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WASHINGTON D.C. (May 7, 2008) - A troop-support organization's
Web site earned top honors in the annual Webby Awards competition
as the top lifestyle site of 2008.
The CinCHouse.com Web site -- which derives its name from
military shorthand for "commander in chief of the house" -- beat
out such corporate giants as Epicurious and Reebok to take top
honors in the 12th annual awards.
CinCHouse.com is Operation Homefront's online community for
military wives and women in uniform.
"We are completely thrilled," said Regina Galvin, the site's
editor in chief. "This really validates all the hard work we put in
last year to create a better product for our readers. I can't thank
our staff enough for the excellent work they did and continue to do
every day."
Shortly after Galvin joined the organization, a creative
overhaul of the previous site produced a sleeker, more innovative
version. Chad Myers, director of Web development, said the
prestigious award will bring much-needed attention to the plight of
military families struggling as deployments continue.
"I'm excited to win, but the real benefit will be the exposure
to the organization and the ability to help more people because of
it," Myers said.
In 1999, Navy wife and author Meredith Leyva created the site as
a virtual gathering place for military families frequently on the
move. Part of Operation Homefront, CinCHouse includes forums as
well as an online magazine that covers such issues as
post-traumatic stress disorder and parenting.
"We are extremely honored," she said. "This award really speaks
volumes about how important our services are to our members and how
important our members are to the larger Internet community."
Operation Homefront is a supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with
servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Hailed as the "the Internet's highest honor" by the New York
Times, the Webby Awards are the leading international awards
honoring excellence on the Internet, including Web sites,
interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile Web
sites. They are presented by the International Academy of Digital
Arts and Sciences, a 550-person judging academy whose members
include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, R/GA's chief Bob
Greenberg, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington and
Harvey Weinstein.
"The Webby Awards honors the very best of the Internet," said
David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards.
"CinCHouse's win is a testament to the skill, ingenuity and vision
of its creators."
Founded in 1996, the Webby Awards program is known worldwide for
its famous five-word speech limit. Past headline-grabbing
speechmakers include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote."),
Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?") and Prince
("Everything you think is true.")
This year, the Webby Awards received a record 10,000 entries
from more than 60 countries and all 50 states. The winners will be
honored at two star-studded ceremonies in New York City. The Webby
Film and Video Awards ceremony takes place June 9, and the 12th
Annual Webby Awards Gala will be held June 10.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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