By Kate Moore
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced the honorees for the 9th Annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala. These awards, given at the GRPM’s annual fundraiser, recognize individuals for positive impact in the community through their dedication and commitment to bettering the quality of life in the region. Recipients are chosen based on criteria of community leadership and character.
The awards will formally be given to the recipients at the GRPM’s 9th Annual Legacy Awards Gala on Thursday, Nov. 9. Tickets may be purchased by calling 616-929-1754 or by visiting www.grpm.org.
The Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to David and Judy Frey. This award is presented to individuals who possess a lifetime of dedication to our community. Together Judy and David have had a vast impact through their individual talents and efforts working to improve Grand Rapids. With Judy’s leadership and passion for education she has devoted herself to the community through leadership capacities, by serving on boards and advisory committees, as well as serving as Mayor of East Grand Rapids. David’s involvement working as a civic leader for the Grand Design 2000, and his many years working as the Co-Chair of the Grand Action Committee has vastly improved the Grand Rapids area. David and Judy Frey represent leaders focused on long lasting commitment to Grand Rapids and its people. Their dedication to education and West Michigan is unparalleled.
The Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award is awarded to an individual who demonstrates a commitment to the greater West Michigan region supporting philanthropic organizations, and contributing to the cultural, educational and economic health of our community. The 2017 Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award will be awarded to Birgit M. Klohs, president & CEO of The Right Place, Inc., and a leading economic development strategist. Her collaboration with local, state and national organizations on critical issues related to economic development is one of the many things that contributes to her leadership in the community.
“The Casey” Award is named after one of the Museum’s most dynamic volunteers, Casey Wondergem. This award highlights public service and serves to inspire and encourage continued charitable activity. The 2017 “The Casey” Award will be presented to Dr. Mira Krishnan, a clinical neuropsychologist and consultant. She is dedicated to building services for autistic children and their families within the Grand Rapids area. She serves the community while being a member on the boards of Ikus Life Enrichment Services, Equality Michigan, and the Association of Children’s Residential Centers, and she has authored national position papers on serving diverse youth.
