LIVONIA, Mich.–Seeking to provide recognition to people for their long hours of hard work or free time spent volunteering to help others, Zeal CU said it has created the Hard Working Spirit Awards to celebrate people who go the extra mile.
In its second year, Zeal Credit Union invited online nominations in nine different categories to recognize and reward people for their hard work and accomplishments.
“We received nearly 300 heartfelt and very moving nominations from family members, friends and co-workers. Members and non-members were also able to self-nominate,” said Bryan Feldpausch, marketing coordinator for Zeal Credit Union. “It was very difficult to narrow down our selection to nine recipients.”
Honored at Zeal Credit Union’s 63rd Annual Membership Meeting at the Dearborn Inn this year were:
- Civil Service—David Zarek, Livonia
- Community Superstar—Jennifer Wakenell, Livonia
- Medical—Susan Beebe, Livonia
- Office Worker—LaJanis Allen, Taylor
- Service Industry—Stephanie Booth, Garden City
- Skilled Trades—Wesley Kasperski, Allen Park
- Education—Aminah Steele, Southfield
- Unsung Hero—Ron Sheeler, Southgate
- Hardest Working Member—Dawn Corey, Garden City
The winners in eight of the categories were presented with award plaques and $100 in cash.
Zeal CEO Tony Carnarvon made the presentation to Dawn Corey, winner of the top category of Hardest Working Member, who received a check for $1,000, an award plaque and large bouquet of flowers.
Corey was recognized for helping Garden City High School with all of its theater costuming and organized a “Prom Dress Sale” for students with donated gowns. She also founded “Angels Above Baby Gowns,” a Michigan nonprofit organization to provide burial gowns for infants and small children. The gowns are made from donations of wedding gowns and distributed to 83 hospitals and emergency rooms in Michigan. Her home is frequently open to volunteers who work together to provide this service and to grieving families when they need to get a burial gown and blanket.
“Having the opportunity to meet and visit with these special winners was as much an honor for those of us who celebrated them receiving the awards,” added Feldpausch.
At right, from left, the nine Hard Working Spirit Award winners honored at Zeal Credit Union’s annual meeting include, from l. to right, Wesley Kasperski, Jennifer Wakenell, Susan Beebe, Stephanie Booth, Dawn Corey, David Zarek, LaJanis Allen, Aminah Steele and Ron Sheeler.