I’ve written in past columns about the Love Bug contest at Fox Valley Volkswagen in West Chicago as pitches are made for why certain area college students deserve a new Volkswagen beetle.
Aubree Hoepper, a 2007 graduate of St. Charles East and currently a senior at Boston University, falls into the category of a worthy candidate.
Hoepper has been involved in numerous community projects, but is currently helping an organization called STIVE, working with kids suffering from sickle cell anemia. She is running in next April’s Boston Marathon to raise money to send kids to a summer camp.
She’s a finalist in the contest for the new car, which would help her get around the Boston area from school to her work with STIVE and other organizations.
You can help her with a vote at lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote. The voting ends at the end of November, and the winner is declared in mid-December.
Source: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101116/news/711179935/
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Why Aubree Hoepper deserves the special edition lovebug; Aubree’s “ Drive for Strive”
Aubree Hoepper, my 21 year old 5’2” blue eyed daughter deserves to win this Love bug 2 contest. She is a senior at Boston University and plans to attend medical school to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician. She will be incurring an enormous debt to attain her goal and will need a car to zip around Boston for her volunteer and educational obligations. Aubree has dedicated herself to her education, family and helping those less fortunate.
She is the coordinator for a program called STRIVE - dedicated to children with sickle cell anemia. She also works in a preschool and tutors. This summer she worked with children with disabilities at an unpaid internship program in Ireland, an opportunity she paid for herself to do. Aubree’s dedication to helping others is amazing, Whether giving encouragement to a sick patient or bringing a smile to a child’s face, she has a special gift.Aubree’s dream of owning a Volkswagen beetle began when she rode in our neighbor’s vintage beetle and was further influenced when at age 12 she spotted the limited edition powder blue beetle She told me that one day she was going to own that car. This resulted in our family purchasing a silver beetle in 2002. This limited edition blue 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is a metaphor for Aubree…compact, efficient, economical, fun-spirited and distinctive.
Winning this contest would not only fulfill a childhood dream but would help her accomplish her goals.
Also contribute to her fundraising effort to help send STRIVE kids to Camp visit her web page at http://teamholeinthewall.kintera.org/boston2011/aubree
Last Year's Winner Meets 2010 Finalist!
Hi everyone,
Ken and I got a call from a friend to attend a church this AM, where an old friend of ours was going to be giving the message. We walked into Alpine Chapel in Lake Zurich, where we have NEVER attended before. Following the service a gal came up and introduced herself to me, because she saw the T-shirt that I was wearing.
This was the www.lovebugcontest.com t-shirt, that we were given yesterday, when Ken went to pick up his prize for qualifying to be a finalist in the contest. Anyway...she said "Do you know someone in the LoveBug Contest this year?" I told her that my husband Ken was in it. She wanted to know his story. So I let her know. With that, she says "Last year's winner goes to our church!"
I couldn't believe it. Of all the churches in the area, we were led to go to the ONE that last year's winner goes to? So...she introduced us to Donna, the winner from last year, who was eager to meet us. She said she would put Ken's information out on her Facebook today, and get her church behind him, to see if they can do it again!
She told us to take a look at her car in the parking lot. Of course, when we went out, it was parked directly behind ours! Her little red Bug, and Ken's big ole gas guzzling Avalanche. She said that last year, her entire church got behind her, and it was a real testament to the everyone that God had a hand in the win.
She said "it was all God." Glory to God, that, that was the only way she would have won with God and the Church backing her. It was amazing, she said, it took on a life of its own!
So... amazing, that we actually met the winner from last year!
Leslie Coslet
Ken and I got a call from a friend to attend a church this AM, where an old friend of ours was going to be giving the message. We walked into Alpine Chapel in Lake Zurich, where we have NEVER attended before. Following the service a gal came up and introduced herself to me, because she saw the T-shirt that I was wearing.
This was the www.lovebugcontest.com t-shirt, that we were given yesterday, when Ken went to pick up his prize for qualifying to be a finalist in the contest. Anyway...she said "Do you know someone in the LoveBug Contest this year?" I told her that my husband Ken was in it. She wanted to know his story. So I let her know. With that, she says "Last year's winner goes to our church!"
I couldn't believe it. Of all the churches in the area, we were led to go to the ONE that last year's winner goes to? So...she introduced us to Donna, the winner from last year, who was eager to meet us. She said she would put Ken's information out on her Facebook today, and get her church behind him, to see if they can do it again!
She told us to take a look at her car in the parking lot. Of course, when we went out, it was parked directly behind ours! Her little red Bug, and Ken's big ole gas guzzling Avalanche. She said that last year, her entire church got behind her, and it was a real testament to the everyone that God had a hand in the win.
She said "it was all God." Glory to God, that, that was the only way she would have won with God and the Church backing her. It was amazing, she said, it took on a life of its own!
So... amazing, that we actually met the winner from last year!
Leslie Coslet
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Evergreen Park, Ill. Resident Wins Monthly Prize in Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest
(Evergreen Park, Ill.)-Laura Daluga of Evergreen Park was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other August semi-finalists each won a Sony
Monday, October 18, 2010
AURORA RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN'S "LOVEbug2 CONTEST"
Adam Fulkerson of Aurora was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. He and two other October semi-finalists each won a XM® Xpress RCi® satellite radio receiver in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Fulkerson, a police officer, was nominated by his wife, Melanie Fulkerson, for his devotion to his family and community and for his untiring support as a volunteer for their local church and children’s programs.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Adam’s and all he does for others,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed."
Fulkerson, a police officer, was nominated by his wife, Melanie Fulkerson, for his devotion to his family and community and for his untiring support as a volunteer for their local church and children’s programs."We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Adam’s and all he does for others,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed."
JOLIET RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN'S "LOVEbug2 CONTEST"
Ray Kurzawa of Joliet was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. He and two other October semi-finalists each won a XM® Xpress RCi® satellite radio receiver in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Kurzawa was nominated by his daughter, Kate Kurzawa, for his untiring devotion to his family. Kurzawa, who hasn’t owned a new car in 30 years, currently retired his present vehicle after 345,000 miles and is driving a car that needs daily repair. It’s his daughter’s wish “to see my dad off to work for once without seeing him carry his briefcase in one hand and a tool box in the other.”
“We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Ray and all he does for his family –it would be rewarding to present him with a new car,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, Sony Flash Memory Handycam Camcorders, and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle.
To vote for a nominee, visit
http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote/
Kurzawa was nominated by his daughter, Kate Kurzawa, for his untiring devotion to his family. Kurzawa, who hasn’t owned a new car in 30 years, currently retired his present vehicle after 345,000 miles and is driving a car that needs daily repair. It’s his daughter’s wish “to see my dad off to work for once without seeing him carry his briefcase in one hand and a tool box in the other.”“We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Ray and all he does for his family –it would be rewarding to present him with a new car,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, Sony Flash Memory Handycam Camcorders, and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle.
To vote for a nominee, visit
http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote/
Friday, September 17, 2010
ADDISON RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN’S ”LOVEbug2 CONTEST
Santina Colella of Addison was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other August semi-finalists each won a Sony® Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Colella was nominated by her sister, Elisabeta Colella, for her positive attitude and devotion to supporting her family through challenging economic times. Colella was forced to quit college a year before graduation due to job losses in her family and now lives between friends and strangers while helping to pay off family debt. She recently earned a position as a delivery associate that is now in jeopardy due to costly repairs needed to her current car.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Santina’s inspirational hard work and faith during a very difficult situation,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a nominee, visit http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote
Colella was nominated by her sister, Elisabeta Colella, for her positive attitude and devotion to supporting her family through challenging economic times. Colella was forced to quit college a year before graduation due to job losses in her family and now lives between friends and strangers while helping to pay off family debt. She recently earned a position as a delivery associate that is now in jeopardy due to costly repairs needed to her current car.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Santina’s inspirational hard work and faith during a very difficult situation,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a nominee, visit http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote
EVERGREEN PARK RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN’S ”LOVEbug2 CONTEST
Laura Daluga of Evergreen Park was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other August semi-finalists each won a Sony® Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Daluga, a fourth-generation florist, was nominated by a friend who would like her commute to her new job in Palatine made easier with her own car. Daluga currently commutes three hours per day to devote her time to a career she loves – creating beautiful and memorable floral arrangements for others’ special occasions.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Laura and all she does to bring the beautiful joy of flowers to others’ lives,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a nominee, visit http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote
Daluga, a fourth-generation florist, was nominated by a friend who would like her commute to her new job in Palatine made easier with her own car. Daluga currently commutes three hours per day to devote her time to a career she loves – creating beautiful and memorable floral arrangements for others’ special occasions.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Laura and all she does to bring the beautiful joy of flowers to others’ lives,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a nominee, visit http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
September Monthly Winners!
Congratulations to our Round 3 LOVEbug2 Winners! Laura, Tina and Helen each won a Sony® - Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD and will compete for the Grand Prize later this year!
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!
 Laura Daluga Florist in need |
 Tina Cole Tina's Story |
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Chicago Resident Semi-Finalist in Fox Valley Volkswagen's LOVEbug2 Contest
Vanessa Vargas was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen's LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire them or others.
Aug 03, 2010 – Chicago -- Vanessa Vargas was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire them or others. She and two other July semi-finalists each won an Apple 8GB iPod Touch in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Vargas was nominated by her sister, Veronica Vargas, for her untiring help and support in caring daily for Veronica’s 2 year old child, so the young, single mother could finish school and find a good job.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Vanessa for remarkable devotion to her family,” said Emir Abandon, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, Sony Camcorders, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle.
Originally posted: http://www.prlog.org/10835519-chicago-resident-semi-finalist-in-fox-valley-volkswagens-lovebug2-contest.html
Aug 03, 2010 – Chicago -- Vanessa Vargas was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire them or others. She and two other July semi-finalists each won an Apple 8GB iPod Touch in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Vargas was nominated by her sister, Veronica Vargas, for her untiring help and support in caring daily for Veronica’s 2 year old child, so the young, single mother could finish school and find a good job.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Vanessa for remarkable devotion to her family,” said Emir Abandon, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, Sony Camcorders, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle.
Originally posted: http://www.prlog.org/10835519-chicago-resident-semi-finalist-in-fox-valley-volkswagens-lovebug2-contest.html
Win a New Volkswagen Beetle for Your Good Deeds in the LoveBug 2 Contest
Nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire you or others and he or she could win a new 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390 as the grand prize winner of the LOVEbug 2 Contest sponsored by Fox Valley Volkswagen. Three monthly semi-final winners will receive prizes, such as Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players, and will be entered into the Grand Prize contest for a chance to win the new car. The contest runs through December 19. To nominate someone and for complete contest rules, visit www.lovebugcontest.com.
Chicago Resident Wins Semi-Finals Prize in Contest Recognizing Good Deeds
Chicago resident Rachel Hall was recognized for her good deeds as a semi-finals prize winner in Fox Valley Volkswagen's "LOVEbug 2 Contest."
Aug 24, 2010 – (Chicago)--Rachell Hall of Chicago was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug 2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other July semi-finalists each won a Garmin navigation system in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Hall’s mother, Shan Hall, nominated her daughter for her continued, unselfish financial and emotional support she provides her family.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Rachell and all she does for others,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug 2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Sony Camcorders, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a monthly nominee, visit www.lovebugcontest.com and click on “read and vote.”
Originally posted: http://www.prlog.org/10882607-chicago-resident-wins-semi-finals-prize-in-contest-recognizing-good-deeds.html
Aug 24, 2010 – (Chicago)--Rachell Hall of Chicago was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug 2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other July semi-finalists each won a Garmin navigation system in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.
Hall’s mother, Shan Hall, nominated her daughter for her continued, unselfish financial and emotional support she provides her family.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Rachell and all she does for others,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The LOVEbug 2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Sony Camcorders, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a monthly nominee, visit www.lovebugcontest.com and click on “read and vote.”
Originally posted: http://www.prlog.org/10882607-chicago-resident-wins-semi-finals-prize-in-contest-recognizing-good-deeds.html
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
August Monthly Winners!
Congratulations to our Round 2 LOVEbug2 Winners! Amanda, Cristina and Rachel each won an Garmin® - nüvi 765T GPS and will compete for the Grand Prize later this year!
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!
 Cristina Cater American Dream |
 Amanda Eckstein Amanda...an Inspiration |
 Rachel Hall Not the Best of Times |
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July Monthly Winners!
Congratulations to our Round 1 LOVEbug2 Winners! Becky, Stephanie and Vanessa each won an Apple 8GB iPod Touch and will compete for the Grand Prize later this year!
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!
Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!
 Sue Borowiak Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover |
 Stephanie Flood Angel Needs a New Set of Wheels |
 Veronica Vargas My Life Line |
July Winner - Angel Needs a New Set of Wheels
submitted by jenny dzierozynski from libertyville, IL on Jun 2, 2010
Most of us go through our lives not realizing what a gift each day is. My nominee, Stephanie Flood lives each day knowing how truly precious life is. At age 9, she was diagnosed with a aggressive & deadly brain cancer, ependymoma. She's battled this reoccuring cancer 4 times but continues to give back & fight cancer. Steph has raised awareness & has been instrumental in raising large amounts of money for cancer research. She has gone before Congress, worked with Children's Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society. She's a recent college grad from NIU and is currently interning at Children's Memorial Hospital where she hopes to gain employment to continue to make a difference in the lives of those around her who are ill. Recently, her old car broke down and cannot be repaired. Please don't let this roadblock keep her from continuing her life's mission. She not only deserves this car, she REALLY needs it as she goes into the workplace. Please vote for our angel Steph!
July Winner - Don't Judge a Book by its Cover
submitted by sue Borowiak from Geneva, IL on Jun 2, 2010
For her entire life Becky has always been an outgoing, loving child. Being only 4'9'' she has been placed into the category of being a 'legal midget' something that usually would wound others, but Becky is proud of who she is. My daughter is extremely special and I could not be more proud of her. She shares a car with her twin sister, someone 5'5'' and soon her younger brother as well, who also is taller than her. She constantly has to change the seat in the car to make it work for her. Whenever she sits in our other cars, she needs a boost to sit higher in the chair to see to drive. My daughter needs a car for herself, but because we are struggling in this economic time, she cannot get that. She works with what she has, but because of her height she struggles. I believe my daughter deserves this car because she gives so much to others, and ignores her misfortunes to make myself and my husband less stressed. She's paying her way through college, and getting this car would be great.
July Winner - My Life Line
submitted by veronica vargas from chicago, IL on Jun 15, 2010
I am a 22 year old single parent. Last summer when I decided to get my life together, my older sister Vanessa was there to help me. She has been my full time nanny for a year now. In that year I have done the following, one I have finished school, two I have found a wonderful job, three I have learned to let the little things go, and most importantly, I have become a Responsible adult and parent. She has dedicated all her time to myself and my two year old. In a few weeks ill be at my graduation ceremony. I would not be where I am today or there on that stage if it weren't for my sister. She has not asked me for anything the entire time on my journey. I'm enrolling my daughter in daycare this week and told my sister its time for her to go start her journey. What better way to start it than in a new car, something she does not have but she greatly deserves.
Friday, May 7, 2010
A Gift of Adventure Indeed
It has been four months since the Love Bug extravaganza has taken its final bow and I have been awarded with the admirable title of Love Bug Ambassador. The experience as a whole taught me how many people are supporting and encouraging me. Even though they are not along side of me coaching me through every all nighter, stressful tech week, or rough day, a huge outpour of love and support enveloped me during this contest, and for that I am so grateful.
Every voter and every kind word spoken is what granted me this LOVE Bug for a whole year and has opened many doors for learning and engaging with others, that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do otherwise.
I am currently pursuing a PR and Advertising major and Photography minor at DePaul University. During the voting period, my mother encouraged me to have fun and use the skills to become the top vote getter. I see life as one big learning experience; one should seize every opportunity to learn more. This was the perfect opportunity to have fun and color outside of the lines a bit. I took silly (but effective!) photos to capture a sense of who I was. I decided to sing The Beatles ever popular “All You Need is Love” on YouTube in order to capture the attention of voters. People appreciated it and this contest; I’ve been told it was the highlight of many people’s days. It was exciting and at times, stressful. It became a community event.
The last few days were to say the least, nerve-racking and spent breaking the top record of refreshing a computer screen. It was evident how hard Donna (winner of Love Bug 2009) and I were working to get as many last votes as possible. It came down to the wire, when Fox Valley VW took away the vote count during the last 24 hours! At that point, the prayers started flowing as well as the phone calls from friends and family!
The night before the Fox Valley LOVE Bug reveal, I was exhausted. Before the vote count disappeared, Donna had taken the lead by a couple hundred votes. I felt overwhelmed and sad that if after all of my hard work, the efforts of my family, friends, friend’s friends, co-workers, and classmates, I wouldn’t win and I would have let everyone down. Everyone supporting me was just as invested as me at this point.
I woke up the morning of the reveal and was overwhelmed by the sense of peace I had been searching and longed for. I came to the realization that this contest gave me a wonderful insight to marketing, brought my family and I closer, and brought to the surface just how many people care about me, are rooting for me and stuck with me until the end. I felt so blessed and grateful for this opportunity that the results were going to be just as they should.
During the reveal, I met Donna, the woman whom I had been competing with fiercely for the last six weeks. I came to find that she and her family couldn’t have been kinder. Donna had a similar experience to me. She felt stress as well as the outpouring of support; it had been quite the ride for both of us.
We were geared up for the results as our stories were read by Emir Abinion as he shared Fox Valley VW’s experience of the first ever-successful LOVE Bug contest. I was shocked when he announced that the second place winner would be granted the opportunity to drive a LOVE Bug for a year and act as their LOVE Bug Ambassador.
The results were in and I took a very the generous offer for second place Love Bug Ambassador and learned I’d get to drive a brand new LOVE Bug for a year! I was thrilled! Even after four months, I am still in awe. I gratefully accepted his offer and have been having the time of my life since then.
I have been able to visit my dad, whom I do not get to see very often in Wisconsin, visit my hometown Geneva, and offer rides to my friends in need. Living in the city with the LOVE Bug has had its challenges; Chicago parking is not an easy thing, my friends! However, as I said before, it is a learning experience and I am learning in style.
I am a pretty serious babysitter and having a car has given me the opportunity for more jobs, which I am incredibly thankful for! Already, I have had meaningful conversations with friends after a long night class as I dropped them off. This car has brought me closer to others and improved my life significantly. No longer am I taking the bus and carrying 30 pounds of groceries home. I have felt safer driving home from my night classes and a capella rehearsals.
On May 2, I will be driving the LOVE Bug as well as four of my fellow DWaC (DePaul Women’s a Capella) ladies to Milwaukee to sing at Hope for Harmony at Marquette University as we raise money for the victims of Haiti and Chile. As you’ve already guessed, I love to sing and one thing you can’t do on the El to a downtown class is sing. I am a shameless singer when alone in the LOVE Bug and have LOVED busting a tune out on my way to class. Fox Valley VW wasn’t joking when they said, “And just like a concert hall, it makes for fantastic acoustics.”
Thank you, thank you, and thank you to each individual who made this possible. Every single vote made this happen and I am eternally grateful. Just like I said in my video, the offer is still available if anyone ever needs a ride! Please look for me at numerous events this summer as the LOVE Bug as I will be basking in the summer sun and spreading the love!
xo
Madison
Every voter and every kind word spoken is what granted me this LOVE Bug for a whole year and has opened many doors for learning and engaging with others, that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do otherwise.
I am currently pursuing a PR and Advertising major and Photography minor at DePaul University. During the voting period, my mother encouraged me to have fun and use the skills to become the top vote getter. I see life as one big learning experience; one should seize every opportunity to learn more. This was the perfect opportunity to have fun and color outside of the lines a bit. I took silly (but effective!) photos to capture a sense of who I was. I decided to sing The Beatles ever popular “All You Need is Love” on YouTube in order to capture the attention of voters. People appreciated it and this contest; I’ve been told it was the highlight of many people’s days. It was exciting and at times, stressful. It became a community event.
The last few days were to say the least, nerve-racking and spent breaking the top record of refreshing a computer screen. It was evident how hard Donna (winner of Love Bug 2009) and I were working to get as many last votes as possible. It came down to the wire, when Fox Valley VW took away the vote count during the last 24 hours! At that point, the prayers started flowing as well as the phone calls from friends and family!
The night before the Fox Valley LOVE Bug reveal, I was exhausted. Before the vote count disappeared, Donna had taken the lead by a couple hundred votes. I felt overwhelmed and sad that if after all of my hard work, the efforts of my family, friends, friend’s friends, co-workers, and classmates, I wouldn’t win and I would have let everyone down. Everyone supporting me was just as invested as me at this point.
I woke up the morning of the reveal and was overwhelmed by the sense of peace I had been searching and longed for. I came to the realization that this contest gave me a wonderful insight to marketing, brought my family and I closer, and brought to the surface just how many people care about me, are rooting for me and stuck with me until the end. I felt so blessed and grateful for this opportunity that the results were going to be just as they should.
During the reveal, I met Donna, the woman whom I had been competing with fiercely for the last six weeks. I came to find that she and her family couldn’t have been kinder. Donna had a similar experience to me. She felt stress as well as the outpouring of support; it had been quite the ride for both of us.
We were geared up for the results as our stories were read by Emir Abinion as he shared Fox Valley VW’s experience of the first ever-successful LOVE Bug contest. I was shocked when he announced that the second place winner would be granted the opportunity to drive a LOVE Bug for a year and act as their LOVE Bug Ambassador.
The results were in and I took a very the generous offer for second place Love Bug Ambassador and learned I’d get to drive a brand new LOVE Bug for a year! I was thrilled! Even after four months, I am still in awe. I gratefully accepted his offer and have been having the time of my life since then.
I have been able to visit my dad, whom I do not get to see very often in Wisconsin, visit my hometown Geneva, and offer rides to my friends in need. Living in the city with the LOVE Bug has had its challenges; Chicago parking is not an easy thing, my friends! However, as I said before, it is a learning experience and I am learning in style.
I am a pretty serious babysitter and having a car has given me the opportunity for more jobs, which I am incredibly thankful for! Already, I have had meaningful conversations with friends after a long night class as I dropped them off. This car has brought me closer to others and improved my life significantly. No longer am I taking the bus and carrying 30 pounds of groceries home. I have felt safer driving home from my night classes and a capella rehearsals.
On May 2, I will be driving the LOVE Bug as well as four of my fellow DWaC (DePaul Women’s a Capella) ladies to Milwaukee to sing at Hope for Harmony at Marquette University as we raise money for the victims of Haiti and Chile. As you’ve already guessed, I love to sing and one thing you can’t do on the El to a downtown class is sing. I am a shameless singer when alone in the LOVE Bug and have LOVED busting a tune out on my way to class. Fox Valley VW wasn’t joking when they said, “And just like a concert hall, it makes for fantastic acoustics.”
Thank you, thank you, and thank you to each individual who made this possible. Every single vote made this happen and I am eternally grateful. Just like I said in my video, the offer is still available if anyone ever needs a ride! Please look for me at numerous events this summer as the LOVE Bug as I will be basking in the summer sun and spreading the love!
xo
Madison
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