CONTACT:
Dr. Daniel J. Reidenberg, PsyD, FAPA,
Executive Director
SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
952-946-7998 ext. 12
dreidenberg@save.org
www.save.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Volunteer for National Suicide Prevention Agency Earns Cargill Award
John Alt receives $1,000 grant for Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)
(Minneapolis – January 28, 2008) – John Alt, a retired employee with Cargill, earned the company’s Cargill Cares Volunteer Award for outstanding community service for his work as a volunteer with Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), a suicide prevention agency based in Minnesota. Each year the Cargill Cares Volunteer Awards program recognizes up to 100 employees and retirees internationally who volunteer their time and talent to help improve their communities. In recognition of his work, Cargill has donated $1,000 to SAVE and presented Alt with an award certificate signed by Cargill CEO Greg Page.
Alt has been a volunteer with SAVE for eight years. His son Nathan died by suicide in 1999. “Volunteering for SAVE is one way for me to get the message out to all people of all ages that suicide and depression are health problems and are as important as homicide, auto accidents and AIDS,” said Alt. “I thank Cargill for this personal recognition and also for recognizing the very valuable work of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.”
In addition to representing SAVE at medical conventions, education functions, religious and service organization meetings, Alt has served as an advocate for SAVE and the continuation of a Minnesota suicide prevention program by writing, calling and meeting with state legislators at the Capital in St. Paul.
 | John Alt presents a check for $1000 to SAVE Executive Director Dan Reidenberg |
Alt’s efforts and those of other volunteers with SAVE are critical in the organization’s fight to prevent suicide, the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 16 minutes. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds and the third leading cause of death for 10-14 year olds.
SAVE is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce the stigma associated with depression and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide. “John has been a tireless advocate for SAVE,” said SAVE Executive Director Dr. Dan Reidenberg, “we would not be able to accomplish the work we do without the incredible support of volunteers like John.”
Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 158,000 employees in 66 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed.
Support from businesses like Cargill demonstrates that the corporate community cares about issues like suicide prevention and mental illness for the well being of their employees, their families and communities.
For more information on SAVE, go to www.save.org or call 952-946-7998. For more information on Cargill and their Cargill Cares Volunteer Award, visit www.cargill.com.
#####