Americans Honored for Creating Change in Their Communities

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Apr 07, 2011, 11:54 ET

2011 Make A Difference Day Awards Highlight Volunteer Leadership

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2011 national Make A Difference Day Award honorees will be recognized for their grassroots voluntary action at the Make A Difference Day Awards luncheon on April 14 in Washington, D.C.

Presented by USA WEEKEND Magazine in partnership with Newman's Own, Inc. and HandsOn Network, a division of Points of Light Institute and the nation's largest mobilizer of volunteers, Make A Difference Day has for two decades inspired millions to serve their communities and make positive change. Celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday in October, Make A Difference Day connects people with opportunities to serve, increases the strength of communities and promotes civic engagement.

"I'm truly moved by the caring and creativity of our readers," said Chuck Gabrielson, president and publisher of USA WEEKEND. "Every year, millions respond to our invitation to reach out to others in their community. This shows the power of local newspapers to inspire and influence Americans." USA WEEKEND is carried in more than 800 newspapers with a combined readership of 48 million.

"The 2011 Make A Difference Day honorees demonstrate the best of our national spirit of service," said Michelle Nunn, CEO, Points of Light Institute, and co-founder, HandsOn Network. "The stories told here show that anyone – regardless of age, location or resources – can accomplish amazing things when they take on the problems they see in their community. It is through citizen engagement that we will change our world."

Special guests include Emmy Award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts as master of ceremonies and Grammy Award-winning musician Darius Rucker as keynote speaker.

Newman's Own supports the day by providing $10,000 awards to 10 volunteer efforts recognized as national Make A Difference Day honorees. In addition, three cities will be awarded $10,000 each from Newman's Own in recognition of their Make A Difference Day good deeds. One past national honoree will receive the Encore Award of $10,000 from the Gannett Foundation.

"Volunteerism was always a priority for Paul Newman and continues to be for Newman's Own. We hope that by providing the awards each year they will serve as inspiration for others to join in, answer a need and keep a great thing going," said Tom Indoe, president and COO of Newman's Own, Inc.

2011 Make A Difference Day Award honorees:

Joanne Marcil, Rochester Hills, Mich.
AnnMarie Castrogiovanni, Valley Stream, N.Y.
Addie and Delaney Kenney, Guilford, Conn.
Rinck Advertising and Maine McDonald's owner/operators, Auburn, Maine
Nicole Muller, Charlottesville, Va.
Dubuque Area Weatherization Challenge, Dubuque, Iowa
Nicholas Cobb, Allen, Texas
Linda Wieck and Diane Meyer, Plymouth, Wis.
Lisa Klein, Oakland, Calif.
Natalie Snider, Grand Isle, La.
Wenatchee, Wash.
Mesa, Ariz.
Trenton, Ohio
Wheaton, Ill.

(Please visit www.pointsoflight.org/press-releases to read additional details about the 2011 Make A Difference Day Award honorees.)

About USA WEEKEND Magazine

USA WEEKEND Magazine is a national weekly magazine, distributed through more than 800 newspapers in the United States. It created Make A Difference Day in 1992. Awarded for its journalism and design, USA WEEKEND focuses on social issues, entertainment, health, food and travel. USA WEEKEND is a Gannett Co., Inc., publication. For more information, visit usaweekend.com.

About HandsOn Network

HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, is the largest volunteer network in the nation and includes 250 HandsOn Action Centers in 16 countries. HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and nonprofit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating meaningful change in their communities. Annually, the network delivers approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at $626 million. For more information, please visit HandsOnNetwork.org.

About Points of Light Institute

Points of Light Institute inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. The Institute has a global focus to redefine volunteerism and civic engagement for the 21st century, putting people at the center of community problem solving. We are organized to innovate, incubate and activate new ideas that help people act upon their power to make a difference. Points of Light Institute operates three dynamic business units that share our mission: HandsOn Network, MissionFish and the Civic Incubator. For more information, visit PointsofLight.org.

About Newman's Own, Inc.

Newman's Own ®, Inc., founded by Paul Newman in 1982, is a successful and growing premium food business. Newman's Own offers more than 100 varieties of delicious all-natural food and beverage products, which include salad dressings, pasta sauces, salsas, popcorn, lemonade, and thin & crispy frozen pizza. Based in Westport, Conn., the charitable mission of Newman's Own®, Inc., was expressed by Paul in the company motto: "Shameless exploitation in pursuit of the Common Good." Newman's Own Foundation continues Paul Newman's commitment to donate all profits to charity. More than $300 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982.