TALLAHASSEE /Florida Newswire/ — Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Marina Diez of Miami as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light. “Marina’s kindness and goodwill is making a difference for children with life-threatening medical conditions during life’s most difficult times,” said Governor Crist. “Her commitment and dedication is inspiring and truly exemplifies compassion and generosity.”

Marina, 17, is an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As a member of the organization’s Speaker Bureau, she advocates the charity’s mission of wish-granting for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Marina speaks at board meetings, as well as other special foundation events such as Royal Caribbean’s Day on the Deck and the Make-A-Wish Foundation Ball, the organization’s largest annual event. At each engagement, she raises awareness and recruits volunteers, donors and special event sponsors. In 2008, Marina was a recipient of a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families. Over the past 29 years, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and its network of nearly 25,000 volunteers, has granted the wishes of more than 174,000 children worldwide.

AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program.

For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org .