For Immediate Release
Contact: Samantha Nelson
(866) 260-8958
Help@TheHopeOfSurvivors.com

THE HOPE OF SURVIVORS RECEIVED “WEBBY WORTHY” DISTINCTION FOR THE NINTH ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS

www.TheHopeOfSurvivors.com Recognized by Top International Honor for Web Sites

Thompsonville, IL – 9/2/05 – The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, has recognized www.TheHopeOfSurvivors.com as Webby Worthy; a distinction made for the first time this year to recognize sites exhibiting remarkable achievement. The site is produced by Steve and Samantha Nelson, co-founders of The Hope of Survivors, and was designed by Steve Nelson.

Hailed as the “online Oscars” by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

“The Webby Awards honors the outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the Internet,” said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and founder of The Webby Awards. “The Hope of Survivors’ Webby Worthy selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”

“We feel blessed that we have been allowed to use the talents and abilities that God has given us to create a web site that reaches so many people with hope, healing and comfort,” says Steve Nelson, President of The Hope of Survivors. “We are very thankful for the opportunity that winning this award brings as, through recognition and exposure, others are enabled to find the resources they need through The Hope of Survivors.”

The 9th Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Out of the over 4,000 entries submitted, fewer than 20% received this honor and were deemed Webby Worthy. Winners were announced May 3, 2005, and were honored at a gala event in New York’s landmark Gotham Hall on June 6, 2005.

Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-words-or-less acceptance speeches.

About The Hope of Survivors:
The Hope of Survivors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of pastoral sexual abuse and misconduct, as well as providing educational and informational materials and seminars to pastors and churches worldwide. To learn more, please visit our web site, http://www.TheHopeOfSurvivors.com, or call (866) 260-8958.

About The Webby Awards:
Called the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, the Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Established in 1996, the 9th Annual Webby Awards received over 4,000 entries from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: The Creative Group; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; IDG; Fortune and FSB; 2advanced Studius; The Online Publishing Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Rackspace Managed Hosting. For more information visit www.webbyawards.com.

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS):
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the Internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, business guru and author Tom Peters, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, fashion designer Max Azria, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening and Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group. For more information, visit www.iadas.net.

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