Dear editor, I wish to announce that the winner of my second annual Do A Good Deed Contest is Alana Freifeld, who wrote an essay describing her project, Hope for Haiti, which was a benefit for Haitian earthquake victims. (See Register article of Tuesday, Feb. 16.) I was especially impressed with her drive and passion for helping and altruism as demonstrated by her ability to bring other students, business owners and even the Lincoln Theater into the project. Alana will receive a Dell laptop computer as winner.

My Do A Good Deed contest is designed for the youth to foster volunteerism and the giving of time, talent and self for the pure pleasure of selflessness, which only comes when such gifts are donated. Students are asked to describe, in an essay, a “good deed” they performed. I received many essays this year, which reinforces my belief that are many of our youth is positively directed with a heart for generosity.

My personal experiences with the Flying Doctors, Free Dental Emergency Days, and my many humanitarian trips have reinforced a personal passion for volunteerism, which I love encouraging in our youth.

Congratulations, Alana Freifeld, for your fabulous good deed. You are a true winner in life. Enjoy your new laptop.

Adrian D. Fenderson, DDS / Napa