2016 Volunteer & Donor Recognition Dinner and Silent Auction

The Michigan Nature Association

cordially invites you to the:

Friday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Big Ten Room C (Lobby Level)
Michigan State University, East Lansing
219 South Harrison Road

Please join the Board of Trustees and staff for a night to honor dedicated volunteers and generous donors. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and a chance to catch up with other MNA members and supporters.

Special Guest Speaker
Dr. John Hartig
Edward G. Voss Conservation Science Award recipient
John is the Refuge Manager for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. He is a highly regarded Great Lakes scientist and author of Bringing Conservation to Cities.

Silent Auction
The dinner will feature a special silent auction to benefit MNA’s Environmental Fund!

RSVP by October 21
Contact Jess Foxen at (866) 223-2231 or email jfoxen@michigannature.org.

Tickets: $30 per person
Cash bar with dinner provided by MNA.

MNA to recognize volunteers and conservationists at October 17 ceremony

By Kary Askew Garcia, MNA Intern

Don’t miss out on MNA’s annual Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner on Oct. 17 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.

Guests will enjoy a delicious meal, jazz music and the presentation of awards to hard-working, dedicated individuals who do so much to protect Michigan’s natural heritage.

Tickets are $30. You can purchase tickets online through the MNA website or by contacting Danielle Cooke at dcooke@michigannature.org or 866-223-2231.

The following awards will be presented during the celebration:

Bid on Items to Benefit Conservation

Bid on a VIP wine tasting at Chateau Chantal! (Photo via Chateau Chantal)

On Friday, October 18, MNA will host the Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing.

This year’s event includes a special silent auction to benefit MNA’s conservation initiatives! Join us to learn about MNA’s efforts, honor special volunteers, and mingle with fellow MNA supporters.

Silent auction items include:

Week-Long Getaway in Northern Michigan

Enjoy a week on Mullet Lake in northern Michigan in a vacation home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a field stone fireplace, ping-pong room, deck and dock. This house sleeps up to 10 people and is a beautiful retreat!

VIP Wine Tasting Experience for Six People

Enjoy a personal tour of the Chateau Chantal winery, an explanation of the winemaking process, and a personal wine tasting with a wine educator. See stunning views of the Old Mission Peninsula and explore the Old World Inn!

Bid on a sea kayak tour in Copper Harbor! (Photo: Ryan Holt)

Copper Harbor Sea Kayak Tour 

Explore Copper Harbor by kayak! This package includes two tickets for a two-and-a-half hour kayak exploration on Lake Superior, surrounding Copper Harbor. The tour includes kayak instruction, all equipment, and a professional guide.

Great Lakes Stone Shoreline Mirror

Artist Casey Williams uses stone he personally collects from Michigan’s Great Lakes to create beautiful functional stone products. Surrounded by stone from the Great Lakes, this mirror would make a beautiful addition to any room!

‘Ruin and Recovery’ Signed by Award-Winning Author Dave Dempsey

This copy of Ruin and Recovery: Michigan’s Rise as a Conservation Leader is signed by author Dave Dempsey, named Michigan Author of the Year in 2009.

Enamel on Copper Nature Sculptures

These beautiful sculptures are original designs, hand enameled by highly skilled artisans using traditional tools and techniques. This set of two sculptures is a unique interpretation of nature’s beauty.

Download the Auction Preview Guide for a complete list of available items! 

Purchase your tickets for the Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner today! Visit the MNA website or contact Danielle Cooke at 866-223-2231 or dcooke@michigannature.org. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot soon!

Richard W. Holzman Award Recipients Announced

Earlier this week, MNA announced the recipients of the Volunteer of the Year and Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Award. At the 2013 Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner, MNA will also present the Richard W. Holzman Award.

The Richard W. Holzman Award was established in 2010 to recognize and thank volunteers who have selflessly served MNA over an extended period of time, typically in a variety of roles including service as a Trustee. Holzman Award recipients are selected by the President after consultation with the Board of Trustees and senior staff.

The award is named for Richard W. “Dick” Holzman, who served 14  years as MNA President, longer than any other President, and 20 years as an MNA Director or Trustee.

MNA announced last week that this year’s Holzman Award will be given to Stephen M. Kelley and Stanley Hugh Kuchta at the 2013 Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner.

Kelley has been an MNA member and supporter since 1979. He has held multiple leadership positions, including four years as President and more than eight years on the Board. In addition to his work with MNA, Kelley is a practicing environmental, contract and litigation attorney.

Kuchta is a field scientist and plant specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. His insights have assisted MNA greatly with the identification and protection of threatened flora and fauna in MNA sanctuaries. Kuchta has been active in MNA for many years and currently chairs the Sanctuary Committee. He also serves as a steward.

Join MNA on Friday, October 18 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center to recognize the individuals who dedicate so much to help protect Michigan’s natural heritage. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will also feature a silent auction to benefit MNA’s conservation initiatives. All are welcome!

To purchase $30 tickets, contact Danielle Cooke at (866) 223-2231 or dcooke@michigannature.org. Tickets are also available on the MNA website.