Photos and article contributed by State Rep. Margaret O’Brian’s office.
Headline photo: Rep. O’Brien handing the $2,500 check to Nicole Jennings of the Greg Jennings Foundation.

Rep. O'Brien accepts the $2,500 grant from Mark Cross of Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan.

LANSING (MICH.)-State Rep. Margaret O’Brien on Wednesday presented a $2500 check to the Kalamazoo-based Greg Jennings Foundation.

“It is truly an honor to present this check to a very worthy and community-minded organization,” O’Brien said. “Greg and Nicole give so much for Kalamazoo County, and it gives me great pleasure to give something back to them so they can continue their very sincere and important mission.”

Rep O’Brien, R-Portage, won the $2500 grant in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan sponsored 2011 National Walk @ Lunch Day legislative walking challenge.  Rep O’Brien walked a total of 362,058 steps during the four week challenge and was a first place winner in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Each winner was asked to select a community initiative that helps promote health or wellness to receive a grant from Blue Cross.

“Rep O’Brien stepped up to the walking challenge and Blue Cross is pleased to partner with her in our commitment to building a healthier Michigan,” said Mark Cook, Vice President of Government Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.  “The Greg Jennings Foundation is a great organization that helps to provide school kids the valuable resources they need in order to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and reach their academic potential.”

The Greg Jennings Foundation was established in 2008 by the National Football League star and his wife, Nicole.  The Foundation’s educational programs include: afterschool programming, healthy lifestyle management, mentoring for teen parents and helping families plan for financial success.  Jennings attributes his passion for the foundation to his upbringing in the church and the values passed down from his parents.

Nicole Jennings accepted O’Brien’s check on behalf of the Foundation.

“”It was so lovely to connect with Margaret again, and Greg and I are humbled to accept this donation,” Jennings said. “We appreciate all that Margaret and Blue Cross Blue Shield have done to allow us to be the recipients of the $2,500.00 gift.”