Long time Chamber member Marian Rodriguez, has received the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award for donating 499 hours in 2012 to the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Marian loves children and photography and has found a way to combine both her passions while helping the organization -- all while working full time as a marketing representative with Carstar Mundelein and going to school. Marian also chairs the GLMV Marketing Committee.
“I have the opportunity to do something I love while volunteering,” Rodriquez said. Both she and partner Randy Kittell are products of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Had we not participated in their programs, we could have turned to drugs, drinking or a life of crime. Instead, we found ways to channel ourselves and also work there as we both grew up; we met each other there and are together.”
Children that go through the Union Leagues Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago or any other organization has the potential to grow into a better person and give back to their communities. “I am so fortunate to work for a company like Carstar Mundelein that allows me the time and flexibility to give back to the community through volunteering and photography; our company truly believes in helping others,” said Rodriquez.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is the premier volunteer awards program, encouraging US residents through presidential recognition to live a life of service. Awardee recognition inspires others to take positive action to change the world by volunteering and making new connections to help others. This brings families, neighbors and communities together as a nation. The President’s Award was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) created this program as a way of thanking and honoring Americans, who demonstrate commitment and example, and inspire others to make service a central part of their lives. Recipients must meet Award Criteria and be nominated to receive this special recognition.
Marian was nominated by the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and met all the criteria. She received a letter signed by the President, as well as a certificate for framing, and lapel pin. Not only does Marian work full time, she also volunteers full time and attends DeVry University Chicago full time.
