(Mission Times Courier - San Diego, CA) - When adversity strikes, the last thing most people think to do is push the envelope. Would a double amputee aspire to run with the president of the United States? Would a mom who had just nurtured her son through a bone marrow transplant for a rare form of leukemia decide to start a nonprofit organization?
This is exactly what some of the many extraordinary people recognized by the Energizer(r) Keep Going(r) Hall of Fame have done. Now receiving nominations for its third annual Hall of Fame inductee, Energizer established the contest to showcase the inspirational stories of remarkable individuals across America who have overcome the odds, gone beyond the call of duty, made a difference in the lives of others ... or all of the above.
In 2006, Energizer inducted its first winner, John O'Leary of St. Louis, Mo., into its Hall of Fame. O'Leary conquered overwhelming odds: When he was just nine years old, he was burned on 98 percent of his body in a fire accident. He had less than half a percent chance of surviving. But, survive he did, and today he operates his own rehab business, is a husband and proud father, and is active as a Big Brother and a chaplain at a local hospital.
Cal Ripken, Jr. is the first official member of the Energizer Keep Going(r) Hall of Fame and is leading the call for entries.
In 2001 he and his family established the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, in memory of the family's patriarch. The foundation helps teach life lessons through baseball to disadvantaged youth from all over the country and gives them a life-changing experience.
Melanie Goldish of Hoffman Estates, Ill., took the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame honors as the 2007 inductee. Goldish was inspired to found SuperSibs! (www.supersibs.org) after she saw how hard it was not only for her son who was diagnosed with leukemia, but also for his brother. Her organization reaches out to the brothers and sisters of more than 10,000 children in U.S. and Canada who are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Energizer is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Hall of Fame. "We're looking for people who never quit," says Betsy Laakko, Director of Marketing for Energizer. "Almost all of us know someone who is determined and has a can-do attitude. We're asking everyone to help us identify and honor those very energetic and inspirational people."
Tips for a "Can-Do" Lifestyle. Keep Going(r)
While it might be daunting to imagine achieving the same kinds of results as Energizer(r) Keep Going(r) Hall of Fame finalists, it's within anyone's reach to make a difference.
-Start Small. While many Americans might like to get more involved, it can sometimes be intimidating when you don't know where to start. Don't feel like you need to start your own nonprofit group to make a difference; realize that even if you pledge to volunteer one afternoon a week, your contributions count.
-Keep It Local. Another great way to get involved is to look around your own community. Read your church newsletter, pay attention at school meetings, browse the local newspaper - chances are, there are multiple organizations that would not only love to have volunteers, but are in real need of help.
-Follow Your Interests. Think of your passions and hobbies, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if cats make you nervous, it's probably safe to say you wouldn't make a great animal shelter volunteer. But, on the other hand, if you're good with finances, you'd probably be a natural to keep your preschool's accounts in order. Chances are, no matter what your skills or interests, there's a place where they can be utilized - and valued.
-Research Online. In today's ultra-connected world, it's easier than ever to find the information you need. Volunteering is no exception. With a little research, you can find a wealth of information specific to your needs, interests and location. Volunteermatch.org, volunteer.gov, servenet.org, volunteersolutions.org and 1-800-volunteer.org are just a few of the many sites expressly designed to get people matched up with the causes and organizations that need them most.
Call for Entries
Know someone who has that famed Energizer Bunny(r), never-quit spirit? Here's their chance to get the recognition they deserve. The third-annual Energizer(r) Keep Going(r) Hall of Fame is taking nominations through March 21.
Simply submit an essay up to 300 words, accompanied by a photo and/or video no more than three minutes long. The nomination should tell the story of the candidate's unstoppable spirit and why he or she deserves to be an inductee into the Keep Going Hall of Fame. Nominations can be made by going to www.energizer.com/halloffame.
A panel of independent judges will narrow the field to 100 semi-finalists, who will be honored in their hometowns. Then, 10 finalists will be selected, and their names and stories will be posted online. All of America will be given a chance to select the winner through an online vote in June. (Each vote will trigger a $1 donation from Energizer to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, up to $10,000.)
The lucky winner will receive $10,000, plus an additional $5,000 to donate to their favorite charity.
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