PR Newswire
WIXOM, Mich., March 12, 2019
WIXOM, Mich., March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Bill Poulos, co-founder and president of Profits Run, Inc., awarded the first Profits Run Starfish Award to Rachel O'Neill for her work with Little Dresses for Africa. The award is presented to community members who have made a difference in the lives of others through their extraordinary actions. The creator of the award (Bill Poulos) remarked, "The Profits Run Starfish Award celebrates the accomplishments of amazing individuals who are enhancing the lives of others. No matter how big or small the effort is, people can make a difference. The Profits Run Starfish Award recognizes individuals who constantly strive to make a difference in the world." O'Neill received the Profits Run Starfish Award plaque with a note from Poulos recognizing her accomplishments and thanking her for her hard work over the years. The award package also included a donation to assist Little Dresses for Africa in helping more children.
Little Dresses for Africa was founded by Rachel O'Neill. The non-profit organization offers respite to at risk children all over Africa and other countries in need. Dresses are hand crafted by volunteers from pillowcases and later delivered to the girls. Upon receiving the award O'Neill responded, "I'm honored to receive such a beautiful award on behalf of all the people that earned it. Thank you so much. We started as a simple gesture to give something to the girls that would be just for them—to give them honor and to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy. We also took care of the boys but made an effort to make the girls know that they are just as valuable. The idea of the pillow case dresses just took off because it's so simple and even a novice seamstress can be successful at it since a pillowcase already has the sides and the hem in it. The idea caught on and it just spread like wildfire all around the United States, and now even the world. In fact, we have sewing groups and collection centers in 8 other countries as well as the USA. We have sent over 8 million to 87 countries and it's been amazing to see the growth."
The story of a man saving stranded starfish on the beach inspired the Profits Run Starfish Award. The story appears on the Profits Run Starfish Award plaque as follows: An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean. "Why do you bother?" the old man scoffed. "You're not saving enough to make a difference." The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water. "I made a difference to that one," he said.
In addition to the award, Poulos sent O'Neill a letter acknowledging her efforts and showing gratitude for all that she has accomplished, "Dear Rachel, Congratulations! You have been awarded the Profits Run Starfish Award in recognition of your selfless dedication and devotion to helping those in need. Through Little Dresses for Africa—with each dress given, home visited, and education lesson provided—you have made an incredible difference. You have made lasting impacts on the lives of many young girls and families throughout Africa. We at Profits Run applaud your continued service to positively influence the lives of others. Please accept this donation check to aid your continued efforts. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all that you do. Sincerely, Bill Poulos"
O'Neill's efforts began with dresses for young girls but has since grown to so much more. Rachel clarified, "These little dresses go in as ambassadors to meet the people in remote villages. We give them away. Through the relationships that were formed, we saw needs that we could meet. Knowing we can't do everything we decided to concentrate on projects having to do with clean water, education and community. Clean water saves lives immediately, education changes the future, especially for girls and community sustains these things. We like to say, "we're not just sending dresses, we're sending hope." The coolest part is I don't even sew! I am an organizer and I love Africa. I love the sounds, the people, the colors, the textures so this was and is a perfect fit for me. We can't do it all, but we can make some little girls happy, one little dress at a time."
Millions of dresses and pants for boys have been delivered to 87 countries around the world since 2008. When visiting the communities, the volunteers teach about clean water, education, and the importance of community. Young girls are often left to care for siblings when their parents are deceased. The handmade dresses gives the girls a sense that they are worth more and a sense of hope and purpose for their future. Donations can be made to Little Dresses for Africa on their website littledressesforafrica.org.
Rachel O'Neill is the youngest of six girls. Her father was a Pastor and her mother a School teacher. She received a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Michigan and later attended Central Michigan University where she received her Master of Business Administration. While overseeing Little Dresses for Africa, Rachel is also employed at AVL engineering. She resides in Michigan with her spouse, Michael. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.
Bill Poulos and his son, Gregory, founded Profits Run, Inc. in 2001. In 2019, the duo established the Profits Run Starfish Award. Bill has a strong belief in philanthropy within his community. He attended General Motors Institute where he earned his bachelor's degree in engineering. He later graduated from the University of Michigan with an MBA (finance degree). Prior to establishing Profits Run, Poulos worked for General Motors for over 30 years. Poulos is a well respected author, investor, and mentor.
To nominate an individual for the Profits Run Starfish Award visit https://www.billpoulos.com/profits-run-starfish-award/.
About Profits Run, Inc. In 2001, Profits Run, Inc. was founded by Bill and Gregory Poulos. The company's name is derived from the popular saying amongst traders, "Cut your losses and let your profits run." Profits Run's mission is to give individuals the tools they need to make simpler investments utilizing proper risk management. Profits Run offers training programs and products to help people become better traders. The company has given support to over 100,000 investors in more than 150 countries.
SOURCE Profits Run