Governor to Present Volunteer Awards
in Fayetteville

The Cumberland County Mental Health Center is joining with other organizations across the state and thousands of organizations around the world to celebrate IYV 2001: "The Year that Changes the World." The International Year of Volunteers 2001 was designed by the United Nations as a year to increase volunteer involvement and recognize the contributions of volunteers worldwide.

The points of Light Foundation and the Association of Junior Leagues International are spearheading the initiative within the US. In North Carolina, the Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is providing oversight of the state's unified effort of official IYV activities.

Across our state, thousands of people volunteer every day - giving their time and talents to help their fellow North Carolinians. IYV 2001 is an opportunity to spotlight even greater attention to the volunteer sector, to gather more support for volunteerism, and to reach out to all citizens from all segments of the population to become engaged as volunteers.

North Carolina will celebrate the International Year of Volunteers by hosting the Governor's Making a Difference Awards at Fayetteville State University. The event will take place Thursday, November 15, 2001. A special reception will be held at 2 PM at the Helen T. Chick Building. The Volunteer Recognition Ceremony will take place in Seabrook Auditorium at 3PM. Governor Mike Easley, along with many other state dignitaries, will be on hand to show appreciation for outstanding volunteers selected from around the state. The event will kick off with a patriotic performance by the 82nd Airborne Chorus.

According to Julie Griffin, Director of Volunteer Services for the Cumberland County Mental Health Center and site coordinator for the event, "I just think it's a wonderful thing for Cumberland County to host this event. We are excited about the Governor's participation. We are especially grateful for the role that FSU has played in hosting this event".

For additional information contact Sharon Yates, Public Relations/Marketing Manager, Phone: 910-323-0601