105 Mayors Join "Extra Mile Day" Mission

MARINA DEL REY, Calif., July 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One hundred and five Mayors from across the United States have already stepped forward and declared November 1, 2012, Extra Mile Day…a day to recognize the capacity we each have to create positive change in our families, organizations and communities. In association with the Extra Mile America Foundation, mayors from across the country on both sides of the political aisle have come together to remind people that the greatest success and change in life comes from individual and organizational effort. Led by Extra Mile America founder Shawn Anderson, 228 cities in all 50 states made the declaration in 2011, and it is expected that over 260 mayors will join the campaign in 2012.

In a time when many are demanding change in opportunity, Extra Mile Day reminds individuals and organizations that we each have the power to create positive change by a personal willingness to do more, work harder and go the extra mile. West Palm Beach, Florida, Mayor Jeri Muoio supports the mission: "The decision to donate one's time, talents, knowledge or compassion should be celebrated. Every time an individual puts their community or their neighbors ahead of themselves, they are going the extra mile, and as those "miles" add up, we all benefit from their generosity. I am proud to be on the list of cities celebrating Extra Mile Day."

First spreading the "go the extra mile" message across the U.S. in 2009, best-selling author and motivational speaker Shawn Anderson used a symbolic 4,000 mile ocean-to-ocean bike ride. On the ride, Anderson, a non-bicyclist, created motivational events in 21 national cities where he interviewed over 200 people who had been recognized as going the extra mile in overcoming setback or who had risked everything in order to accomplish something extraordinary. After the ninety-day tour, Anderson personally gave away $10,000 to those people whose stories he found especially inspiring. Since then, as the Founder of Extra Mile America, Anderson has kept the momentum of the "go the extra mile" message alive.

"We all talk about wanting change…happiness…more opportunity," says Anderson. "However, relying on others to make that happen is only wishing for life to get better. Taking personal responsibility…and going the extra mile individually…is where true success is found. Extra Mile Day is a small reminder of the power we each have to create change at any time…on any day."

Carson City, Nevada, Mayor Bob Crowell appreciates the value of the "extra mile" campaign: "We pride ourselves on our many residents who go the extra mile every day to make our community a better place to live, work, play and raise families.  Shawn's (Anderson) efforts shine a bright light on their efforts and many accomplishments.

From Anchorage to Honolulu, from Greenville, South Carolina, to Austin, Texas, mayors in large and small cities are making the November 1st declaration. "At times, life is challenging," Anderson says. "The 'go the extra mile' message, though, gives people an alternative to just throwing their arms in the air and saying 'I give up.' We each have a choice when life gets tough to dig deep…do more…try harder…and affect practically every area of our life and communities in a positive way."

For more information about Extra Mile Day, visit www.ExtraMileAmerica.org. To speak to Shawn Anderson directly at Extra Mile America, call 310-402-4826 or email Shawn@ExtraMileAmerica.org.

A map and list of the participating mayors and cities can be found at http://www.extramileamerica.org/extra-mile-day.

The Extra Mile America Foundation is a nonprofit organization that encourages positive attitude and action by empowering individuals, organizations, and cities to "go the extra mile."

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