GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST NAMES POLLY CORDELL OF PALM BAY AS POINT OF LIGHT

May 30, 2007

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VIVIAN MYRTETUS
(850) 488-5394

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Polly Cordell as this week’s Point of Light for exemplary volunteerism. Through her work with Rolling Readers Space Coast Inc., Polly has dedicated 10 years to improving literacy among the children of Brevard County.

“I am proud to honor Polly for the tremendous impact she has on the children in her community,” said Governor Crist. “By promoting an appreciation of reading, Polly has enriched the lives of many young Floridians.”

As co-founder of Rolling Readers Space Coast Inc., Melbourne Chapter, Polly recruits volunteers to provide reading instruction to children. She enlists the retired population in her community to help children improve their basic reading skills. Polly’s work has enabled Rolling Readers to train 394 Read Aloud volunteers in 30 Brevard County schools and 65 mentor volunteers in 13 schools. She also oversaw the distribution of 8,000 new books to children participating in the program.

Additionally, Polly lends her accounting expertise to Rolling Readers by managing the program’s finances. She spends five days a week helping the organization achieve its goal of fighting children’s illiteracy, fostering a lifelong love of reading and improving reading comprehension.

“Polly has selflessly donated her time, expertise and enthusiasm to benefit the children of Brevard County for the last nine years,” said Terri Spears, spokeswoman for Rolling Readers Space Coast. “She is setting the standard for the Rolling Readers organization and making the community a better place to live.”

The Governor’s Points of Light Award, sponsored by Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, each week recognizes a Florida resident who demonstrates exemplary service to his or her community. A panel of judges composed of Florida volunteers evaluates all nominations and makes recommendations to Governor Crist. The nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation manages this program. To nominate a volunteer for a Points of Light Award, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org. To volunteer as a reviewer of nominations, contact Points of Light program director Alicia Joyner at Alicia.Joyner@VFFFund.org.