For Immediate Release: Friday, October 24, 2003
Contact: Elizabeth Kirby Di Leo
2611 Ulysses St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612.789.2795
sal@salsbook.com

Second Annual "World Orphan Achievement Day"
November 1st, 2003

November 1st, 2003, is the second annual "World Orphan Achievement Day" whose purpose is highlighting the accomplishments of former orphans worldwide. The date was chosen in order to coordinate with "Adoption Awareness Month" which has long been celebrated annually in November.

Mary Jo Copeland, world renowned champion for homeless children and the founder of Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis, Minnesota, says, "We don't realize how many orphaned children have turned out to be productive human beings because they were touched by someone who gave them some love. It is also important that the orphans know for themselves that it is ok to be proud of themselves for what they have done with that love. There is a big need for a day of recognition such as "World Orphan Achievement Day."

"Highlighting the achievements of orphans will create role model experiences for today's orphaned children, giving them something to reach for themselves and spreading the message that being an orphan doesn't have to be an impediment to a successful life," explains Elizabeth Di Leo, wife of the originator of the idea, Sal Di Leo.

"For those of us who spent time in an orphanage or foster home as a child, it is time to be proud of our accomplishments in life despite the loss of family as a child. It is important to celebrate what we have done with our lives afterwards and we should be proud of how far we have come," says Sal of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who, along with his three siblings, was raised in an orphanage near Chicago in the 1960's.

"Being a good father with a happy family of my own has always been my life-long goal. I have a wonderful wife, two beautiful and talented daughters, and many other blessings that make my life complete. I never thought I would see that as an orphan child. What we are asking is that individuals who have been orphaned stand up and be proud of their accomplishments and that they let us know what they are most proud of in their lives," Sal explains. "We are requesting that former orphans e-mail their accomplishments to sal@salsbook.com and we will post them on our website at www.salsbook.com/achievers," Sal adds. "And, we would also like to hear from others who know stories of accomplishment by orphans."

"In addition to allowing others to share their experiences, the website will provide orphans with a vehicle to express themselves in a positive way. That was the original motivation for telling my story in the form of my recent book, Did I ever thank you, Sister? I needed to be recognized, understood, and appreciated. Writing the book was powerful therapy for me."

Di Leo concludes, "The late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's Restaurants and an orphan himself once said, 'It was not our choice to become an orphan, but it is our choice to make sure we do something with what we are given.'"

For more information, contact Sal Di Leo at sal@salsbook.com, or write to him at P.O. Box 18334, Minneapolis, MN 55418, or call 612.789.2795.