NE Georgian still in running for national community health prize

SAN FRANCISCO -- Health Mart says that, after seven days of public voting, Jan Day of Ellijay, is one of 10 finalists for the top prize in a contest to recognize people who are making their communities healthier. <br /> <br /> As part of the "Champions of Care" Challenge, Health Mart is awarding a total of $50,000 to local non-profit organizations selected by finalists. Day is director of the Boys and Girls Club of North Georgia-Gilmer County, which could be awarded $30,000 if she is chosen as the winner.<br /> <br /> A 501(c)(3) non-profit chosen by each of the finalists received $1,000 to continue their work for the health of the community. The top three winners will direct even more money to their local non-profit. Thousands of people voted, tweeted, posted to Facebook and took other action to help their favorite Champion of Care move forward.<br /> <br /> "Thanks to votes from thousands of people across the country, Jan is one of the top vote-getters and now in the running for the top prize," said Steve Courtman, President of Health Mart. "Voting is still open and I encourage people to take a look at Jan's video and those of other finalists to help us pick a winner."<br /> <br /> To say "thank you" to Day and other local Champions of Care, Health Mart is awarding $50,000 in grants to local nonprofits to recognize them for improving health and well-being. Health Mart asked people across the country to share their stories about the good deeds happening in their communities.<br /> <br /> "Jan leads her team of staff and volunteers in developing healthy lifestyle programs for youth including daily physical fitness, drug & alcohol prevention programs, nutrition, socialization skill development, and oral hygiene," said Michele L. Brackin, who nominated Day as a Champion of Care. "Jan believes that we, as an organization, can help make a difference by working with our young people to make change and she is certainly making this happen."<br /> <br /> Fifteen finalists were selected earlier from all submissions by a panel of judges. People across the country then now voted for their favorite, narrowing the list to 10. People can now vote for America's most caring community champions at healthmartcommunity.com.<br /> <br /> The prizes for the finalists with the most votes include:<br /> <br /> &#9679; A $30,000 grant for a local non-profit chosen by the grand prize winner<br /> &#9679; A $3,000 grant for a local non-profit chosen by the first runner-up<br /> &#9679; A $2,000 grant for a local non-profit chosen by the second runner-up<br /> <br /> Anyone can go to healthmartcommunity.com and vote.<br />

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/3/272900