ARTS Board Chair, Jill Hammons, Nominated for 2010 Women Who Mean Business Award

ARTS team will show support at San Diego Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Awards luncheon on October 28

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, October 28, 2010, the San Diego Business Journal will host the 17th Annual Women Who Mean Business Awards, and ARTS will be present to support nominee Jill Hammons, ARTS' Board Chair.

As a founding member of ARTS, Jill Hammons has helped to build the organization, providing art-based programs to tens of thousands of kids.  She is currently the board chair, and believes firmly in ARTS' vision and mission to heal, inspire and empower children facing some of life's toughest challenges.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give," says Jill, quoting one of her favorite sayings. "I'm privileged to be a part of ARTS and to watch the difference we're making in kids' lives.  It's humbling to be honored with an award nomination for doing what I love, and what I feel it is my responsibility to do."

Jill also works as the Director of Membership at the USS Midway Museum, and has previously served on the boards of Executive Women International, the International Special Event Society and Passionfish.  Prior to her role at the USS Midway she served as Director of Special Events at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and has maintained a 14-year volunteer relationship with The Hole in the Wall Gang – Paul Newman's famous camp in Connecticut for children with cancer or serious blood diseases.  Jill previously received the Women Who Mean Business Social Service award in 1999 for her many endeavors in community outreach.

"We're so pleased and proud to see Jill recognized with a nomination.  Jill dedicates so much of her time and energy to her community – and especially to ARTS – it's no wonder she's up for a second 'Women Who Mean Business Award,'" said ARTS Founder and CEO, Matt D'Arrigo. "We can't wait to attend the awards luncheon to support Jill and the other nominees.  It's wonderful to see members of our community recognized for their commitment to making change that makes a difference."

About A Reason to Survive (ARTS)

Founded in 2001 by artist Matt D'Arrigo, ARTS is a local non-profit organization dedicated to healing, inspiring, and empowering children facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs, education and employment opportunities. ARTS provides visual, performing, and literary arts programs to thousands of youth annually at the Pat D'Arrigo ARTS Center, located at the NTC Promenade in Point Loma. This 7,000 square foot creative space includes visual and ceramic arts studios, a dance studio, music room, digital media room, and art gallery. ARTS also provides Community Outreach Programs to children at various partner sites such as hospitals, residential treatment facilities, shelters, rehabilitation centers, community groups, schools, and more. For more information, please call 619.297-ARTS(2787) or visit www.AReasonToSurvive.org

SOURCE A Reason to Survive (ARTS)