Tom May, Simmons First National Bank

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Tommy May was among the most-admired chief executives in Arkansas even before he became the embodiment of grace under pressure by continuing to lead his company for more than six years – and counting – after being diagnosed with a disease similar to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Since that diagnosis in December 2005, Simmons First National Corp. – the parent company of Simmons First National Bank of Pine Bluff and seven other, smaller bank charters in Arkansas – has grown by more than 30 percent. The bank has remained profitable despite sluggish loan demand during and after the Great Recession and the federal takeover of the student loan business in which Simmons had been particularly active. He continues to support a variety of initiatives to improve the city.

Tom Tuohy, Dreams For Kids

Chicago, Illinois

The Dreams for Kids start has its roots planted in a simple act of giving. On December 24, 1989, Tom and a dozen volunteer friends visited a Chicago homeless shelter. At the shelter were 54 kids who, it seemed, Santa had forgotten. But he really hadn’t. Santa just needed Tom Tuohy to drive him there.

It was on that “miracle” night, a commitment was made to follow through every year with the same giving attitude. It was on that night, Dream for Kids was born. Since that first evening when the 54 children were treated with great food and presents, 28,000 kids have been impacted by the Dreams for Kids mission. And now this organization has a presence in over 30 countries. Dreams for Kids not only serves the homeless and underprivileged through its annual Holiday for Hope program, it also reaches out with its Extreme Recess program to children who are developmentally and physically challenged.

Steveanna Wynn, SHARE Food Program

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SHARE, led by Steveanna Wynn, serves as the ultimate “neighborhood mom” feeding the “neighbor kids.” SHARE earns this “mom” title because they take care of providing food to 550 food distribution centers a week. And…as the process unfolds…these “kids” (the churches, schools, shelters, and community centers) then reach out with their dinner bell to the poor and homeless in their communities.

It all starts with what goes on in the 1,700 square foot cooler space, the 3,000 square foot freezer, and the 70,000 square foot giant warehouse which serves as the largest food pantry imaginable. Then once the cooler, freezer, and pantry are stocked from local food vendors, the SHARE delivery truck starts rolling. Yes…THE truck. There is only one. One truck or not, if there is a food shelter anywhere close to Pennsylvania, Delaware, Metro New York, New Jersey or the Maryland Eastern Shore, chances are pretty good that the food originated from SHARE. Six staff…a big pantry…one truck…2,000 volunteers…and 100,000 happy families.

Roxanne Black, Friends’ Health Connection

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Roxanne is the creator of Friends’ Health Connection…an organization built from the heart. Roxanne doesn’t just “match up” people for love or business…she connects people who are in a far more life-threatening situation. They are physically sick…some very.

In being a special matchmaker, Roxanne provides individuals with a friend…a kindred spirit who can relate with what they are individually experiencing. And in that, the seeds of empowered hope and support are planted and watered. Roxanne has facilitated thousands upon thousands of relationships for people who needed support at…maybe…the worst time in their lives.New Brunswick, New Jersey

Ruth Leacock, Computers 4 Africa

Omaha, Nebraska

I’ll tell you, it’s pretty hard to ignore Ruth and her mission. I mean, c’mon…really? Who believes in their cause enough to drive around town with GIANT mouse ears on top of a car? Ruth Leacock does. It’s because this super energetic grandmother loves Africa that darn much.

The mouse ears on the car? It’s symbolic. Her and her co-creator (husband Tim) have been on a mission to send refurbished computers to Africa. The mouse ears on top of the car that she boldly drives around in is her way of saying that even a simple computer mouse can grow up and have big dreams. Like going to Africa. Computers For Africa has sent over 1,850 computers to Uganda. Those computers have served 117 schools and benefited 60,000 students.

Brad and Libby Birky, The S.A.M.E Cafe

Denver, Colorado

First, Brad quit his job in the computer world. Libby then followed leaving the classroom. Their 401K was cashed out. They walked away from financial security risking everything. But they had a dream.They wanted to serve people. They wanted to make amazing food. They wanted to open a restaurant… SO ALL MAY EAT. And they didn’t want there to be prices on the menu. No prices.

You pay what you can at the S.A.M.E. Cafe, and if you can’t pay anything, you volunteer cleaning tables, sweeping up, or washing dishes. Please understand, this is not a place to eat designated specifically for those with little money. It is a place for everybody. It is for families, for business people, for those without jobs. It is a place for those struggling and for those not struggling. Brad, Libby and the S.A.M.E Cafe are serving up to 180 people for lunch five days a week.

Raynia Kinniston

Sacramento California

At age 99, Raynia had volunteered at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, California since April of 1960. Over 50 years and 50,000 documented volunteer hours. Phew!

Why did Raynia choose Mercy Hospital? Because it represented her life. Her son and two grandchildren were born there. It’s where she was when she got the news that her son had died. Her husband died there, too. Her friends’ had so much of their happy news…and sad news…stem from there. “I just want to be here with people when they get their news. I just want to support people.”

Creighton Wong, Challenged Athletes Foundation

Oakland, California

Any of us who have struggled to get on the treadmill for 20 minutes for just one day a week can relate to the sort of positive energy it takes just to get off the couch. But Creighton does more than the casual 20 minute treadmill spin. He swims a mile. He rides a bike for 25 miles. He then runs for another 6 miles. The swim…the bike ride…the run…he does them all together, one after the other. Oh…and by the way…Creighton Wong is a congenital amputee. Being born without a right leg, and missing two fingers on his left hand and three fingers on his right hand, is no big deal to Creighton. He doesn’t over analyze the situation and think, “I can’t do that.” He never feels sorry for himself and wishes things were different.

“Sure there were times when the bad days outnumbered the good; when the failures outnumbered the successes. But in every failure is an opportunity to learn, and I’ve learned two things: How to fall. And how to pick myself up. ”

Mindy Derr, Fore Hope

Columbus, Ohio

She quit her job. She left her financial security. She invested every cent she had into building a viable organization capable of supporting the handicapped to get back out on the course. In time, energy, money and personal sacrifice, Mindy gave the mission her all. Over twenty years later, Mindy Derr’s Fore Hope is going stronger than ever. She has linked up with the Professional Golf Association and Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Golf Tournament in a big way. Never once in the whole creating process did Mindy ever think small. What started as one person’s challenge to help the disabled get back on the course has turned into a national model in physical rehabilitation programs.

Sacramento Children’s Home & Mount Saint Vincent Home

Sacramento, California and Denver, Colorado

Two organizations with virtually similar missions…Sacramento Children’s Home and Mount Saint Vincent Home in Denver…have been helping children in need since 1867 and 1883 respectively. Sacramento Children’s Home provides a host of programs to abused and at-risk children. The Home reaches over 3,500 kids in the Sacramento area each year. Mount Saint Vincent provides services for children with a wide range of emotional problems that prevent them from reaching their ultimate potential. The Home has helped over 18,000 children since its inception.

Starting as orphanages, both organizations have molded themselves to meet whatever needs the changing years have required. Today, both organizations stand as national leaders.

Diane Lesneski Auger, Friends for Tomorrow

Boston, Massachusetts

In 1994, Diane started Friends for Tomorrow, a therapeutic horseback riding program to help physically and emotionally challenged children. Soliciting the donation of a single horse, a riding site, and discounted board and feed, Diane began her program with just 3 participants. Today, the program has grown from that single borrowed horse to a flourishing and well-respected national program that serves 44 students annually…with a significant waiting list. Parents witness miraculous change in their kids. They boast that their child’s self-confidence is raised…muscles, flexibility, balance, and posture are enhanced and strengthened… communication attempts are increased…and the young rider’s mind and body explode with an experience that connects them to the world in a deeply moving fashion.

“When I was a teenager, I saw a young boy…around 12…approach the horse he had been spending time on. The boy had never been able to communicate words until this one special day where he got next to the horse’s face and whispered, ‘Thank you.’ Seeing something like that changes a person’s life.”

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson

Gary, Indiana

Going the extra mile is what describes my work ethic as I serve the citizens of Gary, Indiana. They deserve the best government and leadership that their tax dollars can buy, and we work hard every day to deliver.

Mayor William C. Laforet

Mahwah, New Jersey

There is something central to our community and that is our gift of going the extra mile. We have seen over and over again Mahwah residents simply taking the time to help others and elevate worthy causes. It’s what defines Mahwah and going the extra mile.

Mayor Bruce Rose

Wilson, North Carolina

Wilson, N.C., benefits tremendously from the efforts of those who volunteer, who serve, who go the extra mile. All of us working together makes this a great place to work, live and raise families.

Mayor JoAnn M. Faiella

Port St. Lucie, Florida

In Port St. Lucie, we are so thankful for the many people who volunteer their time and talents to make our community a better place. Their willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ makes a big difference in our lives, and I’m glad to see there is an organization to help remind us of their value. We never want to take them for granted, and we owe them all the support we can give.

Mayor Jim Schmitt

Green Bay, Wisconsin

I appreciate all the citizens of Green Bay who go the “Extra Mile” in lifting the lives of the community through their efforts, volunteerism, and service.

Mayor Maggie Stock

Butler, Pennsylvania

Lots of people help with projects, but only a few “go the extra mile” to see projects to completion. Those recognized this year have committed countless hours, personal resources, and generous hearts to make Butler an even better community.

Tom Panei

Butler, Pennsylvania

Butler Downtown board president and coordinator of free summer concerts at the West New Castle St. Plaza, a “Pavement to Plaza” project where hundreds of community members gather each weekend.

Jill Kraus and Julie Dandoy

Butler, Pennsylvania

Members of the Shade Tree Commission, these “mulch mavens” coordinate volunteers to maintain the Main Street trees and city plantings, working long hours in all kinds of weather.

Chris Zeigler

Butler, Pennsylvania

Butler city Bicycle Commission and Butler Freeport Trail president, organizes Friday night bike rides and spearheads the volunteer work on the trail.

Denny Offstein

Butler, Pennsylvania

Butler business man who convinced the community to donate more than $ 100,000 in less than a year for the police department’s first K-9 unit of two dogs.

Mayor David J. Kaptain

Elgin, Illinois

To me, going the “Extra Mile” can take many forms. It certainly includes the volunteers who give their time at local not-for-profits, churches and school events as well as the volunteers who serve the community through their leadership on local boards, neighborhood organizations and commissions. But there are also many unrecognized heroes who go the “extra mile” on a daily basis- those who do odd jobs for their elderly neighbors or pick up trash while taking their daily walk. Everyone has something to give back to their community in one form or another. If we all went the “extra mile” just think how far we could go.

Mayor Richard A. Moccia

Norwalk, Connecticut

As the City of Norwalk endured the effects of Hurricane Sandy as well as winter storm Nemo during the past year, the power of two storms could not compare with the force of citizen volunteers coming together to help one another recover. Finding shelter for neighbors who lost homes; providing warm refuge for those who endured week-long power outages during February, our city experienced remarkable volunteerism from individuals, churches, charitable organizations and corporations large and small—everyone, it seemed to me going the extra mile to ensure their neighbors were cared for in the aftermath of devastating storms. We hope nature spares our City in the year ahead, but will look back on the year past as one in which our citizens demonstrated a care for one another that was stronger than hurricanes or blizzards.

Mayor J. Scott Padgett

Concord, North Carolina

As Mayor of the City of Concord , I am pleased to declare November 1, 2013 as “Extra Mile Day” to acknowledge the power we each have to create positive change in our families, organizations, and communities.

City coworkers have been “Going the Extra Mile” in their commitment to excellent customer service. We have adopted Nine Principles of Excellent Customer Service that reflect positively in their service to coworkers and to our citizens. We regularly recognize those that go “The Extra Mile” in providing these services.

Mayor Len Pagano

St. Peters, Missouri

The City of St. Peters has so many volunteers who go the extra mile. Our volunteers make it possible to offer fun events for families and important services to honor our veterans. They make it possible to host local, regional, statewide and even national sporting events at our world-class St. Peters Rec-Plex. They help pick up litter and clean our streams. They help our City staff provide more services and save taxpayer money on a daily basis. What’s best of all is that our volunteers do this selflessly with a team-first attitude because they care about our community. Their can-do spirit is priceless to the City of St. Peters!

Mayor Dan Helix

Concord, California

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and magic in it.” – Goethe

It’s not a personal quote but is one that strikes me as meaningful, especially in going the extra mile in public service.

Mayor Alden M. Smith

Oneida, New York

The City of Oneida experienced a major flooding event on June 28, 3012, and is still dealing with the after effects. It was uplifting to see so many people volunteer to help those who were affected. When individuals put their own self-interest and their own means aside, that’s going the extra mile.

Mayor Gary Christenson

Malden, Massachusetts

I look forward to acknowledging the residents and organizations that go the extra mile to help their friends and neighbors. The day is not only to recognize those who go above and beyond in volunteerism and service, but to also remind each of us that we too can make difference in our community.

Mayor Holly C. Brinda, M.P.A

Elyria, Ohio

Science teaches us that nothing is ever really created or destroyed, but almost anything can be changed. The catalysts for transforming our community, our country, and our world are the individuals who stand up, stand out, and go that extra mile to make those changes happen.

Mayor Don Ness

Duluth, Minnesota

Going the extra mile is about challenging ourselves with constant reflection on how we are serving our communities. It’s about servant leadership, meaningful partnership, and continually giving toward a better future for everyone.

Mayor Stephanie Scott

Haines Borough, Alaska

Citizen initiative and volunteerism is the backbone of many Borough functions, including the public library and the museum, but it goes way beyond that. Volunteers in Haines provide hospice services, organize cultural events, serve on our many government advisory committees, are public officials…the list goes on and on. We treasure them and are delighted to acknowledge Nov. 1 as Extra Mile Day in the Haines Borough.

Knights of Columbus

Christiansburg, Virginia

This organization assists with the collection of food and clothing for people of the community who have suffered due to the recent recession. They hold fund raising events to assist anyone in need.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Christiansburg, Virginia

This energetic and dedicated organization has 332 senior volunteers. They recognize our military veterans and provide assistance to military families as well as collect & distribute food and clothing to folks in need. They provide Medicare counseling for seniors and service 79 non-profit and health organizations. Many of the RSVP members serve as mentors to school children and volunteer to assist teachers in our public schools.

IGNITE

Christiansburg, Virginia

This is a church sponsored college organization dedicated to assisting the local community and providing services to citizens. They volunteer to help the town with town sponsored activities and often go into the community helping local citizens with painting, cleanup, mowing and other needed chores. This group is instrumental in making the annual Wilderness Trail Festival a success by assisting vendors and other participants with unloading trucks, assisting with clean-up, and assisting with traffic.

Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg

Christiansburg, Virginia

One of the most active civic clubs in our area. Kiwanis initiated the Sand Lot and Little League football and baseball programs before urging the town to create a Recreation Department. Kiwanis continues to provide playing fields for children and adults of our town. This organization provides monies to insure that school children have supplies for school and donates money to purchase shoes and jackets for children whose parents cannot afford these items. All of this club’s efforts and fund raising goes to benefit children of our town.

American Legion Post 59

Christiansburg, Virginia

This organization of military veterans volunteers time and effort to sponsor an American Legion Baseball Team for high school youth in our area. This organization does an annual recognition of all Boy Scout Troops in Christiansburg and works closely with the Scouts in placing American flags on the graves of veterans for the Annual Memorial Day celebration. They raise money for Virginia Boys and Virginia Girls State each year. Volunteers of the American Legion work closely with Christiansburg High School to organize a Veteran’s Day Parade with several high school bands. They honor veterans with a luncheon that day in addition to honoring them on the downtown Town Square.

John and Patricia Spiech

Mahwah, New Jersey

John and Pat have each given over 50 years of service to the Township of Mahwah. Both Pat and John have served on numerous Boards and Committees and have been involved in many initiatives over the years that have benefited the residents of Mahwah. They both continue to give selflessly for the betterment of the township.

Philip W. Blake

Wichita, Kansas

Paul and Margaret Miller

Wichita, Kansas

Dr. Brian Vierling

Hickory, North Carolina

Edward Rogers

Hickory, North Carolina

PORCH

Hickory, North Carolina

Clare Fouche

Westfield, Massachusetts

Jay Pagluica

Westfield, Massachusetts

Dr. Linda Watson

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Harold Terry

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

John Tate

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

City of Greeley-Fire, Police, Water & Sewer, Public Works, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Departments and Public Information Staff

Greeley, Colorado

The City of Hayden Veteran’s Commission

Hayden, Idaho

John Williams Sr.

Paducah, Kentucky

Betty Dobson

Paducah, Kentucky

Rita Bailey

Paducah, Kentucky

Susan Guess

Paducah, Kentucky

Steve O’Neil

Duluth, Minnesota

Ron Kamps

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Jean McSwiggen

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Renate and Bill Sperber

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Liz Ogren

Minnetonka, Minnesota