|
MICHIGAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME TO BRING DISTINGUISHED
GERALD R. FORD AWARD TO GRAND RAPIDS
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – (April 7, 2009) -- The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF), a statewide tradition for 54 years, is expanding its reach to include the Grand Rapids community. Today, MSHOF officials announced that after presenting the award since its inception in1995 as a part of the Hall's Induction Event, for the first time, the distinguished Gerald R. Ford Award will be presented as part of its own ceremony. When considering possible locations for this honor, MSHOF and Grand Rapids officials determined that the ideal location was the hometown of the award name sake, Grand Rapids, Mich.
On the evening of Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at the Amway Grand Hotel, the Hall of Fame, in conjunction with the West Michigan Sports Commission and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, will present the coveted honor to a Grand Rapids legend, Marty Allen. Mr. Allen currently serves as the Chairman Emeritus of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation. During his 31 year career with Old Kent Bank, and 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.
Created 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, J.P. McCarthy, Mike and Marian Ilitch and Tom Wilson. Evening festivities will also include a VIP reception in the Gerald Ford Ballroom, dinner, a nationally renowned keynote speaker plus a special video presentation honoring the MSHOF members from west Michigan.
"We are honored to be bringing the distinguished Gerald R. Ford Award home to where it belongs – Grand Rapids," said Hall Chairman and former Pistons coach Ray Scott. "We look forward to a wonderful evening while honoring one of President Ford"s closest friends, Marty Allen, with a terrific event."
Ticket information is available at the Hall of Fame website at michigansportshof.org or by calling 248-473-0656
The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is a 501©3 non-profit organization.
|
