Verizon Wireless, Chicago Urban League And 100 Black Men Of Chicago Have Partnered To Recognize Everyday Heroes In Illinois

CHICAGO, IL — Verizon Wireless, the Chicago Urban League and 100 Black Men of Chicago today announced a call for nominations for “Everyday Heroes,” a program aimed at recognizing modern day heroes who make a difference in the community and who 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.

Nominations are welcomed online at www.VerizonEverydayHeroes.com.  Ideal candidates 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 Chicago Everyday Heroes Reception on March 19, 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.

“The Chicago Urban League is pleased to join Verizon Wireless and 100 Black Men of Chicago to honor local citizens who are making their communities strong and sustainable,” said Andrea L. Zopp, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “Making Chicago a world-class city requires leadership at all levels. We are proud to once again honor local, unsung heroes who are making a difference in their communities every day.”

"100 Black Men of Chicago is proud to partner with Verizon Wireless and the Chicago Urban League to promote Everyday Heroes. As an organization, we are committed to the intellectual and educational development of the youth that we serve in the Greater Chicago area,” said Jourdan Sorrell, president and CEO of 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc. “Helping to identify Everyday Heroes who work on a daily basis supports our national motto ‘What They See Is What They'll Be.’"

“Everyday Heroes is a great opportunity to express your gratitude to someone who has empowered you or inspired you through their community service,” said T.J. Fox, region president, 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 Chicago, and we’re proud to partner with such respected organizations as the Chicago Urban League and 100 Black Men of Chicago in making all of this happen.”

To learn more, visit www.VerizonEverydayHeroes.com  for full contest rules and to submit a nomination.

To learn more about our partners, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org  and http://www.100bmc.org/

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 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. To preview and request broadcastquality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations,log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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