FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
John Fore
Marketing Director
Camp Fire USA
Telephone: 816-285-2030
E-mail: john.fore@campfireusa.org

Kansas City, MO – April 10, 2007 – Camp Fire USA joins with The Greeting Card Association to honor local heroes across the United States. The Heroes In Our Midst (HIOM) program, sponsored by the Greeting Card Association, was started in January 2006 through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. After achieving success the first year, The Greeting Card Association invited Camp Fire USA to be their second partner. “It is a perfect match for the kind of grassroots work that Camp Fire USA is already doing in the communities where we have councils and affiliates,” said Kelly Ellison, Vice President of Marketing and Development. “This will allow our councils to celebrate those volunteers and youth who make such a large contribution to their community and Camp Fire USA.”
 
In communities across the nation, volunteers spend countless hours and money to serve as positive role models for our youth and enrich their lives. Sadly, these valuable community members often go unrecognized. Heroes In Our Midst is a program which identifies community volunteers for their outstanding efforts and honors them with an award. The program, which each month recognizes everyday community heroes around the country, reinforces the importance of connecting with others, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives.  

Camp Fire USA will honor their first hero, Dianne Long, on April 11, 2007 in Frisco, Texas. Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council selected Ms. Long for her many years of dedication and service to the organization. As a long-time supporter and current board member of the Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council, she is an invaluable asset to the Dallas community.  The event will take place during the Power of a Dream Golf Classic in Frisco, Texas.  Ms Long will be honored and receive her award during the Women’s Luncheon with the Pro’s at the Stonebriar Country Club on the 11th at 12:45 p.m. 

Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading not-for-profit youth development organizations, serving nearly three quarters of a million participants annually. Founded in 1910, Camp Fire, with a national headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., provides all-inclusive, coeducational programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. By design, Camp Fire's programs, including small group experiences, after-school programs, camping and environmental education, child care and service learning, build confidence in younger children and provide hands-on, youth-driven leadership experiences for older youth. For more information, visit www.campfireusa.org.

Heroes In Our Midst is sponsored by The Greeting Card Association (GCA), whose membership consists of nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers.  Founded in 1941, GCA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.  For more information, visit www.heroesinourmidst.org.