Des Moines-Area Volunteers Recognized for Commitment & Contributions to the Community
October 25, 2007 (Des Moines, Iowa) — Three outstanding Des Moines-area volunteers were recently recognized by The Principal Volunteer Network (PVN) for their significant contributions to the community. Carol Griglione of Runnells, Laura Herbst of Urbandale and Carol Werner of West Des Moines were nominated by their co-workers at the Principal Financial Group® for their outstanding commitment to volunteerism and dedication to their communities.
"Volunteerism is part of the foundation of the Principal Financial Group. These employees in particular exemplify the goals of PVN," said Brenda Schuldt,,community involvement consultant for The Principal® and administrator of the Principal Volunteer Network. "Too often we under-estimate the power of the smallest act of caring, which can significantly impact our community and the people who live in it."
About the Honorees
Carol Griglione was recognized for the time she dedicates to the community. Griglione spends an average of 30 hours a week volunteering at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) and serves as president of the ARL board of directors. She even volunteers on holidays so staff members can be home with their families.
As a cat behavior counselor, Griglione works with cat owners to fix problems that would otherwise cause them to give up their pet. She gives advice on these issues every-other-Saturday morning on local radio and television programs. Griglione is involved in almost every activity at the ARL, and is a role model to other volunteers. Even her license plate promotes her volunteerism; it reads ADPTARL.
Within The Principal, Griglione has volunteered for many committees including the Law Department Charities Committee and the 2005 Des Moines Holiday Food Drive.
Laura Herbst was recognized for her outstanding volunteer service and leadership in the community. She is the volunteer coordinator for Meals on Wheels and the project leader for the United Way Day of Caring leading the House of Mercy project. She is also a member of the Make-a-Wish finance team for Jolly Holiday Lights in Des Moines.
Herbst volunteers for several activities at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School in Des Moines, including serving on committees for the craft boutique and the spring Walk-A-Thon. She also participates in local charity races including Race for the Cure, Children and Families of Iowa's Celebration of Family, and Light the Night for Lymphoma and Leukemia Society.
Carol Werner was awarded for the positive example she sets for others. Werner and her family volunteer for the Knights of Columbus and have worked on larger events like the Iowa Sesquicentennial celebration and the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). Werner is also an active member of her church's Homeless and Hungry Committee.
Werner donates countless hours to Dowling Catholic High School. She volunteers in the school guild office preparing for an annual auction and is helping take Dowling's network system to a more efficient web-based system. She has also assisted the school with alumni reunions and data entry. As a parent of Dowling students, Werner has volunteered with the band and choral boosters and the cross country team. This year, Dowling recognized Werner for her service to the school by presenting her with their Make a Difference award at a school assembly. As an additional thank you, Dowling purchased an auditorium seat in her honor.
About The Principal Volunteer Network
The Principal Volunteer Network (PVN), the employee volunteer organization of the Principal Financial Group, was originally formed in 1972 and is made up of individuals actively seeking to improve the quality of life in their community. Through identifying and implementing community service projects where employees of The Principal live and work, PVN provides an opportunity for employees to develop key business skills in time management, oral and written communication, facilitation, budgeting and leadership development while improving the quality of life for the community.
About the Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group® (The Principal®)1 is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies and national network of financial professionals. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $282.1 billion in assets under management2 and serves some 18.1 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.
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1)"The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered trademarks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.
2) As of June 30, 2007.
