osprey Orielle Lake has used her extraordinary talents to bring us closer to nature.
Lake is one of a small number of females who design monuments. She infuses a reflection of cultural diversity, nature and a sense of connection into her designs. Through her work, she allows citizens of the world to see the true beauty of nature. She addresses how “narrative artworks can bring balance, connection and hope into the hearts of our cities and homes.”
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Mona Purdy
Saving the Soles of Thousands
“It’s not what my kids have, it’s teaching them what they can give,” Mona says. “We’ve all become better people. When you want to nourish your own soul, reach out and do something for someone else.”
It was a defining moment. It was a trip that left a lasting impression on Mona Purdy. She never imagined while traveling through Guatemala to help a cycling team that she would witness such heart-wrenching living conditions of the families in that region of the world.
“The kids had feet I’ve never seen before. They painted hot tar on the bottom of their feet to run. I have always taught my children to be aware of people and their situations. On the way home I kept thinking of the song by Diana Ross - 'Reach out and touch somebody’s hand, make this world a better place if you can.' “Something changed in me. When I arrived home, my kids also noticed the change in me."
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Rosemarie Mbone Olive Enie
An Agent for Change
Her Vision? To be a catalyst for economic change and to help women become self-sufficient members of African society. Rosemary’s focus is to ensure that one of the most essential natural elements of life -- clean water -- is available to every citizen of every African nation.
Women play the most important role in keeping the family together but they lack the tools and education needed to improve their individual lives.
Rosemary has dedicated much of her adult life to helping women succeed in a nation where women are recognized as keepers of the family rather than participants in leadership roles. She is determined to bring Africa to a new level of sustainability by empowering women to become more involved in enhancing their self-sufficiency and enabling them to become greater contributors to the societies in which they live.
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Marcus Gilbert
A Great Boss and a Hero
Marcus Gilbert has demonstrated that some bosses go above and beyond the call of duty. As owner of a Charley’s Grilled Subs franchise in Orem, Utah, Marcus made a decision to give his employee, Juan Delgado a second chance at life by donating one of his kidneys to Juan. His decision was based on compassion, love and a belief that placing the needs of others before your own is the right thing to do. Marcus Gilbert’s decision has changed Juan’s life forever.
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Kate Volman
Female, Fabulous and Beautiful
She’s fabulous and beautiful and she’s teaching girls to think and feel the same about themselves. Self-esteem has long been an issue with young girls but Kate Volman is helping to change the way girls see themselves in her local community of Boca Raton, Florida.
Her award-winning program, Female and Beautiful has made a tremendous difference not only in the lives of the girls but it has given their parents the hope and the inspiration they need to communicate with their daughters.
Parents have noticed an amazing change in their daughters’ attitudes and their grades, as well as their outlook on life. Mother-daughter relationships have drastically improved.
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George Lutz, Sr.
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes with a Unique Flag
George Lutz, Sr. has created a flag that stands as a symbol for all of those who have fallen inlcuding his son. The flag designed by him and his youngest son is presented to families who have lost loved ones in wars dating back to the Vietnam War.
Since launching the project on Memorial Day, 2008 his organization (www.honorandremember.org) has donated over 130 personalized flags.
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Maureen Blaha
Executive Director - National Runaway Service
Many of us either know a child or a parent whose child could become a run away. Maureen Blaha, Executive Director of the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and her team of volunteers have made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of parents and children who are facing issues dealing with runaway teens.
As Executive Director, Maureen’s objective is to work toward fulfilling the organization’s mission of keeping America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. She consistently works with the board to develop a multi-year strategic plan and to oversee and manage the successful implementation of that plan, from awareness and funding to volunteer support.
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Judy Kendall
Giving Zambian Orphans a New Life
Judy Kendall’s commitment to making life better for others is exemplary. Three years ago after witnessing news stories of abandoned orphans in African countries, she made a decision and personal commitment to change her life and make a difference in the lives of those who were helpless and suffering. |
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Ray Buchanan
Ending World Hunger - A Personal Approach
We all have goals that we’d like to achieve but can you imagine setting a goal such as ending world hunger. Former Marine and Reverend Ray Buchanan is dedicated to doing just that. “We have a vision of ending hunger in our lifetime,” he states.
He’s an ex-Marine with a heart of gold, determined to eradicate hunger and change the world from a personal approach. Eliminate hunger, you say? Rev. Buchanan says it’s possible. Through his organization, End Hunger Now, Buchanan and thousands of volunteers have provided millions of meals to hungry people around the world.
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Alastair Galpin
Breaking World Records for Worthy Causes
He’s a dreamer, an innovator and a humanitarian.
Most of us have never broken a world record. For Alastair Galpin, it is his life’s passion and mission to break as many records as possible. He has broken more records than you can imagine, but not just for the sake of breaking them.
Some may think he’s quirky, others may think he’s just a little extreme, but there’s a distinct reason for everything he does. Alastair uses his love of breaking records to bring exposure to various charities around the world.
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Stephan Bekale
From Hoops to Hope
Stephan Bekale, a Gabon native had a dream – a small boy born into a family stricken with poverty with very little hope for change surrounding him, but he never lost sight of his dream.
He often dreamed that one day he’d be like Mike (Michael Jordan), Ewing Patrick Ewing) , Magic (Magic Johnson) and many others who played professional basketball. His inspiration came from watching American basketball on television at home in Gabon.
His American basketball heroes include Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
Born and raised in Gabon, this young, smart and enthusiastic lad already knew what he wanted to do. He had a strong desire to achieve success and greatness and eventually others saw that in him as well. As a teenager he had a game plan to come to America to get an education and play professional basketball.
Well, the day finally arrived when Stephan was ready to fulfill his dream. At age 15 he left friends and family behind and set forth to America. |
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Philip Whatley
Standing Up for Change
To what extent would you go to change your living conditions if they were substandard? Would you accept it, would you look to someone do something about it or would you make changes. What would it take for you to take a stand against intolerable situations?
Stand up was what Philip Whatley and several other students decided to do. And because they stood up, change eventually began to take place.
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Allen Cage and Lynda Mann
Dropping In On Dropouts
Do you have a child who may be at risk of dropping out of school? Many of us either know a child who has fallen behind, or are at risk of not completing school.Together, Allen and Lynda formed a foundation that has helped change the lives of thousands of at-risk youth. They created Youth Quest, an organization whose core purpose is to provide educational scholarships and award them to at-risk teens who have chosen to participate in programs to help them restructure their lives.
It began with a conversation with a mother who didn't have the $600 she needed to send her kids to the Youth ChalleNGe Progam in Georgia. It was a challenge that Allen and Lynda saw not only as a personal responsibility but as an investment in America's future. They were able to raise the $600, and thus the idea behind the Youth Quest Foundation was born.
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Ron Davidson
Gleaning for the World
Would you voluntarily give up your four bedroom home to live in a basement apartment so that others might benefit? That is exactly what Reverend Ron Davidson and his wife did. In 1998 he decided to devote his entire life to helping the homeless and others in need. |
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 John Young
Uplifting Villages One Home at a Time
It takes a village to raise a child. That is the saying today and it’s a true statement. It also takes a village to build a home, and it takes a village to build hope and self-sufficiency.
John Young, a former clothing manufacturer, has dedicated his life to building hope and homes within Native Americans tribes. |
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Elimelech Goldberg
Healing Through Karate
He has incredible insight and an uncanny ability to help children who are in pain and suffering from cancer.
If you are an adult who has lived with cancer, then you know how the pain and stress is intensified for children living with this disease. Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi G. as he is often called, created Kids Kicking Cancer and he is using his experience in the martial arts to help kids deal with the disease. He is using his talents as a tool for empowerment to help children gain control over fear and pain. Through his program these bold young souls learn to positively deal with hair loss, mortality, academic, social and many other issues compounded by cancer. The training they receive through Kids Kicking Cancer helps them participate in the healing process. These children are able to gain confidence and to face their fears and the disease head-on. |
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Neil Willenson
A Champion for Kids with HIV/AIDS
At the age of 20 Neil decided to help change the life of a 5-year old boy named Sandeen who was shunned by his community because he had AIDS.
17 years later, Neil has extended the love and compassion he had for Sandeen to thousands of other kids across America. He sacrificed his dreams of becoming a feature film producer so that kids with HIV/AIDS could experience a little sunshine in their lives. |
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Dirk Thomas - A True Gift of Brotherly Love
 Think for a moment. How many friends do you have that you can call on anytime day or night that will be there for you?
Dirk Thomas and Thomas Mierzwiak had been friends for about eight years and their daughters also shared friendships through the sport of soccer.
After realizing his friend Thomas was ill and in need of a kidney, Dirk immediately offered one of his. Without a second thought he chose to give the gift of life to Thomas – giving him a second chance at life.
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Ann Woodford - Uniting Her Community
It began 10 years ago in Andrews, North Carolina. Twenty-two African-American women who believed in change and the ability to make an impact on their community came together to discuss the state of African-American youth and adults in their local communities.
The idea was to form a group that possessed corporate leadership skills that would not only affect African-Americans but the entire community, helping to build stronger minds and enabling the community to become self-sufficient.
Presented with the first grant opportunity to match donated funds, twelve of the original twenty-two women responded with one-hundred dollars each, hence the name One Dozen Who Care, Inc., a 501c (3) non-profit organization. Ann Woodford is the Founder and Executive Director. |
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James Morgan & Tom Griffin - Haiti's Miracle
Dr. James Morgan and attorney Thomas Griffin are incredible human beings who are performing amazing selfless miracles for the poverty-stricken population in the urban slums of Haiti in Cite Soleil. James and Thomas have chosen to use their talents and skills as a physician and attorney respectively to reach beyond their socio economic backgrounds to make a world of difference in the lives of many suffering Haitians. Their love, caring and kind spirit is a testimonial that love transcends all socio-economic backgrounds. |
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John Wood - Room to Read
It was the birth of a defining moment – one that changed his life and has affected the lives of thousands of families worldwide. While on a sabbatical from the exciting, yet hustle and bustle of being a marketing executive at Microsoft, John Wood’s life’s purpose would forever change.
While on a trek in Nepal, he was invited to visit a local school in a small village, but much to his surprise he found himself in the middle of poverty, not utopia. – This little detour resulted in a grand detour in his life’s plan. He was invited by the headmaster to see the library, but very few books existed. Amazed at the fact there were only a few books in the library, John instantly made a personal vow to help. The headmaster’s words to John, “Perhaps you will some day return with books” became John’s vision – to make a difference in the lives of thousands of young kids. John returned home with a new vision and a changed heart. |
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Antoine Jasmine - Changing Communities One Child at a Time
Antoine Jasmine has the vision and heart to change the world through ministry. At a young age he began molding his life to be a model for today’s youth. As a high school student at Reserve Christian High School he achieved perfect attendance, was awarded most improved student, class favorite and most talented student.
At an early age he knew his life’s calling would be to spread the gospel and today he mentors and ministers to young people across and America and abroad. This shy young kid at the age of 16 received his divine calling while attending a youth camp. |
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