Mr. Daniels entertained the crowd with songs he has been penning for more than 30 years.  The favorites of the crowd were Michigan, My Michigan and Detroit Train.   Also providing entertainment were southeast Michigan talents Dr. Frances Brockington, Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Civic Jazz Ensemble, O'Hare School of Irish Dance, Wayne State University Opera Workshop, and the Gabrilowitsch Quartet of the Detroit Symphony Civic Youth Ensemble.  The event was emceed by Rochelle Riley, columnist for the Detroit Free Press.

2006 Award Winners, Finalists and Categories

Click here for a description of each award finalist .

Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award

Look around your community and you will notice an individual who has taken his or her volunteer service to the highest level-year after year.  This award honors individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteer service.  Individuals nominated in this category have made service a way of life.  The finalists are: Mildred Corey of Battle Creek, Eugene Fisher of Vermontville, Jack Salter of Royal Oak, Russell Smith of Battle Creek, and Jack Willis of Port Sanilac.

Outstanding Mentor Award

Mentors change lives.  They give themselves personally to a child month after month and year after year.  This award honors an individual who has made a significant difference in a child's life over time through mentoring.  For the purpose of this award, mentoring is defined as a structured and trusting relationship that brings a young person together with a caring individual who offers guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee.  The finalists are:  Ronald Smith of Kewadin, Marvin Sonne of Farmington Hills, Randy Walker, Sr. of Southfield, Gerard Wilbrink of Williamston, and William Whittaker of Grand Haven.

Innovative Mentoring Program Award

When it comes to running excellent mentoring programs, often non-traditional ways work best.  It takes an extraordinary organization to examine issues, look past the usual ways of tackling them, and dare to try something different.  This award is presented to a mentoring program or organization that has found a unique and effective approach to mentoring children.  This progressive organization maximizes limited resources and recognizes that, with volunteers, anything is possible.  The finalists are:  AMIGOS of Kalamazoo, Art of Leadership Foundation of Birmingham, From Decisions to Actions Program of Sault Ste. Marie, Winning Futures of Warren, and Yellow Ribbon Kids of Negaunee.

Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award

Corporations that excel in community involvement are honored with this award.  This kind of commitment is made by all employees, both hourly and salaried, and can take many forms including, but not limited to, corporate volunteer programs, monetary contributions, in-kind gifts, and employee-driven volunteer service.  The finalists are: Comcast Communications, Inc. of Detroit, Dobson-McOmber/Hylant Group of Ann Arbor, Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Kellogg Company of Battle Creek, and United Bancorp, Inc. of Tecumseh.

Exemplary Community Service Program Award

The tremendous work volunteers accomplish in communities is often driven by an organization or club.  This award acknowledges the importance this type of organization or program makes in community life.  The nominees in this category strive to make communities better places to live through a variety of activities or by focusing on one issue of primary importance in their community.  School, faith-based, national service, nonprofit, and community-based programs are all potential nominees for this award.   The finalists are: The Boundless Playground at High Point of Ann Arbor, Oakwood Healthcare System Caring for Kids Program of Dearborn, Senior Companion Program of Detroit, Tuesday Toolmen of Kalamazoo, and Wolverine Harley-Davidson HOG Chapter #1332 of Clinton Township.      

Exemplary Volunteer Service Award

When it comes to solving community problems, individuals really make things happen.  These everyday citizens are very special people who go the extra mile for their community.  This award is reserved for an individual who strives to improve the lives of neighbors, friends, community, or congregation.  Individuals nominated for this award could be adults, seniors, national service members, educators, and more.  The finalists are: Dennis Bernard of Birmingham, Richard Herrmann of Croswell, Michael McCartan of St. Clair, Carter Ryan of Ruther Glen, Virginia, and Hei Sook Wilkinson of Bloomfield Hills.

Youth Volunteer Award of Excellence

Volunteer service that begins at an early age is often carried forward throughout life.  This award recognizes young people who are taking action to make our world a better place to live.  Nominees in this category are ages 21 and under.  They may be involved in many activities or give significant time to one particular cause.  The finalists are: Timothy Alford of Detroit, Robert Hayes of Dearborn, Tricia Marheine of Kingsford, Joshua Sharp of Kincheloe, and Krystal Sunderman of Chesterfield.

Senior Volunteer Award of Excellence

Senior citizens have a lot of experience and wisdom to share during their golden years.  This award honors older adults who are taking action to make our world a better place to live.  Nominees in this category are ages 65 and older.  They may be involved in many activities or give significant time to one particular cause.  The finalists are:  Cal Aldrink of Jenison, Mary Clay of Grand Rapids, Maggie Fegel of Plainfield Township, James Roulett of Traverse City, and Johan Stohl of Albion. 

Sponsor the Governor's Service Awards

The Governor's Service Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.  The 2006 Governor's Service Awards sponsors to date are:

Premier Sponsors

Council of Michigan Foundations

DTE Energy Foundation

Ford Motor Company Fund

Health Alliance Plan

Lear Corporation

Olympia Entertainment, Inc.

Pfizer Inc

Palace Sports & Entertainment

Whirlpool Corporation

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

 Pacesetters

DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund

General Motors/GMAC Financial Services

Herbert H. and Grace A Dow Foundation

Meijer

Reception Sponsors

Lear Corporation

MASCO Corporation Foundation

Governor's Champions

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

CMS Energy/Consumers Energy

Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Michigan

Comcast

ConnectMichigan Alliance

Greektown Casino

UAW-Ford National Programs Center

UAW-GM Center for Human Resources

  Governor's Heroes

CDL Training School

Comerica

Mawby Family Fund/Battle Creek Community Foundation

Michigan Nonprofit Association

The Skillman Foundation

The Governor's Service Awards provide excellent opportunities for corporate sponsors to demonstrate their commitment to local communities and their volunteers.  Sponsors also receive unique branding opportunities and other corporate benefits.   Click here   to learn why you should sponsor the 2006 Governor's Service Awards.

About the Governor's Service Awards

The Governor's Service Awards began in 1994 to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of Michigan's volunteers.  Since the awards began, more than 130 awards have been presented to deserving individuals, organizations, and businesses and more than 3,500 have been nominated.  A wide variety of volunteers and nonprofit programs are nominated each year by staff members, co-workers, family, and friends to receive these prestigious awards.  The nominees represent the best of Michigan's highly motivated and incredibly committed volunteers.

Awards are presented in eight categories (listed above) highlighting the diverse nature of volunteers throughout our great state.  Five finalists in each award category are selected and are honored at a dinner where the award winner is announced.

Questions?

Contact Kathie Vasilion at (517) 373-4200 or vasilionk@michigan.gov