Shining Light Awards Honor Three for Outstanding Commitment to Region
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Judge Damon J. Keith, Mariam C. Noland and Brittany Galisdorfer to be
recognized October 8th
DETROIT, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 "Shining Light Regional Cooperation
Awards" will be awarded to Judge Damon J. Keith, Mariam C. Noland and Brittany
Galisdorfer for the important contributions they have made to regional
cooperation, progress and understanding in metropolitan Detroit. The winners
will be recognized October 8, 2009, at a special breakfast ceremony and
celebration at the Ford Conference & Event Center in Dearborn, Michigan,
beginning at 8 a.m.
The awards ceremony and breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are $35.
For ticket information, contact www.shininglightawards.com or call
248-336-8623.
The Honorable Damon J. Keith, United States Circuit Judge, United States Court
of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, will receive the "Neal Shine Award for
Exemplary Regional Leadership" for a lifetime of efforts to further equality
and promote respect and fair treatment for all. This award recognizes an
individual in the public spotlight who is taking risks and demonstrating
courage to improve regional cooperation and understanding.
"Judge Damon Keith is one of a kind, universally and unconditionally
respected," said Shining Light Awards co-chair and Free Press editor and
publisher, Paul Anger. "He's brought national acclaim to Detroit for historic
legal decisions upholding the U.S. Constitution. And most importantly, he's
been a force in our community for decades working on behalf of the Charles
H. Wright Museum, Wayne State University, the Southeast Michigan Community
Foundation, and much more. He stands up for tolerance, understanding, and the
idea that we all stand on common ground in Detroit."
Mariam C. Noland, President, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, will
receive the "Eleanor Josaitis 'Unsung Hero'" Award for spearheading one of the
largest community foundations in the country, resulting in more than $360
million to charitable programs and organizations that address critical needs
of our region. Her philanthropic efforts are contributing to the transition to
an innovation-based economy for the region that fosters opportunity for all.
This award recognizes an individual who may not have yet received the
widespread recognition he or she deserves for longstanding efforts to serve
the community and further regional cooperation.
"Ms. Noland has been instrumental in supporting numerous efforts such as the
New Economy Initiative, arts and cultural institutions, and a system of
greenway trails, which are part of the fabric of our regional community and
contribute to our economic well being," said Thomas Linn, Shining Light
co-chair, immediate past chair, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, and chairman
emeritus, Miller Canfield.
Brittany Galisdorfer, Program Director, Michigan Suburbs Alliance, will
receive the "Dave Bing Future Leader" Award for her efforts to promote
intergovernmental cooperation, launch internship programs that benefit the
region, and pull counties, cities and townships together to advance energy
efficiency and renewable energy projects. This award recognizes a young adult
who has taken an early leadership role in enhancing regional engagement and
cooperation within our metropolitan community.
"The future of our region is dependent upon the energy and leadership of our
young people," said Debbie Dingell, chair, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, and
executive director, public affairs & community relations, General Motors
Corporation. "We are fortunate to have individuals like Ms. Galisdorfer who
care so much about the community. We must recognize and encourage them as
much as possible."
The Detroit Free Press and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition launched the Shining
Light Awards in 2007 to highlight the critical importance of regional
cooperation to the success of Southeast Michigan. The awards are named in
honor of the late Neal Shine, former Detroit Free Press editor and publisher,
who consistently demonstrated his dedication and commitment to the Greater
Detroit community.
The Detroit Free Press has been, according to its motto, "On guard for 178
Years" informing, engaging and delighting readers for generations. A winner
of three national Emmy awards and nine Pulitzers, the newspaper also operates
www.freep.com, its interactive multimedia online edition, and
www.digitalfreepress.com, an online replica of the daily paper. Owned by
Gannett Co., Inc., the Free Press has a combined print/online readership of
1.3 million Monday through Saturday and a combined print/online readership of
more than 1.6 million on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, established in 1958, is a public/private
partnership dedicated to improving greater Detroit's quality of life and
creating economic opportunity through regional cooperation. Visit its website
www.mac-web.org .
Contacts: Debora Scola
Detroit Media Partnership
313-222-6895
dscola@dnps.com
Susan Phillips
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition
313-961-2270
Phillips@mac-web.org
SOURCE Detroit Free Press
Debora Scola, Detroit Media Partnership, +1-313-222-6895, dscola@dnps.com; or
Susan Phillips, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, +1-313-961-2270,
Phillips@mac-web.org
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