Macomb Honors Shelby Citizen For Volunteer Efforts

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners will honor Shelby Township resident Michael Ward as one of the Outstanding Volunteers of the Year.

Ward, along with 99 other award recipients, will be honored at the June 23 board of commissioners meeting.

“I am very humbled by the award,” said Ward. “I do these various activities to help make the world a better place for others and to motivate others to work hard to do better and be successful.”

Board of Commissioners Chair Kathy Vosburg agrees that the volunteers’ dedication has enhanced the world and especially Macomb County.

 “Volunteers such as you are what truly makes Macomb County a great place to live, work and play,” said Vosburg in a letter to the award recipients.

The board of commissioners asked the residents of Macomb County to nominate the 100 outstanding volunteers.

To be eligible, the volunteer had to have donated a minimum of 150 hours to an organization or cause in 2010. Nominees had to either be a resident of Macomb County whose work was performed in southeast Michigan or a nonresident whose volunteer work specifically benefited Macomb County citizens or communities.

And Ward, who is an IT trainer and travels around the country, has managed to fulfill the requirements and juggle work. Ward is involved in the following nonprofit organizations and events:

Shelby Lions Club

• Biggby Jingle Bell Run:  Raised more than $2,000 for Lions Club Christmas
• Food Basket Program: Christmas Food Basket Program for needy families
• White Cane collection
• Annual car show
• Coordinates all public relations contacts for club

Community Living Toronto

•  Coordinates annual Tiger outing  (Just completed on May 13-14: 24 guests from Toronto)
•  Michigan State University football outing in the fall

Special Olympics

•  Annual Gopher The Gold 5k/10k run/walk to benefit Special Olympics

Local Running Community

• Back to The Beach Run:  Assisted Joe Burns with this first-ever fund-raiser for Medals 4 Mettle
• Help support Brooks Hanson Running Program
• Support various high school running events
• Help sponsor running gear and shoes for Marshfield High School

"I had received a national award back early this year from the Enterline Foundation for my work with the developmentally and intellectually challenged people," said Ward. "This is a nice compliment to that award."