Marc Vandermeer "Voice of the Texans" Honored by Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas

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Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas

Apr 23, 2012, 08:05 ET

HOUSTON, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas announced that Marc Vandermeer has been chosen from 171,000 U.S. volunteers to be awarded one of the organization's highest recognition for volunteerism, the Silver Leadership Award. Vandermeer was presented with the award at the Marc Vandermeer Golf Classic presented by Insperity and Sam's Club, an annual benefit golf tournament he helped establish what it is today.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101006/JASETXLOGO)

Junior Achievement's Silver Leadership Award honors volunteer excellence. It is presented in recognition of participation and leadership in supporting and expanding JA's student impact, resources and/or operational excellence and sustainability.

Vandermeer, who recently agreed to expand his role as "The Voice of Texans" has been involved with Junior Achievement for nearly a decade. Since 2005, the Marc Vandermeer Golf Classic has raised money to fund Junior Achievement education programs that will serve over 231,000 children this year. Through Marc's leadership, he has engaged presenting sponsors to include Insperity, and Sam's Clubs to generate more than $125,000 to provide JA programs to students in nearly 900 schools throughout southeast Texas. Vandermeer also serves on the JA of Southeast Texas Board of Directors where he remains an active member and volunteer.

"Marc Vandermeer is an incredible representative of the Houston Texans and this community," said Rick Franke, President, JA of Southeast Texas. "Being a local celebrity he could have just lent his name as the marquee sponsor and left it at that, but he didn't. Instead, year after year, he has jumped in and shown his real hands-on leadership and commitment to JA's mission. We are all very fortunate to have him in Houston."

The Marc Vandermeer Golf Classic presented by Insperity and Sam's Club is held at South Shore Harbour Country Club annually. This year, the event hosted more than 250 golfers who enjoyed not only great golf but also food vendors dotted throughout the course. The event culminated in an awards dinner and charity auction with all proceeds benefitting Junior Achievement.

Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas has been educating children about the principles of entrepreneurship, personal finance and workforce readiness since 1945. For more information about JA and how to register for next year's tournament, visit www.jahouston.org.

CONTACT: Kevin Hattery, 713.682.4500, ext 231

SOURCE Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas