MEDIA CONTACTS:Cara I. Belton, 313-226-9484
Laura L. Rodwan, 313-226-9484
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 11, 2007
“Celebrate Volunteers” Luncheon Scheduled for April 16Celebrate Volunteers… Recognizing Home Town Heroes Honors Individuals, Groups, and Corporations
DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan will honor eight exceptional individuals and two groups from metro Detroit at its annual Celebrate Volunteers… Recognizing HomeTown Heroes luncheon on Monday, April 16, 11:30am -1:30pm, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Ballroom. The event attracts over 1,100 guests each year, and is billed as one of the largest volunteer recognition events in the nation.
As part of National Volunteer Week (April 15 - 21, 2007), United Way for Southeastern Michigan joins other organizations across the country in recognizing outstanding, local volunteers, groups and corporations who enrich the lives of others in their communities. This year’s honorees hail from Detroit, Dearborn, Huntington Woods, Madison Heights, Novi, Northville, Sterling Heights, and Windsor, Ontario. Collectively, their work has served to improve the lives of many throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
“Each honoree has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the southeastern Michigan region and has served our community in the best way possible – by affecting positive change and touching lives,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
The Celebrate Volunteers…Recognizing HomeTown Heroes awards will be presented in seven categories: the Bernie Firestone Labor Award, the CorPLUS Award, the Exemplary Group Service Award, the Heart of Gold Award, the Outstanding Youth Award, the Young Adult Award of Excellence, and the Outstanding Business Award.
In addition, the Junior League of Birmingham will give special recognition to the individuals named to the 2007 Governor’s Honor Roll, as well as the area students who participated in the Alternative Spring Break. Special guests will include Detroit Mayor, Kwame M. Kilpatrick, Fox 2 News anchor, Huel Perkins, and keynote speaker and former member of the Detroit Lions, Luther Elliss.
Tickets are $35.00 each, or $350.00 per table, and may be purchased online at www.uwsem.org/celebrate or by phone at (313) 226-9430. 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.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s
2007 Celebrate Volunteers…Recognizing Home Town Heroes Honorees
United Way for Southeastern Michigan will recognize eight exceptional individuals and two groups for their outstanding volunteer service and commitment to others at the annual Celebrate Volunteers…Recognizing Home Town Heroes event, held April 16. Awards will be presented in seven categories to the following individuals and groups:
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.
Winner: William Deuparo of Detroit
Mr. Deuparo is a retired employee of General Motors and member of UAW Local 22. He has been involved with the Clark Park Coalition for more than 15 years and currently serves as treasurer on the organization’s Board of Directors. William volunteers practically every day of the week, (between seven and 11 hours a day), at the Clark Park Recreation Center. His time and skills are invaluable to the center, helping community youth stay active and safe. On any given day, William can be found mentoring youth after school, volunteering at the Clark Park Ice Rink in the winter, and serving as an umpire for the Clarke Park girls’ softball team and scorekeeper and third base coach for the Clark Park adult softball team in the summer. He also serves as the official photographer of the Coalition and documents all major events. In addition, William assists with grounds keeping of the park, including shoveling snow, raking leaves, painting benches and playground equipment, and planting trees to keep the park safe and attractive.
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. This year’s award will be presented to:
Winner: Barbara Wojtas of Sterling Heights
Barbara Wojtas has been a devoted volunteer at Capuchin Soup Kitchen for two years. As a retired elementary school teacher in East Detroit Public Schools, Barbara has gained a great deal of experience helping children learn and appreciate school. Three times a week, Barbara volunteers with the organization’s after school program. Working with three or four children at a time, she helps them complete their schoolwork, read and work with computers. Barbara finds volunteering to be a fulfilling and satisfying way to spend her time since she retired 10 years ago. In addition to her work with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Barbara has delivered meals for Meals on Wheels in Sterling Heights for the past five years, and has visited patients at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Macomb County for over ten years.
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 will be presented to:
Winner: Disaster Action Team – American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The 104 members of the Red Cross’ Disaster Action Team are always ready to respond in times of crisis. This group of dedicated men and women consists of 13 on-call teams which log 25,000 volunteer hours annually. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each team is able to respond quickly to meet the needs of individuals and families facing disasters such as house or apartment fires. Last year, they responded to 927 calls, providing food, clothing, shelter, hygiene items, and medication. In addition to disaster response, the team members train new volunteers and serve on national disaster response teams when needed. They also coordinated donation drives to collect and package comfort kits for disaster victims, and delivered cots to warming centers and bottled water to cooling centers in the summer months.
The Heart of Gold Award, sponsored by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, honors four individuals who demonstrate an immeasurable commitment to volunteer service in metro Detroit. The following people will receive the Heart of Gold Award:
Winner: Dan Ballnik of Dearborn
Dan Ballnik cares deeply about the environment and shares his knowledge about environmental and conservation issues with many. As part of Friends of the Rouge, Dan has mobilized thousands of students, Ford Motor Company employees, and residents of Wayne County to restore the Rouge River and native plant life in the area. Each year, Dan organizes more than 600 volunteers to restore riverbanks, build bridges, and plant greenery. Dan has also organized Schoolyard Habitat projects at elementary and middle schools in Dearborn. The projects generate awareness about native habitats and their restoration in the area. The funding Dan helped to secure for these projects are now utilized by the schools as educational tools to build further awareness about additional habitats for local wildlife. Dan participates in the Rouge River Remedial Action Plan Habitat Committee, the Riparian Corridor Management Technical Advisory Committee, and has helped reduce maintenance costs for the city of Dearborn by installing Grow Zones that do not require mowing.
Winner: Beverly Palise of Madison Heights
For nearly a decade, Beverly Palise has been spreading Christmas spirit through her work with the annual Festival of Trees benefit for Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Each year, Beverly designs the event’s “money tree,” which contains 300 one-dollar bills festively arranged. The tree is then raffled off to benefit the Hospital. In 2005, the money tree she designed raised $7,000 for the Hospital. She has also designed other trees that are sold during the fundraiser. Beverly’s volunteer experience also includes singing with the Detroit Edison Glee Club at nursing and retirement homes in the region.
She is a member of the church choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth and Ward Evangelical Presbyterian in Northville. In the past, Beverly has volunteered for the Parade Company, the Rainbow Connection, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Winner: Bobbie Patt of Huntington Woods
Bobbie Patt has dedicated her life to nurturing metro Detroit area youth, and was nominated for the award by the National Council of Women, Greater Detroit Section. A retired elementary school teacher, she now gives her time to a variety of programs through the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section (NCJW). Each week, she tutors children in Ferndale through the Ferndale Public Schools Literacy Project. She also helps the NCJW pack and deliver backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need throughout the region. For the past six years, Bobbie has served as an advocate as part of Children’s Advocates: Court Appointed Guardianship Services for children needing legal guardianship within the Oakland County Family Court System. Through the NCJW, she delivers Kosher Meals on Wheels and serves as the co-chair of Tributes - a program that manages contributions given in honor of family and friends. She also welcomes people into her home through Sarah’s Tent, a support group for new Jews by choice, individuals in interfaith relationships, and Jewish people with little Jewish education or experience.
Winner: Robert Rosowski of Northville
Robert Rosowski has been helping individuals with their taxes for nearly 20 years. A retired vice president and treasurer of Masco Corporation, Bob first got involved with Accounting Aid Society as a board member. His leadership soon proved to be an invaluable asset to the organization’s Resource Development Committee, Personnel Committee, and Advisory Council. Robert firmly believes in gaining understanding through personal involvement, so he also signed on as tax volunteer. On Saturdays from January through April, Bob can be found at the Butzel Family Center on Detroit’s eastside, assisting low-income individuals with their taxes at the Butzel Family Center on Detroit’s eastside. Robert spends an average of one hour with each client, reviewing financial records, preparing city, state and federal tax returns, and helping individuals locate available tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, home heating credits, and property tax credits. His service has put more money back in the hands of metro Detroiters each year.
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 award will be presented to:
Winner: United Parcel Service (UPS)
UPS employees from the Pontiac and Madison Heights service centers have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of foster children through St. Francis Family Center/Catholic Social Services of Oakland County.
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United Way of Southeastern MI /2007 “Celebrate Volunteers”
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Through their numerous sponsorships, grants, fundraising, volunteerism, community awareness and community mobilization efforts, UPS has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to children in need. Throughout the year, UPS volunteers raised funds in order to provide water park trips and outings for the children served by St. Francis Family Center. Their continued support for the children include providing grant applications for placement sustainability of foster children, and providing opportunities for seasonal employment - which instills independent living skills, financial management ability and independence. Volunteers also utilize the company’s Global Day of Caring to improve the family center’s building and grounds, resulting in a more enjoyable environment for foster children who use the facility to visit with birth parents or attend appointments.
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 will be presented to:
Winner: Mikhail George of Novi
Mikhail, age 17, attends Detroit Country Day School and has been volunteering since his freshman year of high school. He is an active volunteer with the Red Cross, where he has spent more than 100 hours assisting with local blood drives. Mikhail has completed the specified requirements for “blood trainer” certification, which will allow him to train future volunteers. Mikhail also volunteers for the City of Novi Youth Health Council, giving approximately 60 hours of his time to help organize community events that promote health awareness for children. His care and commitment for others compels Mikhail to volunteer much of his spare time to worthy causes benefiting youth. Last year, Mikhail volunteered with the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program, working to solicit donations and toys for children in need. He also volunteers to read to children at the Novi Public Library.
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 will be presented to:
Winner: Danielle Baillargeon of Windsor
While attending college in Detroit, Danielle Baillargeon said she "fell in love with the city and its residents and wanted to find a way to help." After conducting an online search for volunteer opportunities, Danielle became affiliated with Coalition On Temporary Shelter (C.O.T.S.) and has been volunteering there for the past year. She has spent over 100 hours at C.O.T.S., cheerfully sharing her organizational and computer skills to assist with mailings and data entry in the Development department. In addition, Danielle worked in the organization’s Child Care and Literacy departments, where she enjoyed interacting with children and reading stories. In the past, Danielle has volunteered for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and nursing homes and hospitals in Windsor, Ontario. Danielle is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Wayne State University.
Labels: civic engagement, Press_Releases
