Mack McCarter named a finalist for nationwide True North award for "inspiring and impactful" work

For release: March 3, 2009

Community Renewal Founder and Coordinator Mack McCarter was named a top finalist out of more than 2,300 entries in a nationwide Academy Awards-worthy competition sponsored by True North, a brand of nut snacks made by Frito-Lay.

The True North contest sought out people who follow their "true north" to make a positive difference and McCarter was one of only five finalists. The winning entry was featured in a commercial that aired during the Academy Awards and that was directed by actress Helen Hunt.

"A true north is that singular passion in life that causes you to leap out of bed in the morning and think, ‘This is why I am here.' It can be something that leaves a legacy, empowers others or simply makes the world a more interesting place to live," the company said.

"We found Mack's story to be extraordinarily inspiring and impactful."

The five finalists are featured on the True North web site. True North sent a video team from Atlanta to Shreveport to create a short video about McCarter and the work of Community Renewal for the contest.

To learn more about the True North Awards, visit www.truenorthsnacks.com.

Community Renewal International is a nonprofit effort to restore safe and healthy communities through caring relationships. Founded in 1994, Community Renewal reaches at-risk youth through Friendship Houses built in impoverished neighborhoods, strengthens education through the Adult Renewal Academy, partners with The Fuller Center for Housing and connects caring partners who turn their neighborhoods into safe havens of friendship and support.

Contact: David Westerfield, director of communications
(318) 425-3222
davidwesterfield@communityrenewal.us