Gold-Star Marine Mom and Founder of Program to Fund Care Packages for Troops Named Winner of Keep Going(R) Award
September 03 2009 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Online Vote Selects 'Mama Dee', Founder of 'Lea's Prayers &
Postage', to Join Cal Ripken, Jr. as the Fifth Inductee into the
Energizer Keep Going(R) Hall of Fame ST. LOUIS, Sept. 3
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dee Mills became a gold star mother when
her Marine son, Lea, was killed while serving in Iraq. Her
unimaginable loss and her son's heroic service inspired Dee to
establish Lea's Prayer & Postage, becoming a hero herself to
many serving overseas. Dee says, "Once a Marine Mom, always a
Marine Mom," and since then has dedicated herself to helping
military men and women. Through Lea's Prayers & Postage, Dee
has made it her mission to help fund postage for care packages
shipped to the troops. "Mama Dee", as she is affectionately
referred to, believes it is unacceptable that there is even the
slightest possibility a care package might not make it to the
troops because of cost. Her energy is boundless as she creatively
finds ways to fund her program. With Dee at the helm of "Lea's
Prayers & Postage," thousands of packages have been shipped to
loved ones serving our country. For her perseverance and
dedication, Dee Mills has been selected as the fifth inductee in
the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame, and on September 3, 2009 in
St. Louis, MO will join the ranks of previous inductees Cal Ripken
Jr., John O'Leary of St. Louis, MO, Melanie Goldish of Chicago, IL
and Ron Bachman of Plymouth, MI. "I'm honored to be included in the
Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame alongside someone like Dee
Mills," said Ripken, Jr. "The Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame
celebrates the best in all of us and I salute her." Out of ten
finalists, Dee was selected by a public online vote at
http://www.energizer.com/halloffame, as this year's inductee into
the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame, established to honor
everyday people who best embody the characteristics of endurance
and the power to never quit, like the Energizer Bunny and the
batteries he represents. Each online vote triggered a donation to
the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, raising $10,000 for the
organization Ripken, Jr. founded in honor of his father. "All the
nominations we received were truly inspirational, but Dee's story
obviously stood out for those who visited the Energizer Keep Going
Hall of Fame online," said Betsy Laakko, Director of Marketing for
Energizer. "We're proud to have her as part of the Energizer Keep
Going Hall of Fame - she truly represents the qualities we all so
admire in the Energizer Bunny." As the winner, Mills will receive a
$10,000 cash award and a $5,000 donation to help her program,
"Lea's Prayers & Postage." She will also participate in a
special induction ceremony at the Company's world headquarters in
St. Louis, MO on September 3, 2009. 2009 Energizer Keep Going Hall
of Fame Finalists (Full finalist stories available on
http://www.energizer.com/halloffame) Dane Rauschenberg, Salt Lake
City, UT - Has run 100 marathons, including 52 consecutive weekly
marathons in one year for charity Jenessa Largent, White Bear Lake,
MN - Created "Harms Way for Kids" to support the military Kelly
Behlmann, St. Peters, MO - Founded the Disabled Athletes Sports
Association (DASA) Lisa De Flora, Lincoln Park, NJ - Started a
school for children with autism Anthony Leanna, Suamico, WI -
Founded "Heavenly Hats" for cancer and medical patients Chris
McCoy, Battle Creek, MI - Started "New Level Sports" for inner city
youth Karen Shirk, Xenia, OH - Created 4 Paws for Ability, a
support dog training organization Tim White, Huntington, WV - Helps
disadvantaged and at-risk youth Terry Richard, Nashville, TN -
Creator of the "Dream Center" to provide interview clothing for
homeless Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame Background The Energizer
Keep Going Hall of Fame kicked off in February of 2006 by naming
Cal Ripken, Jr., as the first honorary inductee. With Ripken's
help, Energizer issued a call for entries of people who display the
same traits as the Energizer Bunny - determination, perseverance
and a never quit attitude. Now in its fourth year, more than 1,000
people from all across the country were nominated for this
prestigious award. A panel of judges reviewed the nominations and
selected 100 semi-finalists. Ten finalists were then selected and
featured on http://www.energizer.com/halloffame where the public
voted for its favorite Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame candidate.
About Cal Ripken, Jr. Cal Ripken, Jr. is baseball's all-time
IronMan. He retired from baseball in October, 2001 after 21 seasons
with the Baltimore Orioles. His name appears in the record books
repeatedly, most notably as one of only eight players in history to
achieve 400 home runs and 3,000 hits. In 1995, Ripken broke Lou
Gehrig's record for consecutive games played (2,130) and
voluntarily ended his streak in 1998 after playing 2,632
consecutive games. Although he finished his career at third base,
this baseball Hall of Famer is still best known for redefining the
position of shortstop. Ripken was often referred to as the
Energizer Bunny during his career and his name has become
synonymous with strength, character, endurance and integrity. His
philosophy of working hard, playing with passion and enjoying the
game has made a tremendous impact on the sport and on fans
everywhere. About John O'Leary: Inducted in 2006 with Cal Ripken,
Jr. as the first member of the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame,
John was recognized for his ability to persevere through a
life-threatening accident. At the age of nine, John was involved in
an accidental fire, burning over 98 percent of his body and facing
less than half a percent chance of living. Countless surgeries
later, John was a survivor. Although the accident resulted in the
loss of his fingers, John operates his own rehab business,
participating in much of the work himself. A St. Louis University
finance graduate, John is the proud husband and a father of two
young sons. He is active as a Big Brother and a chaplain at
Cardinal Glennon Hospital. Truly, he exemplifies perseverance and a
never-quit attitude. About Melanie Goldish: In 2007, Energizer
inducted Melanie Goldish of Chicago, Illinois, into the Energizer
Keep Going Hall of Fame. After facing the news that her own
6-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer, Melanie recognized that
her younger son was struggling with the situation in a much
different way. Wanting to help other children whose siblings have
cancer, Melanie founded SuperSibs!, a nonprofit organization that
supports brothers and sisters of children with cancer. Through
SuperSibs!, Melanie's goal is to help kids redefine the "cancer
sibling" experience by providing needed support services and by
helping to draw out the important lessons that may benefit these
"shadow survivors" later in their own lives. Her energy and
dedication to her cause convey unwavering perseverance and
determination. About Ron Bachman: Ron Bachman is the third inductee
into the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame, inducted in 2008. After
the amputation of both his legs at the age of four, Bachman found
freedom by walking on his hands. Now using a motorized scooter, he
has grown to become a speaker and motivator to children and adults
by founding "Walk This Way." This organization delivers self-esteem
and motivational programs to schools so children can be inspired to
overcome challenges and stay confident. He certainly demonstrates
the spirit of the Energizer Bunny . About Energizer: Energizer
Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ENR), http://www.energizer.com/,
http://www.facebook.com/energizerbunny, headquartered in St. Louis,
Missouri, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary
batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a
global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power
geared toward the new digital age, offers a full portfolio of
products including the Energizer MAX premium alkaline brand;
Energizer Ultimate Lithium; Energizer Advanced Lithium and Nickel
Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers. The
Energizer product line also includes specialty batteries for
hearing aids, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless
remote entry systems, watches and other uses. Through its
flashlight and lighting products unit, Energizer helps bring
consumer insight and innovation to these important household
devices. Energizer continues its role as a technology leader with
Energizer Energi To Go , portable battery powered chargers for cell
phones. DATASOURCE: Energizer CONTACT: Samantha Fisher,
+1-314-520-4669, or Katie Zeidman, +1-573-268-2820, both for
Energizer Web Site: http://www.energizer.com/
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