This year\u2019s honorees were selected from thousands of nationwide volunteer initiatives that took place October 26 during the 2013 Make A Difference Day. This year\u2019s winners embraced the spirit of volunteerism with efforts ranging from kids creating bed kits for underprivileged kids to eye surgeons performing cataract surgery free of charge for needy agricultural workers. These efforts have created a lasting and meaningful impact on their communities; the monetary awards will help ensure that the honorees are able to continue their projects.<\/p>\n
In addition to the fourteen award winners, Today Show co-hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie were honored at the event for their advocacy of Today\u2019s Shine a Light campaign, promoting volunteerism across the U.S. Additionally, Jon Bon Jovi<\/b> \u2013 the Grammy-award winning musician, philanthropist and founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation<\/b> — was also recognized for his commitment to giving back to the community. NBC News correspondent Jenna Bush Hager served as master of ceremonies for the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cGannett\u2019s purpose is to serve the greater good of the communities we reach and the volunteer efforts that take place on Make A Difference Day inspire us to live that purpose. Every action, big or small, makes an impact and will hopefully serve as an inspiration for many others to join in years to come,\u201d said Jim Lenahan, editor-in-chief of USA WEEKEND.<\/p>\n
\u201cPaul Newman was always very enthusiastic about Make A Difference Day and was thrilled to be part of such an initiative. Newman\u2019s Own proudly continues the tradition to help recognize the good that is going on around all of us. The dedication of the people involved in these winning initiatives is incredibly inspiring,\u201d said Tom Indoe, president and COO of Newman\u2019s Own, Inc.<\/p>\n
\u201cPoints of Light applauds the power that volunteers like these harness to make a real difference – in their communities, throughout the country and around the world,\u201d said Tracy Hoover, president of Points of Light. \u201cWe were founded almost 25 years ago by President George H. W. Bush, who has continually advanced the belief that \u2018any definition of a successful life includes service to others.\u2019 This year\u2019s awardees clearly embody that definition of success.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the awards ceremony, past national honoree, Assistance League of Burbank, CA, was also recognized with the All-Star Award\u2014a $10,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation, a corporate foundation sponsored by Gannett Co., Inc. that supports nonprofits in communities which Gannett serves.<\/p>\n
The ten 2013 Make A Difference Day Award honorees are:
\n\u2022 Bailey Snow, Granite Bay, CA
\n\u2022 Elijah Rodriguez, Leonardo, NJ
\n\u2022 Escambia Charter School, Cantonment, FL
\n\u2022 Jessica Carscadden, San Diego, CA
\n\u2022 Jessica Collins, Shelbyville, KY
\n\u2022 Nick Katsoris, Eastchester, NY
\n\u2022 Operation Access, Sonoma County, CA
\n\u2022 Peggy McGee, Green Valley, AZ
\n\u2022 Playworks DC, Washington, DC
\n\u2022 The University of Akron, Akron, OH<\/p>\n
The three 2013 City Award honorees are:
\n\u2022 City of Cleveland, TN
\n\u2022 Volunteer Action Center \u2013 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
\n\u2022 Weirton Madonna and Weir High Interact Clubs, Weirton, WV<\/p>\n