Nomination deadline passed, now is the hard part for Clarkston Community Awards judges ? choosing the recipients.
‘They’ll have a tough time this year making their decisions ? that’s awesome,? Linda Mladenoff, chair of the Community Awards Committee. ‘It opens your eyes to what people are doing in this community. I wish we could give an award to everyone.?
Clarkston Community Church, 6300 Clarkston Road, hosts the 26th Annual Community Awards Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., Thursday, May 19.
‘We consider it a privilege to serve the community this way,? said Pastor Greg Henneman.
This is the church’s second year with the event.
‘We’ve had some great feedback,? Henneman said. ‘It’s a valuable way to hold up value of servanthood in the community.?
‘We should have a nice turnout this year ? about 250,? said Mladenoff, member of the church’s Community Team.
The community is strengthened by volunteers? efforts, Henneman said.
‘More and more people realize the importance of making time to serve,? he said. ‘Volunteers help meet the needs of the community not met in any other way.?
Volunteer efforts by the church include its Community Challenge, matching up to $10,000 in donations for Independence Township’s Fourth of July festival in Clintonwood Park.
‘A lot of people are stepping forward with funds,? Henneman said.
The church hosts its own July 4 Liberty Festival on its grounds, with games, food, and music, with 150 volunteers for that, as well as 50 volunteers for the Clintonwood Park festival.
‘They’ll be parking lot attendants, help run games and activities ? that’s money the township won’t have to spend,? he said.
During the month of May, he will present the Easter message series, ‘Do something.?
‘We are created to serve,? he said. ‘God wants us to use our gifts and abilities to make the world a better place.?
The Community Team also offers a wide variety of opportunities to serve, and is looking for new opportunities as well.
‘We want to learn more about community, get out and talk to people, schools, chamber, parks and rec, and organizations to become more familiar with what people’s needs are,? he said.
Community Awards include Citizen of the Year, Youth of the Year, Adult-Youth Volunteer, Business Person of the Year, Community Beautification/Preservation, Community Enhancement, and Community Collaboration.
Tickets are $10, including full-catered breakfast ? call Clarkston Community Education Office, 248-623-4327.
For more information, call 248-568-6337.