Verizon Wireless Director Named to Chicago Board of Prevent Child Abuse America

CHICAGO, IL — John Suk, associate director of business marketing programs for Verizon Wireless' Midwest Area and a resident of Inverness, Ill., has been named to the Chicago Board of Directors of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America), the preeminent national organization focused on preventing child maltreatment.

In his role as board member, Suk will oversee fundraising efforts and raising awareness of PCA America throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

"John has a deep commitment to children and families, and he undoubtedly will play an integral role in our prevention efforts for years to come," said Judith Rényi, president and chief executive officer of Chicago-based Prevent Child Abuse America. "Already, he has been instrumental in our building a strong partnership with Verizon Wireless, which is committed to preventing violence in our homes and communities. With John's leadership on our board, we can make even more of a difference for children in Illinois and the Midwest."

"As a parent, I recognize that children have virtually no choices when it comes to dealing with abuse," said Suk. "By raising awareness of this problem, we can work to put an end to this issue here in Chicago and nationwide."

Suk's appointment to the PCA America Chicago board was based in part on his leadership efforts in furthering Verizon Wireless' HopeLine® program, which serves to raise awareness of, and help prevent, domestic violence and abuse.

"Like Verizon Wireless, PCA America is passionate about preventing violence in our homes and communities," said Suk. "Our relationship with Prevent Child Abuse America is a natural extension of our HopeLine program, which raised $800,000 last year alone to help victims of domestic violence."

Through its award-winning HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless handsets and equipment from any vendor. Most of the donated handsets and equipment are refurbished and sold, with proceeds going to support domestic violence awareness and prevention programs. Any remaining handsets are recycled in an environmentally friendly way.

The HopeLine program has evolved to include outreach to high school and college students to help them recognize and reject violent, abusive relationships. Earlier this year, Suk helped spearhead Verizon Wireless' participation in a public service campaign with the Chicago Bulls and PCA America to raise awareness throughout the Chicagoland area about the importance of preventing of child abuse. The campaign included television and radio ads featuring Chicago Bulls forward Tyson Chandler as well as a print ad with Chandler and children of Verizon Wireless employees, including two of Suk's children.

Prior to joining the PCA America Chicago board, Suk was active in supporting other community service organizations, including the Association House of Chicago, Relay for Life/American Cancer Society, Chicago Commons and the LifeCare Alliance/Meals-on-Wheels Program. Most recently, he completed the Chicago Accenture Triathlon, raising $7,500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

About Prevent Child Abuse America
Engaging communities in the important work of strengthening families and valuing children are the core values of the network of national, state and local organizations that comprise Prevent Child Abuse America. For more than 30 years, Prevent Child Abuse America has been the leading national organization focused on preventing child maltreatment before it occurs. Headquartered in Chicago, the organization is widely known for its public awareness campaigns, prevention programs, advocacy efforts and research. For more information about child abuse and neglect prevention visit: www.preventchildabuse.org.  

####