By: Liz deAvila
On March 16, 2010, almost 70 Young Leaders Society(YLS) members gathered at the House of Blues to honor six of their peers, each of whom is a stand-out community volunteer dedicated to making a difference in their communities and beyond. At the Community Rock Star Celebration, Brian Johns, Jessica Schaal, Cody McCray, Lauren Brinkmeyer Goebel, Kenyatta Anderson and Daniel William Tornil were each named a “Community Rock Star” and presented with an engraved keepsake star.
“The YLS Rock Stars event was a great time,” said Dan Tornil, YLS member and Rock Star honoree. “The House of Blues Foundation room is maybe the coolest venue in all of Chicago. It was great to meet some of the people making a difference in the community and people who care about their community.”
Recognized for their multitude of services, the “Rock Star” award celebrates those who consistently go the extra mile when answering the call to help others.
“I was very impressed with the YLS Rock Star event,” said Elizabeth Schmitt, YLS member. “It was inspirational to meet people so dedicated to helping their community. The event definitely motivated me to get more involved myself.”
Along with celebrating the good deeds of others, those who attended the event performed a good deed of their own by donating business clothes and/or money to Jane Addams Hull House (JAHH), an organization that works to improve social conditions for underserved people. YLS gave three large boxes of clothing valued at more than $3,000 along with $300 in monetary donations to help purchase items that are harder to donate, like undergarments. JAHH greatly appreciated the high-quality clothes they received, which go to individuals in need of presentable business clothes when job interviewing.
In honor of the “Rock Stars” below are brief backgrounders on each individual and his/her philanthropic activities. Congratulations to the “Rock Stars” for being an inspiration to the rest of us and for demonstrating what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Kenyatta Anderson: Kenyatta is consistently looking for ways to bring innovative programs and services to the community. At the Women’s Hope and Life Center, she helps women and children who have been victims of domestic violence. Her latest project is to develop the computer center where women can receive training and assistance in securing jobs.
Lauren Brinkmeyer Goebel: Lauren chairs the United Way Campaign Committee at Rush and is the point person for their campaign. She understands the vision of United Way and volunteers her time tirelessly to achieve measurable results. In addition to United Way, she is also active in other community organizations, such as Junior League of Chicago.
Brian Johns: Brian is an active member of the YLS Communications committee. He is also involved with Junior Achievement as well as College Summit, which works in partnership with schools, school districts and colleges to develop a sustainable model for raising college enrollment rates community-wide.
Cody McCray: Cody was a key driving force in increasing physical activity during after-school hours for girls via the GoGirlGo! Chicago program. Program participants learn about the health benefits of healthy eating and fitness and began breaking down racial and cultural stereotypes by forging friendships and relationships beyond any economic, social, and geographical barriers.
Jessica Schaal: Jessica chairs the Issue Awareness committee and has been instrumental in creating programs that bring attention to important issues affecting the community such as preparing a volunteer fair to help encourage volunteerism. Her volunteer activities include reading programs, Junior Achievement, Tax Assistance, and YLS.
Daniel William Tornil: Dan is a peer group leader for young adults, he serves meals in homeless shelters and distributes Bibles to the Statesville Prison inmates. He is in Engineers Without Borders where he traveled to Guatemala to help with massive flooding. He also supports the deaf community by volunteering as an interpreter, tutor and mentor.
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