September 28, 2007
Des Moines Native Named National Hero
DES MOINES, Iowa (Sept. 28) –– A local man today received the national “Heroes In Our Midst” award for selfless service to his community and his outstanding commitment to improving the life of a local teenager.
Mike Hughes, 58, was named a national hero by Heroes In Our Midst, the national recognition program of the Greeting Card Association, during a special recognition ceremony today at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Hughes began volunteering in the Des Moines area over twenty years ago with organizations such as United Way and the Iowa Council for International Understanding. When Hughes joined Big Brothers Big Sisters four years ago, he was determined to help provide his “Little,” Alex, with the stability and mentorship.
Heroes In Our Midst honors everyday heroes who give of themselves to connect with others to 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.
“We give communities an opportunity to express their gratitude to their local heroes,” said Chris Bouchard, the national spokesman of Heroes In Our Midst. “Volunteers like Mike deserve recognition, and we hope that today’s presentation has inspired people to convey their appreciation to Mike and to their own personal heroes.”
Alex, now 16, joined Hughes at the ceremony today. While Hughes is not at his full time shipping and receiving job, he spends a great deal of time with Alex. “Alex is a solid kid, really solid,” said Hughes. “And his mom does a great job with him. I just thought that, through volunteering, I could fill in some of the gaps that a single mom couldn’t fill.”
Together, Hughes and Alex “have a great time doing ‘guy stuff’ that Alex wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do. Mike has developed an outstanding friendship with Alex and will forever be a part of his life,” said Tony Leo, a match coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa. Through trips to his lakeside cabin, bicycle trail rides, woodworking projects, and community service, Hughes has become not only a stabilizing force for Alex, but also an adviser and a friend.
At today’s ceremony, Hughes received greeting cards from Alex, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa Althea Holcomb, and several other community members, all expressing their appreciation for Hughes’ commitment to connecting with others. “I give cards all the time. It’s a good way to let people know that someone cares,” said Hughes. “Now that I’m the one getting them, it’s great.”
Since his introduction to Hughes, Alex’s grades have improved, and he is now enrolled in several accelerated classes at school. “Alex is more self-confident, can better express his feelings, has a better attitude toward school, and has a greater sense of his future,” said Leo.
Heroes In Our Midst, Alex, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa are asking members of the Des Moines community to send cards or notes expressing their thanks to Hughes, as well as cards to the heroes in their own lives. Cards for Hughes should be addressed to:
Mike Hughes
Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa
9051 Swanson Boulevard
Clive, Iowa 50325
The Heroes In Our Midst program said a $1,000 check would be donated in Hughes name to Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa to support similar mentoring matches in the community.
“Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties,” said Bouchard. “Greeting cards are a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card.”
Background information on Heroes In Our Midst:
Heroes In Our Midst is a national program of the Greeting Card Association that seeks to reinforce the importance of connecting with others and to recognize individuals in America’s communities who are giving of themselves to make a positive impact in the life of others. To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.