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His name is his mission.
Will Shine has spent his life bringing light into the world
-- making sure the sun will shine for those who otherwise might be left
in darkness.
Quietly, never pursuing publicity for his good deeds, Will has woven himself
into the community fabric, donating his time to dozens of organizations
from the American Red Cross and Salvation Army to the Cheektowaga Police
and West Seneca Wings kids' hockey team. When someone is in need, he doesn't
think twice.
"I just do it. If I can help, I'll help you," he says simply.
Will's philanthropic ways were forged as a schoolboy. A talented athlete,
he received strong support from the local community, including a prominent
doctor who sponsored Will's first two years of college. That good deed has
been multiplied a hundred-fold, as Will and his wife, Gerry, have opened
their home to those in need.
For more than 15 years, Will and Gerry have been providing family care for
two handicapped adults. Both are mentally-challenged. One of the adults
is deaf and blind, while the other can't talk. The care and love demanded
in such a situation can be overwhelming, but Will and Gerry approach each
day and each interaction with compassion, respect and humanity. Their grace
and generosity give their "family members" the opportunity to live a life
of dignity in an environment of kindness.
The Shines are making sure other community members get the homes they deserve.
In one notable example, they helped a woman and her three children get settled
in a government housing project. They bought the mother a winter coat, and
each Christmas and Easter, they purchase food for the family and clothes
for the children.
"We simply helped her get situated. Since then, she's done quite well for
herself."
Quietly, like the North Star in the nighttime sky, Will Shine has become
a bright point of light for his community and for all of ITT Industries.
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Will
Shine
Human Resources Manager
Heat Transfer
Cheektowaga, New York
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