Mary Belski, of Benton Harbor,
was named today as the 2007 recipient of the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer
Leadership Award. The honor was presented during the Volunteer Center of
Southwest Michigan's National Volunteer Week Luncheon, held at the Grand Upton
Hall at Lake Michigan
College.
Ms. Belski was nominated for this prestigious award by Berrien County American Red Cross for her more than 60 years of service to the Red Cross. “Mary has personified the Red Cross principle of humanitarianism” says Angie Laskarides, Red Cross’s Executive Director. “She leads by example, showing others strength, perseverance, tenacity, all with a great deal of individual style.” She states that Belski sets a high standard for volunteerism.
Belski has given an estimated 20,000 hours to Red Cross work, helping to build a blood program with over 65 sites and over 115 drives per year. She is a tireless recruiter of new donors and volunteers, and served the maximum term of service on the agency’s Board of Directors. For eleven years, Mary has been a very active tutor for the HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) Program, working with up to six students per year. She has continued to do so and, at age 90, continues to be an inspiration for other HOST mentors. She is an active member of St. John and Bernard Parish, serving as a Sunday School teacher and always-willing volunteer and contributor. Other organizations to which Mary has contributed her time and talent over many years include Easter Seals, Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, the Readiness Center and Birthright.
“As a partner with the Upton family in the distribution of this award, we are thrilled to see a person with such proven dedication to volunteerism as the recipient.” said United Way President Anna Murphy. “Mary’s list of accomplishments and service, performed without desire for recognition, is an inspiration to us all.”
As this year's Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award winner, Ms. Belski receives $1,000 from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation to donate to the non-profit organization of his choice.
Belski was selected from a group of seven impressive nominees. Included were:
- Dennis Bowen, nominated by the Whitcomb Retirement Residence
- Sue Burkhard, nominated by Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan
- Michael Gallagher, nominated by Berrien County Veteran’s Service
- Alice Kring, nominated by the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce
- Richard Mann, nominated by the Berrien County Sherriff’s Department
- Sue Scherwitz, nominated by Girl Scouts of Singing Sand Council
For more information about the Margaret B. Upton Award or United Way, call (269) 925-7772, extension 21. United Way – Doing what matters to change lives.
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