I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy, and financial support to make this special event happen. A very special thank you goes to the Wolfpack (Superior Sponsor) for their generous contribution of $40,000, and to our Michigan Sponsors, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Civic Operations Group, and Field Strategies. I also want to thank our wonderful boards of directors — both the Michigan LCV and Michigan LCV Education Fund boards — and the entire Michigan LCV staff for all of their hard work. Working closely with you all is an honor and a true privilege.

Last night, our honorees represented extraordinary leadership in the arenas of climate action, water protection, and preservation of our democracy.

Director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Phil Roos was awarded the Public Official of the Year Award for his deep commitment to full implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and complete adoption of the Justice 40 principles.

And we were honored to have U.S. Senator Ed Markey, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell join us to present longtime President of the League of Conservation Voters Gene Karpinski with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of service and enormous contributions to the environmental movement.

As U.S. Senator Gary Peters says of Gene, “[He] has led an extraordinary team that has helped us accomplish so much in the state of Michigan as well as all across the nation … [Gene has] helped us make significant progress in our fight to protect our Great Lakes, our environment, and our public lands.”

Our Gala has become a much-beloved tradition for the Michigan LCV family — and with such a major upcoming election, this time together was extra special. Last night gave us all a chance to enjoy one another’s company for a few hours, breathe, and get energized for the battle ahead. There’s still more work to do to ensure environmental champions win from local offices all the way up to the White House — but last night was a wonderful reminder that we’re in this together. Michigan’s environmental movement is strong and we will WIN in November!

So, friends, let’s come together to do all we can over the remaining few weeks until Election Day. If you are able, please consider donating to support our work and one more time from the bottom of my heart: THANK YOU!