Teenangels Helping their Community

by Vanessa Whitney

I met the Greeno family at their home, and was instantly at ease. This is a family where altruism is not just spoken of; it is a way of living. No wonder Remy Greeno started her own non-profit charitable organization, Teenangels LA, at age 15...yes, 15.

Teenangels LA provides teenagers an opportunity to volunteer their time to fundraise and provide other important services for underprivileged children and the organizations that serve those children.

Remy claims to get her fearlessness from her mom, Dr. Anne Billingsley, the first female cardiac surgeon trained for a cardiac surgery fellowship at UCLA. From dad, Remy says she has learned to take things as they come and even if you fail, you can find success in trying something new. Ron Greeno, M.D. helped revolutionize the way healthcare was being delivered in hospitals across the country by founding Cogent Healthcare, a leading company whose physicians are improving the quality of care for thousands of patients, getting them out of the hospital sooner, and bringing down healthcare costs.

"It's great to have my parents around," Remy said. "Our family spends time together, and they support me and encourage me to work hard for Teenangels. My mom & dad have always told my brother (Tyler) and me to focus on being the best people that we can be."

Dr. Greeno laughs and says, "We definitely support her, but she and her friends do it all! We're just there for her, we pat her on the back, and off she goes. It's her baby."

Remy contacted the Public Counsel Law Center of L.A. for help so Teenangels L.A. could become a tax-exempt 501(c)3 charitable organization. Remy told LA Family, "I try to find small organizations that get overlooked. It's important that teenagers know that they have the power to help others."

The first fundraiser was a Yu Gi Oh! tournament raising $865. The check went to Hope Village for Children (an orphanage, founded by Sela Ward & Howard Sherman, that serves the needs of abused and neglected children) in Meridian, Miss.

The Unusual Suspects (an organization that brings theatre arts to youth who are from foster care and juvenile justice systems) became a personal favorite for Remy (now on their Board of Directors). She organized an annual talent show fundraiser for them, from which Teenangels has raised over $17,000, and helped set up a library and supplied it with books for them.

Last year, Teenangels ran a raffle for Darfur raising $900 for the Genocide Intervention Fund. Teen Impact (a support group for young cancer survivors at Children's Hospital) emailed Remy and asked for help, so she created a band showcase at Key Club in Hollywood and raised $3,300. Teenangels have also donated time for LA Works Day (an annual day of community service every summer).

Remy Greeno will attend Princeton this fall. "My friend Mark will take over for me. I know my freshman year will be very busy, but I hope to bring Teenangels to Princeton. I would love to see the organization get national recognition, and I'm leaving it in very capable hands. I hope kids will continue Teenangels." It will continue Remy. You lead the way. Knock 'em dead at Princeton. Check out www.teenangelsla.com or email rgreeno@teenangelsla.com. For more information on Cogent Healthcare, visit www.cogenthealthcare.com.