GM Announces AnnMarie, Mark & Mary as the new Heroes Finalists!

June 9, 2011 9:23 am CT

General Motors Recognizes AnnMarie Walsh, Mark Biery and Mary Bronton as the new Our Town, Our Heroes Finalists!

It’s time once again for us to recognize a new set of local heroes!  All of these individuals have empowering stories of how they’re driving positive change in their communities. At the end of the voting period, the finalist with the most votes will win a one-week loan of a new General Motors vehicle put together in a special package that is fit for a hero!

Since summertime is closely approaching, we decided to spice this round up for the nominators as well! We have reserved a bright and shiny new Chevrolet Camaro for the person who nominated this rounds winner to enjoy during the 4^th of July weekend!

It is now your turn to tell us which one of our finalists inspires you the most – cast your vote for one of the finalists below!

AnnMarie Walsh from Chicago, nominated by Jessica Schultz
My hero is AnnMarie Walsh, known as @padschicago on Twitter.  I had the privilege of meeting her a few weeks ago at a movie screening for a film about the impact of Twitter. AnnMarie was homeless in Chicago for over five years and was determined to find a way to get herself out of poverty.  She began visiting the Chicago Public Library to use the internet and stay abreast of news and society.  Today, AnnMarie has been on Twitter for almost two years and continues to to help not only herself but other homeless people throughout the country.   Pads Chicago has become a site intended to serve as a tool to the homeless community, run by a homeless person- AnnMarie. AnnMarie’s outlook is to let people know about these issues and encourage everyone to work in a team effort to combat the homelessness problems and issues our society faces.

Mark Biery from Chicago, nominated by Carrie Gowans
Mark is the Founder of LTS (Live to Support) Chicago, an organization that showcases nonprofits through hosting networking and sporting events. He has gathered the dream team of philanthropic supporters, athletes and charities to help raise awareness and funding.  In addition to running LTS, working another job and attending grad school, Mark is very giving as he has gone under the blade to sport a bald noggin to raise funds for pediatric cancer research for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, volunteers with Imerman Angels, guest bartends to raise funds to grant wishes, coaches youth sports, etc.  Chicago is lucky to have this generous CA native, I look forward to seeing many things great things happen for him, LTS and all of his charity partners!  A true hero to many!

Mary Bronton from Barrington, nominated by Richard Mele
Mary Bronton has been an associate of mine for over 20 years, she is a single Mom, her son Alex is 14 yrs old and has Cerebral Palsy. Mary has devoted her life to making Alex’s life as good as it can be. Mary has made Alex feel “special” and not because of his condition but because of who he is. Mary has taken Alex everywhere and he loves to be around people. Consequently, he is loved by his fellow students, his friends and his family, because he is Alex.

Mary has sacrificed a lot for Alex, and has done it with love and pride in her son. Mary’s upbeat attitude and positive approach to her life is truly an inspiration to all of us. I am sure that if Alex could express it, Mary is his HERO!

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Remember, only one vote per person per round! We have seen some irregularities with voting and do daily monitoring to ensure all votes follow the Our Town, Our Heroes Contest Rules.

Voting for this round of Our Town, Our Heroes ends at 11:59 P.M. on June 15, 2011! We will announce the winner and the winning hero’s nominator on May 17, 2011, so be sure to keep checking DrivingtheMidwest.com and follow us on Twitter @DrivingMidwest for updates!

Remember, we’re always accepting nominations for Our Town, Our Heroes, so nominate YOUR hero today!