TRAVERSE CITY — Two remarkable aspects of the Grand Traverse area received the state’s highest community service honors Thursday night.
Picked for a Governor’s Service Award this year are Piper Shumar of Traverse City and the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes of Empire.
These two were among 38 recipients from across the state recognized in an evening ceremony at the Detroit Opera House.
“Community service makes Michigan a better place to live and, every year, we get to honor some exemplary Michiganders who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement, adding that she hopes “their stories inspire everyone to go out and make life a little better for those around them.”
Shumar, 13, received the “Youth Volunteer of the Year” award for her tireless work in raising donations to buy bikes for area kids in need.
She knows well how important bikes can be for kids; she said her bike was an escape for her from the challenges of a chronic illness and multiple surgeries.
Her volunteerism started young and early at organizations like Norte Youth Cycling, Bikes for Tikes, Salvation Army and Bethany Christian Services. Last year alone, Shumar turned collected bottles and cans into 270 bikes.
She was the national Toys for Tots Foundation’s youngest Youth Ambassador last year.
“My goal in life is to teach others the importance of a healthy lifestyle through cycling and learn the importance of giving back to the community,” Shumar said in a statement.
Also recognized for a statewide honor is Empire-based Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, which received a “Community Impact Award.”
The group was selected because of its growth and commitment to the lakeshore. Its 750 members and 250 active volunteers purchase equipment to make the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore accessible to people with physical challenges, advise visitors about the risks associated with dune hikes and climbs, help piping plover protection efforts, and operate and maintain the 20-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
“Volunteer hours and financial support have grown steadily year over year, showing that the community increasingly values and supports the Friends’ work,” reads the award statement. “Their time and efforts are the reason why so many people can enjoy the Lakeshore in clean and safe ways.”
The Michigan Community Service Commission began presenting the Governor’s Service Awards in 1994 to honor the volunteers, organizations and businesses that play a critical role in “improving the lives of our people and communities.”
Said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes before the ceremony, “The spirit and passion of this year’s honorees is astonishing. The level of selfless giving these Michiganders show should be an inspiration to us all.”