Goodwill of Orange County's Board Member Rogers (Rog) Severson Honored

SANTA ANA, CA-December 7, 2006-Bank of America has recognized Rog Severson, a member of Goodwill of Orange County's (Goodwill) Board of Directors through their 2006 Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI) awards in Orange County. The Bank of America NEI commenced in 2004 to recognize, nurture and reward organizations, local heroes and student leaders helping to rebuild and revitalize communities.

Newport Beach Resident, Severson has been a catalyst for new visions, understanding and change in the Orange County community. He is the President of Saddleback Associates, is active in the real estate industry, is involved with many community organizations and is a major donor to Goodwill of Orange County.

After enduring a spinal cord injury in the late 1980's, Severson found the overwhelming need for additional therapy and assistance to those living with disabilities. In 1987, Severson founded the Spinal Cord Injury Special Fund, an organization that works to maximize the independence of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

In addition, he played a key role in the success of opening Goodwill's Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC). ATEC provides equipment an/or technology to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities for individuals with disabilities. Today, Severson continues to fund ATEC and continuously seeks out ways to provide additional assistance and treatment for those in need of the services. His support has been invaluable, especially directly to the adults and children who benefit from ATEC.

Rog Severson was presented with his award along with a $5,000 donation to support the charity of his choice. He selected Goodwill's ATEC program.

For more information on Goodwill of Orange County and its education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Anne Blasius, Communications Manager at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or anneb@ocgoodwill.org. For additional information and how you can be involved or donate to Goodwill of Orange County, please contact Nicole Suydam, Director of Development at (714) 547-6308 ext. 311 or nicoles@ocgoodwill.org.

Information may also be found at www.ocgoodwill.org