Contact: Mei Ling Starkey, Media Relations, Rock Church, 619-764-5212, 858-254-6019 (cell), meiling.starkey@therocksandiego.org

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 21 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Saturday, January 23, 2010, Community leaders, professional athletes, and government officials will join Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church in honoring over 2,500 San Diego residents for their completion of more than 600,000 hours of volunteer service in the San Diego community during 2009.

Amongst the volunteers being recognized are the "Rock Heroes." Characterized by their outstanding dedication and sacrificial service, the Rock Heroes are nominated by and selected by the Rock pastors. The DO Something Celebration will highlight the efforts of the twelve Rock Heroes as well as the entire year of service volunteers completed by thousands of volunteers.

Rock Heroes are examples of the many volunteers at the Rock Church that are participating in the Rock's DO Something volunteer campaign. This initiative encourages people to play an active role in the improvement of their community. The campaign has been a welcome response to the current economic crisis. The Rock surpassed its goal of 600,000 DO Something volunteer hours in 2009 with 615,956 hours, valued at $9.6 million*. 100,000 of the 600,000 hours were committed to work specifically targeting the City of San Diego, as identified by Mayor Jerry Sanders. This goal was completed as well, with 166,251 hours, valued at $2.6 million*.

Mayor Jerry Sanders shares, "I can't thank you enough for your commitment to the San Diego community...The DO Something volunteer campaign is an outstanding way to encourage people to 'give back' and the City is grateful for the Rock's committing 100,000 volunteer hours."

The Rock Church's DO Something campaign inspires people to make a difference in their communities by volunteering their time, talent, and treasure. Whether it's mentoring youth, cleaning up community parks, or visiting convalescent homes, the community is feeling the impact of Rock volunteers.

In addition to honoring the volunteers and their accomplishments, Pastor Miles will reveal the Rock's commitment for 2010. The Rock recognizes the effects of the economic crisis on San Diego and the imperative role volunteerism plays in alleviating the budget. While many are making cut-backs, the Rock will increase its volunteer commitment to the Mayor.

DO Something Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, January 23, 2010
5:30 - 7 PM Dinner Reception
7 - 9 PM Awards Program

WHERE: Rock Church
Rosecrans and Womble
(2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106)
Media parking/check-in located at the west-end of the Rock Church, between the Rock and Explorer Elementary School.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

• Interview opportunity with Director of Protocol for Mayor Jerry Sanders, Lisa Gordon
   
• Interview opportunity with San Diego Padres First Baseman, Adrian Gonzalez
   
• Interview opportunity with Rock Church Senior Pastor and author of "DO Something: Make Your Life Count" Miles McPherson
   
• Interview opportunities with Rock volunteers (Areas include: Addiction, Business, Cancer Care, Convalescent Home, Deaf, Disabilities, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorder, Foster Youth, Gang, Homeless, Human Trafficking, Inner-City Youth Tutoring, Military, Prison, Recycling, Work/Job and more)
   
• Visuals of thousands of local residents celebrating completion of service goal.
   
• Special guests include San Diego Chargers players, The Godkins, and professional skater, Preston Pollard.

*Median wage calculated by O*Net®

ABOUT THE ROCK
The Rock is San Diego's largest church and the 19th largest church in the nation according to Outreach Magazine's 2009 "100 Largest and Fastest-Growing Churches in America" survey. It was started in 2000 by Pastor Miles McPherson, a former NFL player. Over 12,000 people attend the Rock's five Sunday services.

For more information go to www.therocksandiego.org

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Rock Church  2277 Rosecrans St.,  San Diego,  CA 92106   www.therocksandiego.org