IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007

Contact:
Rep. Pat George
785/296-7646

George@house.state.ks.us

REPRESENTATIVE HONORS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Topeka - Kansas House Representative Pat George (R-Dodge City) called attention today to four Kansans working to make a difference in their communities and around the world.

"It is easy to only focus on your life and family. But it takes truly special people to reach out on their own time and often with their own money, to help others around them," said Rep. George. "I have witnessed the impact these four Kansans have had on others who are less fortunate. I applaud and thank them for the impact they have made on thousands of lives."

At the request of Rep. George, House Speaker Melvin Neufeld issued Kansas House of Representatives certificates for the following individuals for their service to others and their generosity to communities here in Kansas, across the country, and around the world:

• Dr. Laurie White, Dodge City, Voluntary Optometric Service for Humanity/Kansas. Since 1977, Dr. White has traveled to Central and South America to provide eye care and eye wear to the impoverished populations.

• Dan Tasset, Leawood, Co-Founder of ASC Group now known as Nueterra Healthcare. Tasset also established Intregal Life Foundation which purpose is to develop leaders through training, mentorship and capital. The foundation’s mission is to turn young leaders into tomorrow’s business leaders.

• Dr. Ken Gregoire, Norton, Valley Hope Association. Dr. Gregoire joined Valley Hope in 1977 to help alcoholics and addicts overcome their addictions through treatment and care. He is President of the Valley Hope Association which is beginning its 40th year of helping those struggling with substance abuse disease.

• Dr. John Leipold, Norton, Valley Hope Association. Dr. Leipold joined Valley Hope in 1992, following in his parents, Dr. William "Doc" and Val Leipold’s footsteps to save lives, families suffering from the disease of addiction. He is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Valley Hope Association.

"Kansans are known for helping their neighbors and even those they don’t know - it’s part of our heritage," said Speaker Neufeld. "I thank these Kansans for going beyond what anyone could ask and making a difference in our state."

"So much is made of what is wrong with Kansas. I believe these four Kansans truly reflect what is right with our great state. They represent the hope, inspiration and spirit of giving that lives in all Kansans," said Rep. George.

Speaker Neufeld and Rep. George presented Drs. White, Gregoire, Leipold and Tasset the certificates in a private ceremony in the Speaker’s office.

Dan Tasset, Dr. Ken Gregoire, and Dr. John Leipold also testified before the House Select Committee on the State Employee Payment Plan on the pay systems used by their businesses.

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