Bean Highlights Volunteerism at Events in All Three Eighth District Counties

Press Release

BEAN HIGHLIGHTS VOLUNTEERISM AT EVENTS IN ALL THREE EIGHTH DISTRICT COUNTIES

Last night, the House passed H.Res.293, which supports the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week. To further acknowledge the goals of this week, Congresswoman Melissa Bean recently participated in events in Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties recognizing volunteers in her district, and today has highlighted some of her young constituents for their outstanding service.

Addressing the Lake County After School Coalition Youth Empowerment Summit last Tuesday, Bean helped the organization's initiative that encourages 7th and 8th grade students throughout Lake County to recognize the significant role they can play in making their community a better place to live. The students participated in a series of activities during the day-long summit that focused on developing leadership and organizational skills to motivate other teens in proposing and advancing healthy choices.

On Saturday, Bean delivered the kick-of address to over 250 students, faculty, staff, family and friends of Roosevelt University who volunteered in the Chicago and Schaumburg-area communities as part of the fourth annual New Deal Service Day hosted by the University. Also on Saturday, Bean spoke at the "Step It Up" rally hosted at McHenry County College to raise awareness of global climate change and encourage individual citizens to do their part to help address the issue.

"It is an honor to represent a district that is home to so many citizens dedicated to improving the lives of others," Bean said. "The enthusiasm at each volunteer event and the individual accomplishments of countless constituents demonstrate that commitment to bettering our communities and our country."

Emphasizing the contribution everyone can make to their community, Bean singled out some of her own young constituents who have donated their time, creativity and energy to do their part for their community and country. These include:

1. Rishi Sethi (18, Barrington Hills) - Named 1 of 2 top youth volunteers in Illinois for 2007 by the 12th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, Sethi founded the Barrington School District Chess Club 9 years ago and its events have subsequently raised $10,000 for local and international charities.

2. Brittany Metz (17, Mundelein) - Distinguished finalist and recipient of the bronze medallion from Prudential Awards, Metz started a leadership program at her school to replace student council and include community service and student outreach.

3. Jason Redford (10, Gurnee) - Redford started Operation Talk to a Troop to encourage school kids to write hundreds of letters of appreciation to our troops overseas.

4. Constituents who have donated their hair to be used in wigs for the sick are Rebecca Tidaback (10, Hoffman Estates); Jennifer Willney (13, Palatine), and Clair Lynch (9, Schaumburg).

5. Kelly Voigt (14, Palatine) - Recent recipient of a BRICK Award, Voigt was badly bitten by dog at 7 and has since turned the horrible experience into good for the community, joining with psychologists to develop "Prevent the Bite," an initiative that teaches children how to remain safe when around dogs.

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