Courtesy of Lake Superior State University Sports Information
SAULT STE. MARIE -- The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula announced Lake Superior State men's basketball team as the 2016 Community Partner of the Year recipient during their annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 12th at the LSSU Cisler Center. Along with a handful of members of the team available for the banquet, nearly 250 people representing over 30 service groups and area businesses were on hand.
All year long the United Way collects nominations and selects Individual Volunteers and Community Partners of the Month. The United Way's Volunteer Advisory Committee then selects Volunteer and Community Partner of the Year recipients from among those monthly winners. The LSSU men's basketball team was the United Way's 2016 Community Partner of the Year selection after earning the Community Partner of the Month honors for January 2016.
Coach Steve Hettinga accepted the award on behalf of his team and said, "When asked to volunteer at various projects and events throughout their community, the players consistently give 100 percent effort and are always encouraged to volunteer regularly."
The team was nominated by Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action agency for the work the players do during senior dinner-dances held at the Avery Square senior living community. Players help serve, interact with, and even dance with the residents.
"We are humbled to be recognized as this year's United Way Community Partner of the Year," said Hettinga. "I am truly blessed to have a team of servant leaders that have a passion for serving others and I am very proud to be coaching these young men."
The list of community service activities that Hettinga's team were involved with this year includes the annual freshman move-in day at LSSU, volunteering to help with a bake sale outside of the local Walmart in support of a local organization, serving Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at Avery Square, and even reading with elementary school students in the community.
"We know how busy people are, so to have an opportunity to say thank you to all of the hard working volunteers in our community is very rewarding," said Raulaniesa Aranda, Volunteer Center Coordinator, United Way of the EUP. "We know how hard folks work to create change in their community, and whether it's the LSSU men's Basketball team serving dinner and entertaining local senior citizens or a neighbor helping to shovel the next drive over, every effort creates a positive ripple that is felt throughout our community."
