civic
In grade school, Greg participated in a charity read-a-thon -- sparking a lifelong interest in volunteering. In college, he served as Student Chairman of Community Service. At 24, he founded The Brunch Bunch Mentoring Program. He coordinated & attended the weekly outings for 243 consecutive weeks. More than 700 students & adults participated in the program. At 25, he launched The 11-10-02 Foundation. The organization has funded grants & scholarships in all 50 states. His other civic efforts have revolved around issues like dogs, seniors, autism & literacy. He has received honors like Jefferson Award for Public Service & America's Daily Point of Light. He has been featured by media like Volunteer Leadership and Good Morning America. SCROLL DOWN
The books, workbooks & posters based on Greg's story have been used by schools (K-12, college & graduate). They also have been used by nonprofits (i.e. Arbor Hospice) & certain chapters of national organizations (i.e. AmeriCorps) -- getting copies for Board members, staff members, volunteers, donors &/or local students. During the pandemic, Greg has collaborated on activities related to the books for civic-minded organizations (i.e. chapters of Boys and Girls Clubs, RSVP, YMCA, United Way, ARC, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youth Volunteer Corps). SCROLL DOWN
He has spoken about volunteerism at corporate events (i.e. General Mills) & conferences (i.e. National Service-Learning Conference). He has also participated in events focused on civic engagement (i.e. Service Day) for schools (K-12, college, graduate). In some instances, he has been one of multiple speakers. For example, at a day long event for students & parents, Greg & Nobel Peace Prize honoree Elie Wiesel were the two guest speakers. At a (nonpartisan) dinner recognizing people for service & volunteerism at a hospital -- Michelle Obama and Greg were guest speakers. The organizers also ordered the books for all of the attendees as take-home gifts.
RASHELLE GUSSNER, VOLUNTEER & PAST BOARD PRESIDENT, RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF IDAHO: "The stories of volunteerism in The Silhouette Man are a breath of fresh air. They prove how 'gifting time' to help others is much more than than a 'small' act of kindness. It is a much needed catalyst for opening the hearts of many others to do the same."
PATTI GROTE, DIRECTOR/LIBRARIAN, MASON CO. M. BEVEN ECKERT MEMORIAL LIBRARY: "....The First Thirty is an uplifting reminder that no matter what our age and talents, we can find a way to volunteer and serve."
To read about what Greg has been doing as a volunteer during the pandemic, click here.