Nominate an outstanding volunteer by March 16

Source: Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Originally published: March 8, 2007

Do you know of a tireless volunteer, committed to improving the community around him or her, who deserves to be recognized for their unending efforts? Now is your chance to honor them. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is accepting nominations to recognize metro Detroit's outstanding volunteers at Celebrate Volunteers ... Recognizing HomeTown Heroes, a special recognition event held on April 16.

The annual luncheon takes place during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, and provides individuals and organizations an opportunity to show appreciation for those who enrich our community through volunteerism. Nominations are being accepted in eight categories that honor youth, young adults, and retirees as well as outstanding businesses or groups who volunteer.

To obtain nomination forms and guidelines, please log on to www.uwsem.org/celebrate or contact United Way's George W. Romney Volunteer Center at 313-226-9430, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Nominations must be received at United Way no later than 5 p.m., March 16, 2007.

The award categories are as follows:

• Bernie Firestone Award (Sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Labor Department) -- Recognizes an outstanding rank and file member of a local labor union dedicated to community service. A $1,000 donation is given to an agency of the winner's choice.
  
• CorPLUS Award (Sponsored by the Junior League of Detroit) -- Recognizes a retiree whose volunteer efforts exemplify the highest standards of service that benefits metropolitan Detroit. A $1,000 donation is given to an agency of the honoree's choice.
  
• 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 volunteer work. A $500 donation will be made to an agency of the winning group's choice.
  
• Governor's Honor Roll (Sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham) -- This non-competitive award recognizes individuals for outstanding community service, selected by the organization's they serve.
  
• Heart of Gold Award (Sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan) -- This has become one of the most distinguished volunteer recognitions in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Awardees receive a 14 carat gold heart in tribute to their dedication.
  
• Outstanding Youth Award (Sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan) -- Recognizes youth ages 12-18 who are taking action to make our world a better place to live through volunteering.
  
• Young Adult Award of Excellence (Sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan) -- Recognizes adults ages 19-25 who represent the highest standards of service, leadership, commitment, and character in their community. A $250 donation will be made to an agency of the winner's choice.
  
• Outstanding Business Award (Sponsored by the Southeast Michigan Corporate Volunteer Council and United Way) --