Paul Motenko has been appointed the Southern California Chapter's chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Volunteer Leadership Initiative: 2003 for 2003. Motenko is the co-CEO of Huntington Beach, California-based Chicago Pizza and Brewery, Inc., operators of BJ's Restaurants. The goal of this campaign is to recruit 2003 new volunteers nationwide to the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF). Motenko will be in charge of leading this effort in the Southern California community and growing the CF Foundation's base of support in the area.
Because the CF Foundation relies exclusively on individual and corporate donations, growing its base of volunteers is key to raising the funds necessary to develop new treatments and improving the quality of life for people with CF. Through the individual leadership chairs, the foundation hopes to find additional community leaders to chair events, to underwrite event expenses and to develop cause-related marketing campaigns.
"Many people in Southern California have been champions of the CF cause and have made countless contributions not only in dollars but in time and expertise as well," said Motenko. "To bring the fight against CF to the next level, however, we must expand our base of volunteers both in Southern California and on a national level to raise our fund-raising efforts to new heights. I am committed to helping the CF Foundation achieve these goals and am confident that we will make a positive difference in the lives of those with CF."
Motenko's leadership in community philanthropy has been well demonstrated through his involvement with a variety of community organizations. He is an active volunteer with the CF Foundation and previously served as the board president of the Southern California Chapter. Other activities include his development of the BJ's "Cookies for Kids" fund-raiser, a cause-related marketing program that donates 25 cents for every BJ's Pizookie dessert that is sold for $3.95. This ongoing and "delicious" fund-raiser generates more than $125,000 annually for the CF Foundation.
"Paul Motenko's commitment to CF and the CF Foundation has always been exemplary. His willingness to now lead others in this community demonstrates his dedication and enthusiasm for advancing CF research and care and for improving the quality of life for the children and adults with this disease," said Gary Green, executive director of the Southern California Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "Paul's acceptance of this new role fills me with enthusiasm because I know that with his help we will be able to make Southern California a leading community in the fight against CF."
Posted 12/02/02 | 
