Jeffrey M. Sangster (center), president of Kotz, Sangster, Wysocki PC, receives the Salvation Army’s William Booth Award. Sangster is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Law.
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit highlighted some of the area's most distinguished businesses and volunteers who demonstrate notable resolve. The nonprofit recently hosted its 14th annual Metro Detroit Advisory Board Civic Awards Dinner at the Detroit Athletic Club, where the organization presented its most prestigious awards to deserving individuals and companies who have volunteered and served metro Detroit through innovation, ingenuity and dedication.
Longtime Metro Detroit Advisory Board member Jeffrey M. Sangster received the nonprofit's highest honor, the William Booth Award, for being a true advocate for local youth, the disadvantaged and the metro Detroit community as well as his leadership as Harbor Light Advisory Council chair throughout the years.
Sangster joined the Advisory Board in 2008 and has served The Salvation Army for more than 37 years. He has been instrumental in their fundraising as the driving force behind The Salvation Army Outdoors initiative which provides opportunities for kids of all ages to learn new skills, explore creation, and experience adventures.
The William Booth Award, named after The Salvation Army's founder, is the highest award the nonprofit bestows on an individual. Recipients are chosen for their dedication to The Salvation Army's goal of service; outstanding service to the community through donation of time, expertise and energy; outstanding humanitarian effort within the community and substantial contributions to the work of The Salvation Army in offering time, talent and resources.
This year's Others Award, presented to those who live selflessly, was awarded to The FCA Foundation. The FCA Foundation supports Salvation Army programming that empowers and builds resilience in local youth and generates societal impact. The company has supported the Bed & Bread program, which is dedicated to feeding the hungry throughout the streets of Detroit seven days a week, 356 days a year. They also provided a $150,000 combined grant for after-school programs for the Detroit Conner Creek and Warren Corps Community Centers.
Its decades-long commitment to the east side of Detroit and the most recent investment to assist with environmental education, fixing blight, and supporting the City of Detroit's Impact Neighborhood Fund has benefited clients served at the Conner Creek Corps Community Center.
The Salvation Army also presented four Doing the Most Good Awards at the Civic Awards Dinner, given to individuals and organizations that exemplify an extraordinary spirit of service and collaboration with The Salvation Army in times of need. Doing the Most Good Awards were presented to:
• AT&T for their countless number of volunteers, fundraising assistance and overall support as the Official Bell Ringing Partner of The Salvation Army of metro Detroit's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit appreciates organizations like AT&T that truly make a difference in the world, along with being an engine for change within the metro Detroit community.
• Community Financial Credit Union for its commitment to the communities in which it's served for over 70 years, work during the annual Warming Hearts & Homes coat drive and the combined efforts with The Salvation Army to provide food and clothing to Michigan families. Its continued support over the years has helped The Salvation Army in its mission to serve the community and take care of its members.
• The Royal Park Hotel for its incredible efforts to bring Christmas joy to the community and help those in need over the years with the annual gingerbread installation fundraiser in support of the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. The boutique hotel has also hosted red kettles in its lobby to help raise additional funds to serve and feed the community. The longstanding partnership has raised more than $200,000 in 12 years.
• Jim Webb for his exceptional work with the Conner Creek Corps Community Center during his annual bicycle drive as well as his involvement in numerous not-for-profit activities as a member of the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, Farmington Hills Police Benevolent Association, Michigan Property & Casualty Guaranty Association, Rainbow Connection, the City of Cleveland/Operation Improvement Task Force and a Director of the Detroit Athletic Club.
