PRESS RELEASEApril 24, 2006
Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321
Celebrate Volunteers…recognizing hometown heroes honors individuals, groups and corporations
DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan will honor nine exceptional individuals and two groups from metro Detroit at its annual Celebrate Volunteers…Recognizing HomeTown Heroes event, April 24. More than 1,000 guests are expected to attend the luncheon, which joins the former Celebrate Volunteers and HomeTown Heroes recognition events and is billed as one of the largest events of its kind in the nation.
The awardees range from individuals volunteering in their schools to those who have been giving back for decades. Each awardee has given his or her time and talents to improve lives and communities throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The luncheon emcees are Glenda Lewis, weekend anchor/reporter for WXYZ-TV Channel 7; and Alexander Zonjic, morning radio personality at Smooth Jazz V98.7 FM. Media sponsors for this year’s event are Bloomfield Television, Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, and Smooth Jazz V98.7 FM.
“All of this year’s honored volunteers show tremendous commitment to their communities,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “They are shining examples of the caring spirit this region demonstrates in creating a lasting impact on individuals and organizations in southeast Michigan.”
The Celebrate Volunteers…Recognizing HomeTown Heroes awards will be presented in eight categories: the Smooth Jazz V98.7 Acts of Kindness Award, the Bernie Firestone Labor Award, the CorPLUS Award, the Exemplary Group Service Award, Heart of Gold, the Outstanding Youth Award, the Young Adult Award of Excellence, and the Outstanding Business Award. In addition, the Junior League of Birmingham will recognize 80 individuals who make up this year’s Governor’s Honor Roll.
Evern Cooper Epps, president, The UPS Foundation, and member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Engagement, will also present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to each of the honorees for their commitment to community service and civic participation. The President’s Council was formed in 2003 by President George W. Bush to recognize the important contributions Americans of all ages are making within their communities through service and civic engagement.
To nominate someone for a future award or to learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities, click on www.uwsem.org or call United Way’s George W. Romney Volunteer Center at 313-226-9430.
List of honoreesUnited Way for Southeastern Michigan will recognize nine exceptional individuals and two groups for their outstanding volunteer service and commitment to others at the annual Celebrate Volunteers…Recognizing HomeTown Heroes event, held April 24. Awards will be presented in eight categories to the following individuals and groups.
The Acts of Kindness Award, sponsored by Smooth Jazz V98.7 FM, is presented to a person who has demonstrated help and kindness benefiting groups and/or individuals throughout metro Detroit. Smooth Jazz radio station selected the winner among the many metro Detroit residents featured in its weekly Acts of Kindness segment throughout the year.
Patricia McCracken, of Livonia, says she volunteers because it makes her heart feel good, and she’s been at it more than 20 years. A clerical secretary at the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Detroit, she has taken charge of her department’s Care and Share program for the past two decades. The program collects money and other items to donate to a veteran and his or her family during the holiday season. This past year, McCracken organized the donations that were given to a local veteran who also takes care of his seven grandchildren. She also volunteers at blood drives the VA Hospital holds three times a year, and serves hot meals to homeless veterans during the winter months. Each fall, she supports United Way by helping with the Combined Federal Campaign in her office. Outside of her work at the VA Hospital, McCracken has volunteered to teach Bible Study for the past 15 years at Redford Church of Christ, in Livonia. McCracken was nominated by her co-worker, Mary Ann Rambus. McCracken also received the Bronze Presidential Service Award for volunteering more than 170 hours in the past year.
The Bernie Firestone Labor Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Labor Department, recognizes an outstanding rank and file member of a local labor union. The honoree demonstrates exceptional commitment to his or her community through volunteerism.
Jo Ann Wallace, of Southfield, has been described as a person who just wants to make the world a better place. A dedicated member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 345 for more than 30 years, she was elected to the executive board in 1979 and continues to serve as corresponding secretary. Wallace is also the chair of local 345’s Community Services Committee, serves on the Michigan AFSCME Council 25 Women’s Committee, and a member of the metro Detroit AFL-CIO Community Services Committee. As part of her work with local 345’s Community Services Committee, Wallace has coordinated numerous Paint the Town projects that gather volunteers to paint houses for low-income and disabled individuals and families. She also lends her culinary skills to provide food for volunteers who build home access wheelchair ramps. Each Christmas, Wallace organizes gift basket giveaways for families in need, distributing approximately 500 baskets last year alone. At the state level, Wallace is an AFL-CIO Community Service Union Counselor, charged with helping fellow union brothers and sisters find resources they need. Wallace was nominated by Saundra Williams, secretary-treasurer, Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. She also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for the 600 hours she volunteered in the past year.
The CorPLUS Award, sponsored by the Junior League of Detroit, recognizes a retiree who exemplifies the highest standards of service in the city of Detroit. A $1,000 gift is given to the nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Louis Mahoney, of Bloomfield Hills, has helped a local agency grow tremendously over the past 12 years. A retired engineer, Mahoney has lent his expertise to help build and maintain the twelve residential homes that serve the clients of Angel’s Place, an organization devoted to serving the needs of adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to devoting his own time to each home, he created a team of maintenance volunteers and assigned one person to each of the homes. Using their own tools and expertise, the volunteers perform day-to-day upkeep and maintenance on each home, creating an inviting and safe atmosphere for those who live there. Mahoney has also served on the organization’s advisory board. In addition to his work at Angel’s Place, Mahoney served with the American Association of the Order of Malta, a Christian service organization. With their help, he was able to start a medical clinic last year at St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen in Detroit. Mahoney secured doctors to volunteer their time and equipment twice a month to serve the homeless. Mahoney was nominated by Barbara Usbiel and Sister Patricia Kolbiaz, of Angel’s Place. He also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for volunteering 2,000 hours per year and the Call to Service Award for his lifetime of service.
The Exemplary Group Service Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, recognizes families, couples or groups who strive to improve the lives of neighbors, friends and their community through group volunteer work. A $500 gift is awarded to the agency of the winner’s choice. This year’s award was presented to:
The Girl Scouts of Macomb-Otsikita Council’s Postponing Sexual Involvement Teen Mentor Program is committed to spreading the abstinence message to young girls. Since 1999, the group has partnered with the Macomb County Abstinence Partnership to conduct workshops that engage pre-teen and teenage girls in discussions about abstinence. Currently, 15 girls, ages 11-17, serve as teen mentors and contribute 21 hours each over a three month period. The workshops are designed for girls aged 9-14 and focus on preventing teenage pregnancy and the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. They also help participants understand and respond to the influences of media and peer pressure. Each workshop is three days long, allowing the group to get to know one another and be comfortable sharing their opinions about personal topics and concerns. Concurrent workshops are also facilitated by adults for parents of participants to learn the tools they need to help their children cope with the social and peer pressures that lead to early sexual involvement. Members of this year’s program include: Emily Boehm, of Warren; Julie Calleja, of Sterling Heights; Teresa Dennis, of Sterling Heights; Kayla Dies, of Sterling Heights; Emily Gietzen, of Roseville; Megan Gilbert, of Warren; Britney Helsing, of Chesterfield; Aleida Hodges, of Shelby Twp.; Marina Leander, of Washington Twp.; Jenna Mitchell, of Sterling Heights; Sara Sample, of Sterling Heights; Olivia Sargent, of Sterling Heights; Alyssa Sutton, of Warren; Andrea Taylor, of Warren; and Jennifer Westermann, of Warren. Postponing Sexual Involvement Teen Mentors were nominated by Ava Danner of the Girl Scouts of Macomb County – Otsikita Council. The group also received the Bronze Presidential Service Award for contributing more than 300 hours this year.
The Heart of Gold Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, honored four individuals who demonstrated an immeasurable commitment to volunteer service in metro Detroit. The following people received the Heart of Gold Award:
Ernie Cooper, of Lathrup Village, has devoted the past 35 years to helping individuals cope with crisis and change. A retired high school Chemistry teacher, Cooper began volunteering when he saw his students were succumbing to drugs and alcohol, and felt he couldn’t help them much as he would like. He began to investigate volunteer opportunities with local crisis hotlines, but soon learned he also wanted to work with individuals in one-on-one situations. In 1970, Cooper heard about Common Ground, a new organization started by local high school students, and lent his expertise as a crisis hotline operator. He continues to serve as a call center supervisor at Common Ground Sanctuary, working with individuals seeking guidance. He also serves on the board of Oakland County Crisis Response, an organization that facilitates de-briefings for first responders after traumatic events. Cooper participates in de-briefings whenever he can, working with doctors, paramedics, police and fire departments after a fatal accident, the sudden death of a coworker, or similar event. Throughout the 35 years, Cooper continues to come back because of the people he works with and the clients he helps. Many individuals have called the center and talked to him for more than 15 years, seeking his constant support in a world of change and uncertainty. Cooper was nominated by Tony Rothschild of Common Ground Sanctuary. Cooper also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for volunteering 400 hours in the past year and the Call to Service Award for the more than 14,000 hours he’s given in his lifetime.
Jean Kolod, of Rochester Hills, has been an active volunteer for 25 years, committed to helping youth learn and appreciate art. For the past decade, she has been a docent at the Detroit Institute of Arts, giving museum tours to children. It was during one of these tours that she branched into the book business. While talking to a group of fifth graders from White Elementary School in Detroit about the mummies on display, she mentioned they could learn more by looking at books in the school’s library. The youth informed Kolod they didn’t have a library and she immediately went into action. Working with a teacher at the school, Kolod organized a book drive and within a school year, she collected approximately 10,000 books. The school has created a library with the books Kolod collected and has formed a book club for the children. Teachers have told Kolod that the books have created new interactions for the children. Within the DIA, Kolod has served in various roles on the Docent and Gallery Service Committees, most recently taking charge of the Student Letter Writing Contest. This annual contest gives elementary school children the chance to write letters explaining why their class should come to the DIA. Five classes are selected for an all-expenses paid, daylong trip to the museum. Recently, when funding for the program was in danger, Kolod organized a silent auction and raised $3,000 to keep the program in place. Kolod was nominated by Deborah Griffin of the DIA. She also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for volunteering 500 hours in the past year and the Call to Service Award for the 10,000 hours she’s volunteered throughout her life.
Joyce Siegel, of Huntington Woods, has been a committed volunteer for the past 30 years. Originally from Canada, Siegel began volunteering as a way to give back to the community that has provided her family with so many opportunities. Siegel has devoted much of her time to the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section (NCJW/GDS). She began by helping with the Kosher Meals on Wheels program that delivers food to homebound community members. After retiring from teaching in 1992, Siegel increased her involvement with the organization, helping with the Up and Out program and Wrapped in Love, which makes blankets for children entering foster care. She’s also worked in the organization’s Thrift Shop and edited the bulletin. She’s held several leadership roles, including Fundraising Vice President and Public Relations Vice President. Recently, she spearheaded the local organization’s move to a smaller space, including designing the layout of the new office and selling surplus furniture and supplies to benefit the organization and its programs. In addition, Siegel has been an active volunteer at the Detroit Institute of Arts, and has served in the museum shop since 1992, giving more than 50 hours per year. Siegel was nominated by Sheila Guyer of the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section, and Cathy Sweier of the DIA. Siegel also received the Bronze Presidential Service Award for the 200 hours she volunteered in the past year and the Call to Service Award for the more than 5,000 hours she’s volunteered in her lifetime.
Mark Williams, of Detroit, has been a positive role model to hundreds of youth, aged 5 through 18, at the Westside Cultural and Athletic Club. For the past 20 years, he has served as a coach, tutor and mentor to young men and women who may not otherwise have a positive influence in their lives. For him, the smiles and uplifted spirits he sees every day are what have kept him giving back to the Club that he once attended as a youth. Believing that athletics build self-esteem and confidence, Williams uses basketball, baseball, softball and T-ball to motivate youth. While coaching, he often learns of difficulties in school and tutors students to help them overcome the subjects they are struggling in. Williams also holds conflict resolution sessions for youth to discuss and address their fears and desires. In addition to giving more than 150 hours a year to the Westside Cultural and Athletic Club, Williams works nights as a bus driver. Regardless of his personal responsibilities, he freely offers his phone number to be reached at any time by a youth who may find him or herself in a difficult situation. While the programs only cater to youth under the age of 18, Williams has continued to offer support to former participants. Williams was nominated by Erica Wright, of the Westside Cultural and Athletic Club. Williams also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for the 1,800 hours he volunteered in the past year and the Call to Service Award for the 4,000 hours he’s contributed throughout his life.
The Outstanding Business Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Corporate Volunteer Council, recognizes the many ways businesses can contribute to social and economic development through volunteering. A $1,000 gift is awarded to the agency of the winner’s choice. This year’s honoree is:
Employees at DaimlerChrysler Financial Services, located in Farmington Hills, chose to forgo their Holiday Party last year in favor of creating an event that would be fun and beneficial for them and a local agency. Working with The Boys and Girls Republic, also in Farmington Hills, more than 60 employees came out during the winter’s only snowstorm in December to give the agency an “Extreme Makeover.” Over the course of the day, the volunteers painted the interior of the six residential cottages on the organization’s campus. The volunteers went beyond simply painting and invited some of the young men and women who reside there to help. After painting, the volunteers hosted a pizza party and spoke to the youth about their careers in the automotive and finance industries. They gave mock interviews, offered success tips, and shared personal and professional experiences. According to the agency, the volunteers’ time was invaluable, by accomplishing needed projects, but also helping their youth realize and explore future careers and opportunities. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services’ generosity continues to impact the agency. At the end of the service day, the company donated new sheets and mattress pads, items for the agency’s Token Economy Store, and new carpet for each of the cottages. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services was nominated by Stephanie Appel, of Boys & Girls Republic. The company also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for the 20,000 hours it gave in the past year.
The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes a youth aged 12-18 who is taking action to make our world a better place to live. Nominees in this category show leadership, commitment and character through volunteering in many different activities or in giving significant time to one particular project. A $250 award is given to the agency of the winner’s choice. This year’s award goes to:
Ali Ayoub, 17, of Dearborn, wants to make a difference in everything he does and is constantly volunteering to make that happen. He started to consider volunteering in fifth grade, when older students would come into his class and assist the teacher. Once in high school, Ayoub began participating in this program as well as Fordson High School’s KEY Club. He is currently vice president of the club and has organized events and fundraising drives for Hurricane Katrina, World Medical Relief, and UNICEF. He touches people of all ages, working with seniors at a local nursing home and educating children about 911. His volunteerism doesn’t stop at the school doors, though. After joining KEY Club, Ayoub learned of opportunities at Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center. Since 2004, Ayoub has volunteered at the hospital in the Guest Services and Emergency Department (ED). In the past year he has contributed approximately 200 hours to the ED, assisting staff with room clean up, patient flow, and interacting with patients and family members who are waiting. Being at Oakwood has made Ayoub interested in pursuing a career in medicine. His coworkers believe he makes a tremendous difference in the lives of the patients and families he meets, and his care and compassion is an asset to their team. Ayoub was nominated by Deborah Norton, of Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center. Ayoub also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for the 540 hours he’s given in the past year.
The Young Adult Award of Excellence recognizes a young adult, aged 19-25, who represents the highest standards of service, leadership, commitment and character in the community. A $250 gift is awarded to the agency of the winner’s choice. This year’s award goes to:
- Melvina Anderson, 19, of Detroit, is a motivating force in the lives of the youth who attend the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Children and Youth Program. She has been involved with the program since its inception seven years ago, first as a participant, and for the last two years as a volunteer. She volunteers between six and eight hours per week, tutoring youth of all ages and supervising a weekly computer class. She also co-organized and co-facilitates a girls group that helps adolescent girls understand and accept their bodies as well as handle peer pressure. Anderson also helps serve food in the Soup Kitchen, sorts donations, and assists with clerical work to keep the youth program going. Where some of the youth may be lacking positive role models, Anderson is there to act as a motivator, encouraging them to stay in school and apply themselves in life. On top of her responsibilities with the Children and Youth Program, Anderson is a full-time student at Lewis College of Business and sings in the choir at Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church. Anderson was nominated by Sr. Nancyann Turner, of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Children and Youth Program. Anderson also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for the 510 hours she volunteered in the past year.
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Labels: civic engagement, Press_Releases
