President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Robbie Powell, 12, when he arrives in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.  Robbie organized the Live 4 Ben fundraising campaign and is a volunteer with the Conway Braves.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer when he travels throughout the United States.  He has met with more than 600 volunteers, like Robbie, since March 2002.

Robbie, a student at Bob Courtway Middle School, began his volunteer service when his best friend, Ben Patterson, was diagnosed with Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA); a rare inherited neurological movement disorder causing degeneration of the nervous system. For five years Robbie helped Ben with school assignments and class activities.  As the disease progressed and Ben was unable to speak and walk, Robbie visited him at home to provide support and friendship. After Ben’s death in August of 2007, Robbie wanted to honor his friend and help find a cure for the disease that took his life. He spearheaded an effort to sell Live 4 Ben silicone bracelets and raised nearly $2,000 for research and awareness.  Robbie continues to volunteer for disabled children in his community with the Conway Braves, a tee-ball program for children with disabilities.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 61 million Americans volunteered in 2006. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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