Jim Voyles of Rolling Meadows gets people involved in noble causes
Jim Voyles administrated the Shannon McNamara 5k walk/run to combat sexual assault this past Sunday, in Rolling Meadows Illinois. But that is not all he is involved in. Shannon McNamara was a student at Eastern who was sexually assaulted and then murdered at her off campus apartment at Charleston 17 years ago. Jim said, "I was an Eastern alum and Shannon was my roommate's friend. I knew Shannon for about two years." The race was held in Rolling Meadows Illinois this year, as opposed to Charleston Illinois in previous years. Voyles said that the race profits about $3,000. This money is then put into a scholarship, where students from the Rolling Meadows high school athletics can be chosen to apply for the scholarship by a faculty member who deems them worthy of it.Voyles said "the scholarship is decided in early May with the recipient receiving $3000. Coaches that see something in a student that they think Shannon too would have liked, and choose them to apply for the scholarship every year." The scholarship is given the final decision by McNamara's best friend. Jim said, "participant numbers have been steady for years around 350-400 people. We will make a few minor tweaks, [with the race] but people have become accustomed to what goes on each year."
Jim is not only the administrator of the race, but also the athletic director, teacher, coach and activities coordinator of Rolling Meadows high school. Jim said "Our school, Rolling Meadows High School, does a wonderful job instilling the big picture in students. Life can be challenging, and our students, staff and community come together to do their part in Student Council food drives, St. Baldrick's, Rotary Interact events and much, much more." The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. The Rolling Meadows high school is hosting a "brave a shave for kids with cancer", where you can either donate money or help raise it by shaving your head. So far the school has raised $3,414 out of a $5,000 goal. The Rotary is a volunteer organization of 1.2 million business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace. The St. Balldrick's Foundation website states, "The Rotary Interact events conduct projects to address today's challenges - including illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water, and environmental concerns." Today, club members meet weekly to plan service projects, discuss community and international issues, and enjoy fellowship. To get more information on these events, check out the links below. You don't have to be a member of a club to do good in the world, just be the best person you can be.