Your vote counts,so vote early and often (no more than once each day). Helen Dugan,of Overland Park, was recently named one of 10 finalists from more than 1,200 nominations for induction into the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame,a program showcasing everyday people who demonstrate the same perseverance and enthusiasm as the Energizer Bunny.
According to the Kansas City Star It began in March when program sponsors Energizer and baseball hall of famer Carl Ripkin Jr. began a national search for ordinary people with extraordinary stories of spirit and determination. The contest was launched on the Today Show and Leawood resident Mary Plumb was watching.
Dugan’s studio,C.H.A.M.P.S American Karate in Overland Park’s Metcalf South Mall,provides classes specifically designed for those with autism,cerebral palsy,attention deficit disorder,Down’s syndrome and other developmental delays. The studio’s name stands for “challenges handled and mastered with perseverance and spunk” and well describes Dugan’s passion.
Dugan,also a registered nurse,earned her black belt 10 years ago and said karate is a very effective sport for children with special needs. “I began taking karate with my sons 28 years ago,” said Dugan,who was a school nurse at the time. “I noticed that some of the children had a hard time keeping up, so I started helping them off to the side.”
From now through Aug. 20,people can vote each day to help Dugan claim the top spot in the contest.
The winner of the contest will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation to his or her favorite charity,and will be formally honored at an induction ceremony with Ripken in September.
Though the entire cash prize of $15,000 would go for studio needs,Dugan said no one who helps out does it for the money. “We do it for the look on a child’s face when they receive their first uniform,first belt,first trophy — just their first sign of success and accomplishment,” said Dugan. “It’s what keeps us all coming back.” The winner of the contest will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation to his or her favorite charity,and will be formally honored at an induction ceremony with Ripken in September.
To Read the entire article CLICK HERE to vote CLICK HERE Helen’s picture is the only person with an American flag in the background. All the finalists are randomly pictured when the page is opened,so if Helen’s picture is not the one you see when you open the page,you will need to scroll down and click on her picture. Then scroll back up and click on the CAST YOUR VOTE button. You may vote once a day through August 20th. 
