PrintPrint © 2009 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.

New York Mets, MLB and 'People' announce three finalists for 'All-Stars Among Us' campaign honoring New York leaders in the community
06/08/2009 3:46 PM ET
The New York Mets, Major League Baseball and PEOPLE today announced the three finalists - Carol Cauley, Tara Suri and Jonathan Zimmerman - for the "All-Stars Among Us" campaign. Voting begins today for the contest that recognizes individuals who are serving the New York community in extraordinary ways. This initiative is central to the 2009 MLB All-Star Summer program dedicated to charitable initiatives and recognition of the important role of community service.

Carol Cauley, 56, of Larchmont, New York, volunteers in the fight against hunger. She organizes and operates the local food pantry in Mamaroneck, which serves hundreds of needy families each month. Carol dedicates hours of her time every week to make sure every family in her community has enough to eat.

Tara Suri, 18, of Scarsdale, New York, was galvanized by the sexism she encountered in India at 13. She founded Turn Your World Around (www.turnyourworldaround.org) to engage young people in initiatives ranging from increasing access to education to fighting poverty. She has impacted thousands globally and is dedicated to forging a movement of youth creating change.

Jonathan Zimmerman, 48, of Port Washington, New York, believes that every child deserves a working computer. Through his organization (www.comp4kids.org), he collects, refurbishes and distributes computers to low-income families in the New York area. Jon last year gave away over 300 computers to families who couldn't afford one.

The 90 finalists (three per MLB Club) have been selected from thousands of online submissions by fans across the nation who nominated an "All-Star" within their community. Fans can log on to www.PeopleAllStars.com today through June 24 to vote for their favorite New York community "All-Star." All 30 winners will be included in the All-Star Week festivities in St. Louis and will attend and be honored as part of the pre-game ceremony at the 2009 MLB All-Star Game, televised nationally by FOX Sports with pre-game ceremonies beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT (8:00 p.m. ET). One winning "All-Star Among Us" will be featured in PEOPLE the week of the All-Star Game.

For the last 35 years, PEOPLE has told stories of everyday "heroes" whose acts of courage, commitment, strength and compassion are changing the lives of others. The "PEOPLE All-Stars Among Us" campaign will extend the PEOPLE "Heroes Among Us" franchise.

"Major League Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "The 'All-Stars Among Us' campaign embodies our commitment to recognizing the importance of giving back to the community as the focus of this year's All-Star Game. Major League Baseball is proud to partner with PEOPLE Magazine in recognizing these deserving 'All-Stars.'"

"Celebrating the 'Heroes Among Us' has been an important part of PEOPLE editorial throughout its 35-year history," said PEOPLE Managing Editor Larry Hackett. "43 million weekly readers look to PEOPLE for these stories of everyday individuals who dedicate their lives to making a difference." Time Inc Style & Entertainment Group President Paul Caine adds: "We are thrilled to partner with MLB to shine a spotlight on the inspiring work of these "All-Stars Among Us," and to salute these individuals in front of a nationwide audience."

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


Mets Homepage   |  MLB.com