NEWS RELEASE - October 22, 2007

 

A Michigan man who has made it his mission to rescue street children in the
Philippines will be the speaker this Friday, October 26, at North Central
Michigan College's Luncheon Lecture program in Petoskey.

John Drake, retired senior vice president of human resources for CMS Energy
in Jackson, Michigan, will talk about the Lingap Center, an orphanage that
he founded and developed in Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines, to shelter
neglected, abused, exploited and abandoned children. The center houses 100
children.

Drake's corporate work had taken him numerous times to the Philippines where
he observed the terrible conditions in which many orphaned children were
living. Moved to action, he embarked on a series of fundraising activities
in Michigan to finance a shelter that houses Filipino children up to age 17.
His efforts caused the government of the Philippines to re-examine its
treatment of abandoned children.

Drake was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Lions of Michigan Foundation
and a 2004 Distinguished Citizen by the Jackson Citizen Patriot. His
efforts have been featured in the Detroit Free Press and other Michigan
newspapers as well as newspapers and television stations in the Philippines.

Friday's program takes place at noon in the college library. Cost to attend
is $9. Reservations are preferred; call 231-348-6602 or e-mail
<mailto:cmacinnis@ncmich.edu> cmacinnis@ncmich.edu.

North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in
Petoskey. Through its University Center partnerships, students can take
courses leading to certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees from
participating universities. North Central's Institute for Business &
Industry Training offers non-credit job skills training tailored to meet
individual needs. In addition to its main campus in Petoskey, North Central
offers classes, academic advising, testing and other services in Cheboygan,
Gaylord and East Jordan.

 

For more information:
Charles MacInnis
231-348-6839