EVENT HISTORY AND INFORMATION:
Created by the Board of Directors in 1995 to honor the President and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame inductee, the Gerald R. Ford award is presented annually to a deserving member of the community who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, vision and has made significant contributions in sports or sports related fields, enhanced the image of sports and whose business activities have improved the quality of life for the people of Michigan. Previous Ford Award recipients include such luminaries as Roger Penske, Dennis Archer, Peter Karmanos, Hoot McInerney, J.P. McCarthy, Mike and Marian Ilitch and Tom Wilson.
In 2009, for the first time the award will be presented as part of its own event to be hosted in Grand Rapids. This event will be held at the elegant Amway Grand Hotel On Tuesday, June 9 and in addition to the presentation of the Ford Award, will also include a VIP reception in the Gerald Ford Ballroom, dinner, a nationally renowned keynote speaker plus a special presentation honoring the MSHOF members from west Michigan. The event is co-sponsored by both the West Michigan Sports Commission and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame
We are proud to present the 2009 Ford Award to Marty Allen, a Grand Rapids legend who currently serves as the Chairman Emeritus of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation. During his 31 year career with Old Kent Bank, later Fifth Third Bank, Mr. Allen was one of the driving forces behind the River Bank Run – a tremendous Grand Rapids tradition attended by thousands each spring. A close friend and confidant of President Ford, Mr. Allen epitomizes the spirit of the Ford Award.
Tickets are priced at $150 for individuals, and a table of eight for $1000. Tickets include the reception immediately followed by the dinner and ceremony. Tickets or further information can be obtained by calling the Hall of Fame office at 248-473-0656, or clicking the link below.
SPONSOR PACKAGES:
Presenting Sponsor $10,000 (1 available)
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to promote your company at a high
profile event and link to a tremendous state-wide brand.
- Corporate representative on dais to assist in presenting award
- Two tables of eight tickets
- Sixteen tickets to the private VIP pre-reception
- Primary position as Presenting Sponsor on all printed materials
- Primary signage on dais as Presenting Sponsor
- Primary mention as Presenting Sponsor on all press releases
- Primary position in any advertising and website displays
- Special recognition in event program
Supporting Sponsors $5000 (4 available)
- One table of eight tickets
- Eight tickets to private VIP pre-reception
- Inclusion in all printed materials and website
- Inclusion in event sponsor thank-you video
- Signage in reception and event areas
- Special mention in press releases
- Prime position in all advertising and website displays
- Recognition in event program
Participating Sponsors $2500
- One table of eight tickets
- Eight tickets to private VIP pre-reception
- Recognition in event program
- Inclusion in event sponsor thank-you video
- Mention on website
Table Sponsor $1000
- One table of eight tickets
- Recognition in event program
