Cornerstone Alliance
38 W. Wall Steet, P.O. Box 428
Benton Harbor, MI 49023-0428
269.925.6100
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Local Champions for Change Initiative Launched

Benton Harbor, MI—Friday, June 4, 2010— A new local Champions for Change initiative was launched at a special event held in Benton Harbor City Center. The event was hosted and led by Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce.

Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Pat Moody served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Moody shared, "One thing that I have always been amazed by in this community is the generosity and willingness of so many to work together to make a difference whether it is though the donation of funds or time. This is an extraordinary community that I am proud to call home."

In 2007, Moody was recognized as the "Volunteer of the Decade" by the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan for serving organizations like Lake Michigan College, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Blossomtime and many others. "That is why, when the Chamber was asked to assist with this new initiative, I viewed it as more of an honor than anything else," added Moody. "The new Champions for Change initiative is about people coming together to make a difference for the community they call home. It is about people helping people. It’s a reflection of those that volunteer in our community and people who make a difference every day. It is a celebration of the individuals and organizations that are making us Michigan's Great Southwest."

"Everyone that calls Michigan's Great Southwest home and gives of themselves to make a difference in the community is a Champion for Change," said Moody. "And change is something this community has definitely seen over the years whether it is physical development projects like City Center where we are standing today or Edgewater, Harbor Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy Carter Work Project in addition to the recently completed 21-unit Crystal Estates project in 2009, the development of homes in Harbor Town, the improvements to Benton Harbor Main Street or life changing projects like the First Tee program, Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, the HOSTS mentoring program and so many others. We have a lot to celebrate when it comes to creating a changing community."

"2010 is a monumental year for our community. There is much to celebrate… Harbor Habitat’s 100th home, growth of the Boys and Girls Club and First Tee programs, The Grand Opening of The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, the completion of HOPE VI housing initiatives, the 104th year of the Blossomtime Parade, the opening of the new Silver Beach Center, Whirlpool’s preparation for their 100th anniversary, and much more. The Champions for Change initiative allows us to celebrate the individuals that have made this all possible," stated Moody.

One of the many organizations that is changing the lives of the youth in our community is the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor. Executive Director Doug Schaffer said, "Benton Harbor Youth face numerous challenges including multiple generations of chronic poverty. It is our vision and passion to provide relationship-driven mentorship and coaching for the youth of the Benton Harbor community. On average we are working with around 200 youth each day. Additionally, we house and have a partnership with the First Tee program, which uses golf to teach life skills."

"The many volunteers of the Boys and Girls Club and the First Tee program make it possible for us to touch the lives of the youth of the community. Additionally, none of the support we provide would be possible without the financial support we receive from so many. Thanks to these Champions for Change, youth of the community are experiencing opportunities they never thought were ever possible. Many of them now have the chance to receive a college education, as some of our past students have received their education and are now taking it to the next level," added Schaffer.

Another local organization that has truly impacted the lives of many is Harbor Habitat for Humanity. In 2010, Harbor Habitat will celebrate the construction of their 100th home. Harbor Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Mike Green said "As our organization celebrates its 15th Anniversary in the community, the homeowners who have benefited from our efforts say it best: "Someday I can help someone else the way Harbor Habitat helped me." It is about people helping people. It is about the Champions for Change...changing our area for the better."

United Way of Southwest Michigan is partnering with agencies, businesses and individuals to bring about change. They focus on the areas of education, income, health and basic needs. United Way President Anna Murphy said, "United Way works to mobilize the caring power of our community to make lasting changes. We need volunteers, advocates and financial support to make it all happen. We also realize that life brings challenges so we support services that give a hand up in crisis. We are blessed to have many Champions for Change helping us to meet our goals each year."

A key organization to bring volunteers to many of the area's non-profit organizations is the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan. Executive Director Doris Higgins said, "We make getting connected to the volunteer opportunity that matches your skills, interest and availability easier. Annually, we connect 2,500 adults, families, youth and groups with opportunities to serve. Our vision is "Everyone Volunteers!", let us connect you with the right opportunity for you."

"The Michigan's Great Southwest community is truly blessed to have so many individuals willing to give of their time to make a difference in the area. This community is full of Champions for Change," added Higgins.

One of many local businesses that embraces the philosophy of being a Champion for Change is United Federal Credit Union. President and CEO Gary Easterling said, "At United Federal Credit Union, we believe in community involvement. We support it as an organization and as individuals. Our company provides 8 hours of paid time for volunteerism with over 670 hours paid in 2009. In addition to the paid hours, we have tracked nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer activity from Team United and our employees contribute nearly 10,000 personal hours annually. We believe in being Champions for Change!"

Consortium for Community Development President and CEO Dr. Marcus Robinson shared his enthusiasm for this new initiative. "I am truly enthusiastic about the Champions for Change initiative. The Consortium for Community Development is comprised of over 30 different organizations working to make a difference in the Benton Harbor community, three of which are speakers at today's event. Each of organization brings a team of "Champions" to our efforts each day. I look forward to the great things that are going to happen as a result of this initiative. I also encourage community members who look out after their neighbors to consider themselves Champions for Change and to be a part of this special initiative underway in our great community."

Moody discussed ways that both businesses and individuals can become a part of the new initiative. He said, "We encourage businesses and organizations to use the Champions for Change logo in promotion materials or whenever a volunteer effort is underway in conjunction with existing logos or promotional items to show the power of a collective effort to make a difference in the community. The logo is a variable one wherein the bottom portion can be customized for use by all organizations and businesses. As part of the logo usage, the group or business will need to fill out an authorization form and abide by developed guidelines for logo usage."

"For individuals, we ask them to:
• Talk about it, Believe it, Live it, Be a "Champion for Change"
• Encourage others to be a "Champion"
• Join as a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/championsforchange
• Ultimately, it is a small yet important way to celebrate the unique elements that make our community a great place," concluded Moody.

The staff of Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce is serving as the driving force behind this community initiative. They can be reached directly as follows: Pat Moody, pmoody@cornerstonechamber.com, 269-757-0216 or Regina Ciaravino, rciaravino@cornerstonechamber.com, 269-757-0227.

Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization encouraging the growth of business through networking, advocacy, visibility and benefits for all of our members.
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