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Vanilla Ice to Be Named Wellington's Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Stop. Collaborate. Listen. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has decided that, of all 55,584 people who live there, former rapper, former reality-TV star, former Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle dancer, former Hero-Not-Zero Vanilla Ice will be named its Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Today is February 13. Wellington does not mess...
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Stop.

Collaborate.

Listen.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has decided that, of all 55,584 people who live there, former rapper, former reality-TV star, former Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle dancer, former Hero-Not-Zero Vanilla Ice will be named its Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

Today is February 13. Wellington does not mess around!

Actually, the man known as Vanilla Ice -- Rob Van Winkle -- has done some good things for Wellington since he's lived there for the better part of a decade.

He's been generous with charities such as Toys for Tots and has brought Wellington into the spotlight with his films and his DIY Network reality show, The Vanilla Ice Project.

He's also been a big part of the town's WinterFest, which draws thousands of people to the area every year.

The Chamber of Commerce says it's honoring Van Winkle for his "spirit of giving and dedication" to the village.

"He's the ambassador of Wellington and a family man, puts kids in school here, among community, well-known, friendly," Wellington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green told WPEC.

The award will be presented to Van Winkle on February 26 at the Wanderers Club.

For those interested in seeing the ceremony, tickets cost $25 for chamber members and $35 for nonmembers.

You can call the chamber at 561-792-6525 or visit the Wellington website.

Said Van Winkle of the honor, "I'm like, that's awesome this is an honor."

Spoken like a true ambassador, yo.

Send your story tips to the author, Chris Joseph. Follow Chris Joseph on Twitter



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