Release: 5440-08

For Release: January 21, 2008

CFTC Participates in Service Project to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Also Announces Participation in Volunteer Reading Program

Washington, DC – To commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and in response to the President’s call for increased national volunteerism, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today announces its participation in two volunteer Community Service Projects.

During his lifetime, Dr. King sought to forge common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together as equals to address important community issues. “Dr. King realized that service is the great equalizer,” CFTC Acting Chairman Walter Lukken said, noting that Dr. King once said: “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”

CFTC Volunteers to Assist “Food & Friends” of Washington, DC

In recognition of Dr. King’s dedication to a life of service, CFTC volunteers will help Food & Friends deliver meals and groceries today to individuals and families in need. Food & Friends is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, that provides meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to people living with life-challenging illnesses.

CFTC Begins Participation In “Everybody Wins – Power Lunch” Volunteer Reading Mentor Program

In response to the President’s call to service, the CFTC will work with Everybody Wins – Power Lunch, a non-profit organization that is devoted to promoting children’s literacy through shared reading experiences. CFTC Commissioner Jill Sommers will coordinate the Commission’s participation which will involve CFTC employees volunteering one hour per week to mentor and read to students attending Stevens Elementary School in Washington, DC.

Media Contacts
Ianthe Zabel
202-418-5080

R. David Gary
202-418-5085

Last Updated: January 18, 2008