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Illinois reporter wins custom-made Luminex in NCRF Raffle

Deborah Molinaro, RPR, a freelance reporter from Carol Stream, Ill., was the lucky recipient of a custom-made Luminex, generously created especially for NCRF and raffled at NCRA’s Convention & Expo last month in Chicago.

Another drawing was held last week after freelancer and former NCRF Chair Ellen Corbett Hannum, RMR, CMRS, of Wilmington, Del., donated the machine back to NCRF.

“I was delighted to win the Luminex in the NCRF raffle at Convention,” said Hannum. “I bought tickets, and will always buy tickets, to support NCRF because it does an outstanding job of getting the message out about our profession and giving back through the Oral Histories Program and support for students and new reporters. I already have a Luminex that works perfectly, which is why I donated this machine back to the Foundation for another name to be drawn. I thought it would be nice to have another avid supporter of the Foundation, who wasn’t as fortunate as I am to have a Luminex, win this machine. Good karma from giving comes back around.”

Molinaro’s name was drawn from the tickets sold at Convention at Stenograph headquarters in Elmhurst, Ill., by John Wenclawski, president and CEO of Stenograph, and Star Levandowski, director of marketing, when Stenograph hosted NCRF and volunteers for NCRF’s annual remote Phone-a-thon.

“When I was informed that I was the winner of a brand new Luminex, I could not believe my ears, and as a court reporter, that says a lot,” said Molinaro. “I would like to thank the National Court Reporters Foundation, John Wenclawski, and Ellie Corbett for her thoughtfulness.”

“I encourage all reporters and captioners to support the National Court Reporters Foundation.  No matter if you’re a sole proprietor like I am or an owner of a large firm, it’s imperative that we support the Foundation with our money and/or talent.  Whether it’s a $100 or a $1,000 donation, anything and everything helps our profession. If you can, try to help with the Oral Histories Program and transcribe just one of America’s war veterans’ stories for the Veterans History Project, Holocaust survivors, or even attorneys providing pro bono services. The Foundation also helps to support student recruitment and scholarships, which is so important for our profession. Every bit of support for the Foundation helps you become a better person and helps our profession. I hope that more reporters and captioners can support the Foundation’s efforts.”

This year’s remote Phone-a-thon marked the ninth year that Stenograph has hosted NCRF for the one-day fundraiser. Four reporters — Kathie Grove, RPR, CRR, CLVS, from Wheaton, Ill.; Melanie Humphrey-Sonntag, RDR, CRR, CCP, from St. Charles, Ill.; Joan McQuinn, RPR, CMRS, of Rockford, Ill.; and Jackie Timmons, RDR, from Darien, Ill. — volunteered their time to make phone calls throughout the day to court reporters across the country. Together the team raised $4,600 to benefit the Foundation.

“At Stenograph, we owe our success to court reporters and captioners.  We are proud and delighted to be in a position to partner with NCRF to help advance these professions through philanthropic activities,” said John Wenclawski. “We believe that efforts made by NCRF, combined with our contributions, are having a positive impact on the industry, which we hope continues for years to come.”

If the volunteers missed you at the remote phone-a-thon or you’d like to give to NCRF, please call 800-272-6272 to make your 100 percent tax-deductible donation.