Marilyn Perlyn is on a mission of giving to others. Her book for children, "The Biggest and Brightest Light," inspired by her daughter, Amanda, has had a tremendous impact on many young readers. As a result of the book, Marilyn launched a program called OCHO (Opportunities for Children to Help Others). OCHO has become a nationally recognized and renowned program that Marilyn conducts in schools across the country, and indeed, the world. Educating children about the gift of helping others, Marilyn has encouraged young students to support those less privileged. Sometimes making crafts as gifts for people who don't normally receive gifts, or donating a book, or making care packages for homeless children living in shelters, Marilyn shows children the pride and joy they can feel when they've made a difference in someone else's life. In addition to sharing and teaching her OCHO program, Marilyn has participated in book donation programs in Africa and India, bringing books to children in schools where they had none. She has also donated funds of her own for building materials to help enclose schools that had no roof, to keep students dry and warm where before they were exposed to the elements while learning. After son Chad (a surgeon) rushed to help save people following the earthquake in Haiti (yes, the values are shared by their whole family), Marilyn later hosted more than 200 children who came from Haiti to FL, and took them to Disneyworld. I remember her calling from the school bus on the way to the Park, surrounded by happy, excited children. The only one more elated than those kids was Marilyn herself. She was thrilled to be giving them that experience. That's the kind of person she is. Marilyn works extremely hard; often starting early and finishing late, but loving everything she does in between. It is my pleasure to recommend Marlyn Perlyn for an IWD Award. She deserves this honor because she embodies the best of women who came before her, and sets an example for all the women who will follow. Respectfully submitted, Beth Kallman Werner