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Noreen Shanfelter
Director, Media and Public Relations
215.665.7778
noreen.shanfelter@bbbs.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Big Brothers Big Sisters Founder
Ernest Coulter Honored In New
National Monument in Washington, DC
Former President Bush Dedicates The “Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway”
To Highlight Role of Service Movement in American Life
October 14th, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA.) – Former President George H.W. Bush dedicated a new national monument today, honoring Ernest Coulter, founder of Big Brothers Big Sisters, among twenty other exceptional Americans. The new “Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway” depicts great Americans who, through their caring and personal sacrifice, built their dreams into enduring change movements. Other honorees include Martin Luther King Jr., abolitionist Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington and Eunice Shriver.
Coulter and the rest of the nominee’s lives are commemorated by a series of bronze and silver medallions in the sidewalks adjacent to the White House. The medallions are circular, three and a half feet in diameter, and laid into a surrounding six-foot square apron of granite. Each medallion bears the likeness of an honoree, a description of his or her achievement and a quote. Together, they form a one-mile walking path through an area bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, 15th Street, G Street, and 11th Street, NW.
“A successful life must include service to others,” Former President Bush said in a ceremony emceed by political commentator Coke Roberts. Coulter was recognized for his pioneering role at Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping children reach their full potential through one-on-one mentoring. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is a wonderful organization,” said the Former President to BBBS representatives.
Because the monument utilizes well-trafficked sidewalks near the White House, it will attract substantial immediate attention. Based on current pedestrian traffic alone, the Extra Mile will have more than 1.7 million visitors per year
The “Extra Mile” is an initiative of the Points of Light Foundation. “We are thrilled to see this monument become a reality and to recognize the contributions of such heroic Americans as Ernest Coulter,” said Robert Goodwin, President and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. “His legacy epitomizes the spirit of service in America and provides an inspiring example of how we all have the ability to go the extra mile for our fellow citizens.”
“The people commemorated in this monument are truly everyday heroes who made a grand impact giving back to their communities,” said Judy Vredenburgh, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “To have Big Brothers Big Sisters be a part of this event is a great honor.”
The monument required both Congressional and District of Columbia approvals and is made possible thanks to major support provided by the KPMG Foundation. For more information on the monument, visit www.ExtraMile.us. For more background on the Points of Light Foundation, visit www.PointsofLight.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brother Big Sisters is the oldest, largest, and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. It helps children reach their potential through one to one relationships, professionally supported, with measurable results. The organization serves 225,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. National research has shown that the positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children’s lives. The national office is located in Philadelphia. For additional information visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
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