Debbie Stabenow Receives Helen Milliken Legacy Award

July 31, 2013 |

Former Michigan Governor William Milliken congratulates Senator Debbie Stabenow at the Michigan Land Use Institute's annual Milliken Dinner at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay on July 27. Stabenow received MLUI's Helen Milliken Legacy Award, named in honor of Michigan's former first lady. (Photo: MLUI/Gary Howe)
Former Michigan Governor William Milliken congratulates Senator Debbie Stabenow at the Michigan Land Use Institute’s annual Milliken Dinner at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay on July 27. Stabenow received MLUI’s Helen Milliken Legacy Award, named in honor of Michigan’s former first lady. (Photo: Gary Howe)

The Michigan Land Use Institute honored Senator Debbie Stabenow with its Helen Milliken Legacy Award at a July 27 dinner in honor of the former first lady and Gov. William Milliken.

MLUI created the award to recognize those who carry forward Helen Milliken’s legacy of environmental advocacy and civil discourse. Stabenow is the first recipient.

“Senator Debbie Stabenow is one of the rare leaders who not only embodies Helen Milliken’s deep-seated values, but carries them forward with the same unflappable poise and steadfast determination,” MLUI Executive Director Hans Voss said.

Senator Stabenow said she was honored to receive an award with her name next to Helen Milliken’s. She pointed to Helen and Gov. Milliken as an inspiration, dating back to her freshman term as a state legislator during Milliken’s last term as governor.

“He’s a Republican, Helen’s a Republican, I’m a Democrat, I’m a freshman. I mean, who am I? Yet Helen was always there, gracious, and supporting my efforts,” Stabenow said. “And the governor… he was willing to have his door open as part of his job and leadership in public service.

“I’ll never forget that. I’ll never forget so many things, but especially the graciousness, the willingness to work with people across the aisle, to show leadership, and the great vision of both of them.”

Stabenow also recognized Helen Milliken’s importance to MLUI.

“How fortunate this organization has been to have Gov. Bill Milliken and Helen Milliken as part of that driving force. No wonder you’re so good; no wonder you’ve done so much,” Stabenow said. “Helen’s great passion of protecting not only this beautiful region, but our whole state, and the country, is something that we have a responsibility to carry on. “

MLUI’s annual Milliken Dinner honors the many supporters who help the Institute carry out its mission. This year, the event was held at picturesque Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay in a refurbished barn to highlight the importance of local agriculture to the region. 

2013 Milliken Dinner sponsors


Thank you to our generous
2013 Milliken Dinner sponsors

 

Gold Sponsors
Ed Gergosian and Susan Hoekenga
Keen Technical Solutions
Pierce and Associates, P.C.

 

Silver Sponsors
Black Star Farms
Ted Curran
Bob and Kathleen Garvey
The Esperance Family Foundation

 

Bronze Sponsors
Betsy Alles and Eric Pekrul
Patty Black
William and Dr. Natalie Brown
Mary Lou Clark
Jim and Patricia Croom
Craig Sharp and Michele Ferenchick
Steven and Sheila Hamp
Mark Herman, Up North Financial, LLC
Peter and Janet Voss
The Family of Mollie Weeks
Carol and Bernard Winograd

 

Event Sponsors
Bob Carstens
Molly and Edmund Frost
Francis and Lorna Straus
Jeff and Georgia Gietzen
 

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