COLUMBIA, SC – The spotlight is on local community hero Dr. Stuart Hamilton when the 2010 Feeding Dreams campaign launches in August. Dr. Hamilton is Columbia’s Community Champion as part of the Feeding Dreams grassroots initiative supported by General Mills that celebrates African-Americans’ commitment to community service at the local level. Dr. Hamilton’s compassion for his neighbors is paired with a deep-rooted passion for creating a more vibrant city through the causes he champions daily in Columbia’s neighborhoods.

Beginning August 1, residents of Columbia and supporters throughout the country may cast a vote at FeedingDreams.com for Dr. Hamilton who will be among the 10 Feeding Dreams champions competing for grant monies, and his photograph and story will be featured on the web site. This year’s Feeding Dreams program highlights Community Champions in 10 cities: Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Charlotte, NC; Columbia, SC; Jackson, MS; Jacksonville, FL; Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA; Miami, FL and Norfolk, VA.

Dr. Stuart Hamilton: Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center, a non-profit medical facility, is the vision realized for Founder and Director Dr. Hamilton. About 25 years ago, Dr. Hamilton shared his vision to open a center that would care for the poor and underinsured and today, he does just that and much more – tirelessly and selflessly—with care, compassion and love for his Columbia community. With limited resources and luke-warm support from some members of the community, Hamilton stepped out on faith to transform the quality of health care for the disenfranchised—and succeeded! Today, Dr. Hamilton’s hands stretch out to some of the most economically challenged, rural communities in South Carolina through his mobile outreach van; and he has opened 10 health centers throughout the Midlands of South Carolina. A pioneer in his field, Dr. Hamilton’s primary health care center was first to respond to the emerging health care needs of Columbia’s underserved populations.

At FeedingDreams.com, visitors will be encouraged to vote once per day for their local Community Champion or a Community Champion from another city. The individual who garners the most votes at the end of the voting period will receive a $10,000 grant to benefit the charity of his or her choice; followed by the second-place winner who will receive $5,000; and a third-place champion who will receive $3,000. The remaining champions will receive $2,000 grants respectively for their designated charities. All nominees receive a $500 check as acknowledgement of their community service.

"We’re honored to recognize Dr. Hamilton who is making a difference and improving communities. We created the Feeding Dreams program to celebrate the work of our Community Champions, and we’re excited to have consumers help us empower these amazing people in 10 cities with grant monies," said Rodolfo Rodriguez, Director, Multicultural Marketing, General Mills. "Stuart and other Community Champions have made extraordinary strides to improve the lives of so many. We encourage everyone in Columbia and supporters nationwide to visit the Web site and cast a vote for their top Community Champion."

Feeding Dreams online voting begins Sunday, August 1, 2010 and runs through Sunday, October 31, 2010. The program culminates in December in Atlanta with a celebratory luncheon and awards ceremony hosted by Taylor.