News items for 2006-December

The Amish of Nickel Mines, PA who responded within hours of the horrendous killing of five Amish girls by reaching out to the killer's family with food, support and fund raising.

Warren Buffet, the second richest person in the world, made the largest charitable donation in history in order to "give back to society."

Lance Corporal Tod Corbin saved the lives of many in his platoon in spite of great personal danger under enemy fire. He received the Navy Cross.

Rev. Richard Cizik, an evangelical Christian and a vice president of the National Association of Evangelicals, promotes environmental concerns, in spite of widespread apathy and fierce criticism by some of his fellow evangelicals.

Immaculée Ilibagiza a Tutsi from Rwanda was caught up in the Rwandan genocide. She survived, and mourns the death of her parents, grandparents and three brothers. She has forgiven the perpetrators and now tours the U.S. teaching the power of radical forgiveness.

Bindi Irwin, the eight-year old daughter of Australian conservationist Steve Irwin,  delivered a moving eulogy at her father's memorial service. She is continuing his work.

Jason McElwain, an autistic teenager, was selected for his accomplishments in basketball in spite of his disability.

Elissa Montanti has devoted her life to getting medical care and prosthetic limbs for war-maimed children.

Charles Moore, 59, a homeless man from Detrolit, MI, found $21,000 in U.S. savings bonds. In spite of his own financial needs, he returned them to their rightful owner.

Russell Simmons, a hip-hop mogul and yoga devotee is chairperson of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding a group that fights racism and religious bigotry.

Kathleen Traylor, heads a theater group, the Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League, (PHAMALy Theater). All of the actors are disabled in some way.

Adam Zuckerman, a Jewish high school student from Portland, ME, became an activist to help the victims of the Darfur genocide. See: http://www.savedarfur.org/