Winner will be named Saturday at Game Changer Awards Dinner
Schenectady, NY (PRWEB) November 06, 2012
MVP Health Care announced the 10 finalists in the Ultimate Game Changer Contest, as determined by public voting. The grand prize winner will be announced on November 10 at the Ultimate Game Changer Awards Dinner, featuring soccer star Abby Wambach and lacrosse legend Gary Gait.
“These finalists are truly inspiring leaders who are making a difference every day in their local communities,” said Denise Gonick, MVP's President of Operations. “With such worthy candidates, our judges have a very difficult decision ahead of them. However, no matter the winner, every person nominated should feel proud of their important contribution to making their communities healthier and better.”
The Ultimate Game Changer Contest invited kids age 13 and over and adults in New York and Vermont to nominate someone they felt is making a significant contribution to their local community.
The following 10 finalists received the most online votes and are in the running to be the Ultimate Game Changer:
Ellen Boutillier of Rochester, NY: As a lifelong athlete who competed in many half Ironmans, Olympic and sprint distance multisport events, Ellen knows the importance of staying active. She and her husband brought Fleet Feet Sports to the Rochester area to help the community maintain a healthy lifestyle.
For the original version on PRWeb visit:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/11/prweb10103523.htm Maureen Burdick of Penfield, NY: In her job as a personal trainer at the Eastside YMCA, Maureen works to encourage wellness with a diverse group of people from the community. Donald Carroll of Batavia, NY: Orphaned at age five, Don's childhood motivated him to help others by raising money to improve the lives of underprivileged children, sending kids to camp, providing toys and clothing at Christmas, even funding college scholarships. As Don undergoes a battle with cancer, he still continues to take care of those around him. Darcy DeMaria of East Greenbush, NY: Darcy has made improving the health of local youth her mission by becoming an elementary health and physical education teacher. She dedicates every day to helping kids understand the importance of being active and healthy, all while making it fun for them. Brian Henry of Broadalbin, NY: Head coach of the Broadalbin-Perth Boys Varsity Soccer Team for the last 11 years, Brian has spent countless hours both on and off the field, to push the boys to excel in every aspect of their life, from taking them to the 2011 State Championships, to encouraging them to get involved with the community by creating innovative new programs. Kerrie Merz of Rochester, NY: From starting a running club of 50 kids to leading programs that raise funds for hunger, Kerrie is deeply involved in community health. She also tries to lead by example in her personal life by making little changes, such as riding her bike to work. Erin Musto of Rotterdam, NY: After losing her daughter tragically to a rare brain tumor, Erin started Maddie's Mark, a foundation dedicated to helping people enjoy the “best days ever,” not only by supporting children suffering from major illness and their families, but also by encouraging child enrichment, through entertainment, educational and athletic facilities and through a scholarship program for young women. Matthew Piccone of Rochester, NY: In response to observing countless dogs living their lives outside without sufficient shelter, Matt launched PAWS, a community outreach program for City of Rochester pet owners. PAWS provides shelter and food to animals and Matt is currently working on bringing low-cost vet care to the area. Tracy Posada of Peru, NY: After suffering a stroke at the age of 25, she devoted herself to her family, students and community. Tracy is a physical education teacher, a Zumba instructor and an inspiration to all those who know her. She donates much of the proceeds from her classes to benefit those in need and provides free classes to many who cannot afford them. Julie Rouse of Rotterdam, NY: Program Director at the Rotterdam Boys & Girls Club, Julie spends countless hours implementing and overseeing programs for youth to ensure a healthy, active environment. She encourages wellness in kids of all ages, even those as young as toddlers. A panel of distinguished judges has undertaken the difficult task of choosing the grand prize winner. All finalists will attend the private Ultimate Game Changer Awards Dinner on Saturday, November 10, where the winner will be revealed. The grand prize winner and the person who made the winning nomination will each receive $1,000.
Full stories on the finalists can be viewed at http://www.mvpgamechanger.com/finalists.cfm.
Facebook fans can get contest updates at http://www.facebook.com/generationgo#!/MVPGenerationGo.
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About MVP Health Care
Founded in 1983, MVP Health Care is a community-focused, not-for-profit health insurer serving members in the states of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. Through its operating subsidiaries, MVP Health Care provides fully-insured and self-funded employer health benefits plans, dental insurance, and ancillary products, such as flexible-spending accounts, to more than 650,000 members. For more information, visit http://www.mvphealthcare.com.
