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2011 Men of the Year Honoree: Doug Pitt

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Doug Pitt, co-owner of ServiceWorld Computer Center, is doing his part to help others locally and abroad.

Pitt works to improve the self-esteem of Ozarks children in need through the nonprofit, Care to Learn, which he co-founded, and he extends his reach globally through WorldServe International and its subsidiary, Africa 6000.

Pitt was named goodwill ambassador to Tanzania by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete in April 2010 and is active in helping to build water wells for citizens of the African country.

Springfield-based Care-to-Learn, which has chapters throughout the Ozarks, including those in Bolivar, Nixa, Ozark and Republic, has filled nearly 70,000 financial requests, helping primarily in three areas: health, hunger and hygiene. Since the group’s 2007 inception, school attendance figures in cities served by Care to Learn have risen by 5 percent, and grade point averages have increased.

“Care to Learn has kept children in school and provided them with the resources they need to be successful in school and in life,” Pitt says, noting Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder – a fellow Men of the Year honoree – has reported that the organization has prevented roughly 100 district students from quitting school.

“Care to Learn also has influenced others to be philanthropic, and I believe that generosity is a significant indicator of success,” Pitt adds.

Through WorldServe and Africa 6000, Pitt helps provide water and sanitation solutions and prevent waterborne illnesses in developing countries. By year’s end, he will have traveled to Tanzania three times.

Pitt holds leadership positions in myriad Springfield-area organizations and companies, including the city of Springfield’s Homelessness Task Force, Metropolitan National Bank, CoxHealth and Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

He has garnered numerous awards, including the 2011 Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in Community Service Award, the 2010 Community Foundation of the Ozarks Humanitarian of the Year award and the 2010 Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri Champion for Children Award.

Pitt’s community-minded actions influence others, including those who work with him at ServiceWorld, which was named Springfield Business Journal’s Philanthropic Business of the Year in 2010.

“I believe that good leaders have courage and bring energy and ideas to their endeavors,” he says, noting he spends about 1,000 personal hours a year on civic projects. “I ask a lot of others, including donors, but it is never more than I am willing to give myself.”

From 2011 Men of the Year
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