Verizon Wireless, Urban League Of Greater Cleveland, Consortium Of African American Organizations And 100 Black Men Of Greater Cleveland Have Partnered In Ohio To Recognize Everyday Heroes

CLEVELAND, OH — Verizon Wireless, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Consortium of African American Organizations (CAAO) and 100 Black Men of Cleveland today announced a call for votes for “Everyday Heroes,” a program aimed at recognizing modern day heroes who make a difference in the community and touch the lives of others. Everyday Heroes are the teachers, mentors, volunteers, clergy or family members who give of their time and resources in creative ways to effect change – either in the life of an individual, family, school or community.

Votes are welcomed online at www.VerizonEverydayHeroes.com now through February 17, 2012. Finalists are individuals whose extra efforts have made a difference in a life or a local community. Finalists and their nominees will be invited to the Cleveland Everyday Heroes Reception on March 13, 2012. One winner will be selected from each of the following categories: Business/Technology, Education, Students, Healthcare and Community Services. Each winner will be awarded $500 and a Droid XyboardTM by Motorola tablet.

“Everyday Heroes is a great opportunity to express your gratitude to someone who has empowered you or inspired you through their community service,” said Mark Frazier, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. “We recognize the power of one person to create change and improve their surrounding environment. Everyday Heroes is an extension of our commitment to greater Cleveland, and we’re proud to partner with such respected organizations as the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Consortium of African American Organizations and 100 Black Men of Cleveland in making all of this happen.”

“The Urban League of Greater Cleveland, CAAO, and 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. are pleased to partner with Verizon in the Everyday Heroes program,” said Marsha A. Mockabee, president and CEO, Urban Leaguer of Greater Cleveland. “As we honor the heroes upon whose shoulders we stand, we also turn our attention to the ‘unsung heroes’ making a difference every day through selfless acts in their communities.”

Everyday Heroes mirrors the 100's Four for the Future initiatives in making a difference through Mentoring, Education, Economic Empowerment and Health and Wellness programs throughout our community,” stated Franklin Martin, Operations Director of the Cleveland Chapter.

“Cleveland has so many local heroes that are responsible for a multitude of success stories. This is our opportunity to celebrate them and thank them for choosing to make a difference in our community by lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness,” stated Vicki Dansby, Interim Executive Director.

To learn more, visit http://www.verizoneverydayheroes.com/ or full contest rules and to vote.

To learn more about our partners, visit www.ulcleveland.org; http://www.caao.net/ and http://www.100blackmencleveland.org/.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 108.7 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. o preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and higher solution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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