Brian Verdugo, Finalist in Lenox Extra Mile Hero Contest

Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Brian Verdugo, a Los Angeles resident, has been named one of the 10 Finalists for the Lenox Extra Mile Hero Contest. The contest, sponsored by Lenox in partnership with NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, honors heroes who go the extra mile. As Lenox puts it they are looking for “Someone who demonstrates the spirit of going above and beyond; who has provided a service to a group or individual other than themselves; and who represents exemplary quality and integrity.” Brian was chosen out of over 600 nominations from across the USA and Canada. The Prize is split between the Grand Prize Hero and the charity they are competing for. Voting for the grand prize hero is at www.lenoxhero.com/Voting.aspx.

Brian has volunteered his time and trade skills to help those in need in the US as well as in Mexico and India. In Mexico, he helped build homes in the very poor community of Maneadero where the families had previously lived in cardboard shacks. He also used his skills to run the electrical wiring for a medical clinic in Maneadero. In India, Brian toured with a performing arts group that performed for groups of children in poverty stricken areas. The performances brought a moment of joy to young lives that experienced very little happiness. While there, he also worked with schools to teach young boys woodworking skills that would help them earn a living. When home in California, Brian volunteers his time when ever possible doing such things as traveling around his neighborhood handing out lunches to the homeless.

When asked about being recognized by Lenox as a hero Brian stated, “I was so shocked when I got the call, I didn’t even know I had been nominated. I didn’t even know what to say at first, I was in disbelief. Helping people is just something I feel I have to do it is part of me and to be recognized for that is amazing and humbling. When you do something to help people it really is an amazing gift. I had tried to go into full-time charity work in the past but had some difficulties with the fundraising this is an amazing opportunity to hopefully have that fundraising completed so that I can move into doing what I was meant to do.”

Brian is going into full-time charity/ministry work with his wife Melissa with the charity he is competing for YFC/USA. If Brian is named the Grand Prize Hero he will be working for YFC/USA immediately since the fundraising will be complete. Brian could win up to 1 million dollars to be split with charity if he is named the Lenox Extra Mile Hero and Jeff Burton’s car wins the NASCAR Lenox Industrial Tools race in New Hampshire. To vote for Brian Verdugo go to www.lenoxhero.com/Voting.aspx .www.lenoxhero.com/Voting.aspx

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