FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2007

BIRMINGHAM MAN NAMED NATIONAL “HERO IN OUR MIDST”

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (May 14) -- A local man received today the national "Heroes In Our Midst" award for his decade-long service in giving his time and compassion to better the lives of hundreds of foster care children through his volunteer work in the community.

Michael Brogan, a volunteer with Camp Fire USA’s Central Alabama Council, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion during an on-field pre-game presentation at the Birmingham Barons game. In addition, program officials said $1,000 would be donated in Brogan’s name to Camp Fire USA’s Alabama Council to support its continued efforts to reach area children and youth.

Heroes In Our Midst is a national recognition program of the Greeting Card Association. Each month the program honors everyday community heroes who give of themselves to connect with others and show they care, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.

“It’s hard to think of one particular moment, or one particular person, that stands out in my mind, because there are so many memorable moments and children,” said Brogan. “The reason I continue to serve these children is because they each are so special, and as foster children, they deserve any ounce of energy I can give them. Everyone there has impacted my life in such a tremendous way. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to volunteer with Camp Fire.”

Brogan first volunteered with Camp Fire USA over ten years ago because of his company’s commitment to foster volunteer spirit in the workforce to the Camp Fire USA Central Alabama Council. Brogan’s volunteer work with Camp Fire has been very fulfilling, and it keeps him volunteering with the foster camp year after year.

Cledith Fischer, a project administrator for Camp Fire USA, said of Michael, "Children are able to realize and to recognize that when someone gives them something special--genuine attention--they are able to open up. As these children look Michael in the eye, not only do they feel special, but they recognize that someone is looking at them genuinely and with honest affection."

Brogan says that his mother was his inspiration, as she is a very volunteer-oriented person, and Brogan believes he inherited this trait from her. Brogan’s community service extends beyond his work with Camp Fire USA; he is also active in the Birmingham Aids Outreach and often participates in mission trips to Africa to help with AIDS testing. Years ago, Brogan lost a dear friend of his to AIDS, and he feels that through volunteer work, he can help make others aware of this deadly disease.

During the awards presentation, Camp Fire USA representatives presented Brogan with greeting cards, noting how appreciative they are of his volunteerism and community spirit. The organization hopes people throughout Birmingham and the surrounding areas will send a card to Brogan expressing their appreciation for the impact he is making in the community. Cards should be addressed to:

Michael Brogan
Camp Fire USA
Central Alabama Council
3600 8th Avenue South, Suite 502
Birmingham, Alabama 35222

“Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties,” said Juliette Bogus, spokesperson for the program. “Greeting cards are also a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special card story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card. We hope the people of Birmingham will not only send a card or note to Michael, but to the everyday heroes in their own lives.”

To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.