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Roots of Peace Continues Quest in Afghanistan While many people reflected on how the world has changed since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, one San Rafael nonprofit organization focused on the mission to make things better.
A representative from the U.S. Department of State was also in attendance to provide matching funds of $25,000, which were deposited at the bank. The deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. State Department, Stephen T. Ganyard, presented a $25,000 check to honor the American pennies that were donated by students to help replace the seeds of terror caused by land mines and replace them with seeds of hope. This national recognition of the Roots of Peace Penny Campaign honors the schools and soccer fields that this program has established in Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia and Croatia. A procession of community residents walked one block to “Lauren’s Place” carrying flowers in honor of Lauren Grandcolas, a San Rafael resident, who lost her life aboard the fateful United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001. Kuhn also presented a plaque to Bank of Marin President Russ Colombo, which was inscribed with the following: “On the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the Roots of Peace Penny Campaign, we proudly present the Global Leadership Award to Russ Colombo, President, Bank of Marin, September 11, 2008. In tribute to his leadership, generosity of spirit, and sincere guidance in “planting the roots of peace on earth … More than 25 million American ‘pennies’ have been raised to replace landmines and UXO’s with schools and soccer fields in Afghanistan. Together, we are creating mutual goals and fair play for the next generation of Afghan students who seek a brighter tomorrow.” It was signed by Heidi Kuhn, founder/CEO, Roots of Peace; Cheryl Jennings, news anchor, ABC-7 TV; and Kyleigh Kuhn, co-founder, Roots of Peace Penny Campaign.
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