December 10, 2010 - First Lady Mary Pat Christie Names Kate Dowd of GlassRoots a New Jersey Hero Encourages New Jerseyans to Nominate their Local Heroes at www.nj.gov/governor/firstlady

For Immediate Release:	Contact: Michael Drewniak Kevin Roberts
Date: Friday, December 10, 2010	609-777-2600

Trenton, NJ – First Lady Mary Pat Christie named Kate Dowd, Assistant Program Director of GlassRoots in Newark a New Jersey Hero during a ceremony held at Drumthwacket. New Jersey Heroes is an initiative that showcases the positive ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey big and small. Mrs. Christie announced that each month a New Jersey Hero will be designated from nominations submitted through her official website, www.nj.gov/governor/firstlady.

“I’ve been inspired and moved by so many outstanding individuals in the Garden State who are truly making a difference in their own way,” said Mrs. Christie. “Kate’s work in nurturing the creative expression of young artists is helping these young people realize their potential and I applaud her commitment to the community.”

Founded in January 2001, GlassRoots provides multiple opportunities for at-risk youth, ages 10-18, to recognize their potential through the creation of glass art. The organization provides a nurturing environment where underserved children can achieve self-esteem and creative expression while also learning basic business skills and valuable life lessons through the unique art forms of glass making.

As a teaching artist, Kate Dowd works to instill self discovery and a sense of achievement in her students while helping them discover their potential for success in the creation of art and in life. Since beginning at GlassRoots in 2005, Kate has worked with over 500 youth teaching them glass beadmaking, mosaic, and kilnformed glass. She recently worked with local youth to design and create the 2010 National Christmas Tree Ornament for the State of New Jersey.

“If you know someone like Kate Dowd who has made an impact on your life or on the lives of others, we want to hear about it,” added Mrs. Christie.

The state’s first five New Jersey Heroes were selected in January 2010 during Governor Christie’s inaugural. They are Caroline B.T. Wallace of International Youth Organization in Newark; David Girgenti of Wish-Upon-A-Hero in Cherry Hill; Tammy Evans-Colquitt of Image and Attitude in Pennsauken; Jim Benedict of St. Peter’s Church Lunch Kitchen in Freehold and Chip Paillex of Grow-A-Row in Franklin.

To nominate a hero, go to the bottom of the page of the First Lady’s website at www.nj.gov/governor/firstlady and click the NJ Heroes tab. Follow the application instructions and submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.

Posted 12/10/2010