J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 | L i g h t h o u s e N e i g h b o r s 1

JANUARY 2015

Teen Creates A Solution For Volunteers

Renee Runge

INSIDE:

Annual Kravis Gala pg 5

Business Bonnie Tile pg 12

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8 L i g h t h o u s e N e i g h b o r s | J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

15-year-old Abacoa resident Renee Runge has been changing the community she lives in for the better. Living with her parents and her younger sister, Marissa, Renee lives the life of an average teenage girl, but with one shining difference. Through her determination and foresight, she has created a solution for the volunteer needs of Suncoast High School students, Palm Beach non-profits, and community service activists alike.

During her freshman year of high school, Renee was introduced to the high school’s requirements for community service. Seeing a situation that could be improved on, she stepped

forward to provide a helping hand. “Starting high school, I found out you

had to have 20 hours of community service to graduate. I’ve always enjoyed volunteering,” said Renee, “but a lot of my friends were having trouble finding places they could volunteer at. I thought, “How convenient would it be if there was a website where you could find local places that need help?” I know there’s so many out there.”

She later transferred to Suncoast for 10th grade and was accepted in their IB (International Baccalaureate) program as well. Suncoast requires 75 hours of community service which presents even a bigger challenge.

In January 2014, Renee started putting together such a website. Community Angel Network (CAN) launched in May.

“Community Angel Network is a website directory of local non-profit organizations that are in need of volunteers. The directory contains more than 80 non-profit organizations now. There is also a Project Page, that if you’re interested in running a specific drive or doing a project for a specific organization, we can host that and bring attention to it.”

The website lists current projects, and organizes opportunities by category of interest, such as Animals, Environment, and Veteran and Military support.

cover story RENEE RUNGE

Teen Creates A Solution For Volunteers

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J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 | L i g h t h o u s e N e i g h b o r s 9

Organizations that are promoted include Habitat for Humanity, The Lord’s Place, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach, and Feeding South Florida.

Their last Featured Project was for Tender Hearts Little Hands that benefited Grandma’s Place, running from November 28th to December 15th. Grandma’s Place provides shelter for children who have been removed from their homes due to having suffered abuse and/ or neglect.

She also supports her best friend, Remi Laufer, who was the project manager for Reesie’s Pieces of Love that benefited Kibblez of Love. Kibblez of Love is a pet food bank that assists families in Palm Beach County who have fallen on difficult financial times. See their website for more information www.kibblezoflove.org.

Renee’s passion for volunteering

started long before her idea to create her website. In the past four years, she has spent over 600 hours volunteering. Her church, Jupiter First, has helped her find a love for giving back.

“I’m really passionate about helping at my church. I help with the youth group for middle schoolers, guiding them and their lives, and I’m very involved in the high school youth group.”

Looking to the future, Renee wants to continue the website as long as possible.

“I really want to go to Duke University,” Renee said. “I have an Aunt and Uncle who live in North Carolina so I’ve toured the campus. I think I want to major in English.”

Renee is already putting her writing skills to use in CAN’s blog, which offers updates on events, the website in general, and advertises upcoming events. The blog includes pictures from

past events and videos done by the non-profit organizations. CAN also has a Facebook page that posts their events, and allows for the page’s followers to post their own links and projects.

In addition to all that being sophomore in high school requires, Renee Runge truly has an admirable spirit for dedicating so much time to helping others. Her kindness and innovation speak volumes for her and only time will reveal the great accomplishments she has yet to achieve.

To find volunteer opportunities, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/communityangelnetwork or the Community Angel Network website at www.pbccan.org. Cover story sponsored by Burman Dental

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