2015 Community Report - Girl Scouts Southeastern Michigan

Dear Friends of Girl Scouting,
Please join me in welcoming Heather Rivard as Girl Scouts of Southeastern
Michigan’s new Chair of the Board. She has a strong history with Girl Scouts
and we look forward to the next three years under her leadership. We hope
you will enjoy reading this 2015 Community Report because we are thrilled
to share our accomplishments over the last year.
Today’s increased use of technology devices, parental protectiveness and
a host of structured activities competing for children’s time have led to youth
spending less and less time outside. Girl Scouts has a century-old tradition
of encouraging girls to be active outdoors. Girl Scouts remains committed
to Outdoor Education and has expanded outdoor opportunities designed
to involve more girls and increase local events to get girls outdoors.
New this year are five Girls’ Choice Outdoor badges which were voted on
and designed by girls. Girls locally and nationally participated in special
outdoor events in July to kick-off the new badges. As part of Girl Scouts of
the USA’s national advocacy agenda, GSSEM took to the State Capitol lawn
in Lansing to promote healthy living and outdoor education in Get Outside
& Play at the Capitol Day. At a National level, First Lady Michelle Obama
hosted Girl Scouts to a first-ever White House Campout as part of her
“Let’s Move! Outside” initiative.
Our commitment is to provide girls safe, fun and progressive outdoor
experiences that will help girls develop skills and an appreciation for our
natural world. A GSUSA study found that nearly two-thirds of girls (62
percent) said they either “enjoyed” or “enjoyed a lot” almost all the outdoor
activities they participated in though Girl Scouts.
More about our Outdoor Education program is highlighted on page 7 of
this report.
Our work would not be possible without volunteers and donors like you.
We look forward to working with you in 2016. Thank you for your
commitment to support our girls!
Heather Rivard
GSSEM Board Chair
Denise Dalrymple
Chief Executive Officer
2015 GOLD AWARD
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan recognized 17
recipients of Girl Scout’s highest honor. The Gold
Awards were presented at GSSEM’s annual Honor
Reception on Sunday, April 26 at the San Marino Club
in Troy. The Gold Award is presented to Senior and
Ambassador level Girl Scouts who display exemplary
service to their communities and beyond.
Natalie Apollinari Gold Award Recipient and 2015 Young
Woman of Distinction
Operation Global Literacy
For her Gold Award project entitled, “Operation Global Literacy,” Apollinari took action
and gave children in grades K-8 in Kumasi, Africa tools that will enhance their education.
“These children speak English as their first language but face a material shortage for
school supplies and books. Another issue I wanted to combat was the lack of parent
involvement for schooling,” said Apollinari. “I wanted the parents to see the benefit of
an ‘education today for a brighter future tomorrow,’ which became my slogan.”
Apollinari brought church parishioners, educators, Knights of Columbus and friends together to donate
school supplies and books, package the items and ship everything. She also created literacy kits that
contained hundreds of flash cards, journal prompts and an activity for younger students. The kits were made
a permanent staple in the curriculum in the parishes of St. Joseph and St. Theresa’s parishes in Ghana, West
Africa. The literacy kits will be instrumental in getting parents involved in education and instilling the joy of
reading and learning in children.
Natalie is graduating from Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, MI. she is a member of Troop 44220.
Apollinari was also selected as the 2015 GSSEM Young Woman of Distinction. The GSSEM Young Woman of
Distinction Award is a special honor bestowed upon a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient whose final project
demonstrates extraordinary leadership and addresses a global issue with measurable and sustainable impact.
Cookie Gala
Girl Scout Cookies embellished by talented culinary artists from
some of the Detroit area’s best restaurants and bakeries tempted
300 guests at the 2015 annual Cookie Gala on March 25th at DTE
Energy Headquarters in Detroit. The following eight pastry chefs
competed to win any of the six Cookie Gala awards: Aramark
Corporation, Fifty One O One, Highland House, Hill Seafood and
Chophouse, Holiday Market, J. Baldwin’s Restaurant – Lounge –
Caterer, Macomb Culinary Institute, and Treat Dreams. Tasting the
delectable gourmet desserts and appetizers and voting on the awards is the most popular activity at the
event, followed by the live and silent auctions, mingling, cocktails, music and entertainment!
2 • Community Report 2015 GSSEM
Cookie Gala continued
The event was chaired by Maggie Allesee and Bob Allison and Betty
and Bill Brooks. Girl Scouts official “Cookie Diva” Glenda Lewis
served as the mistress of ceremonies. Ford Motor Company was the
presenting sponsor. Gold sponsors were DTE Energy Foundation
and Motor City Electric. General Motors served as the silver sponsor.
Bronze sponsors included: Clark Hill PLC, Comerica Bank, Evans
Distribution Systems, OpTech, Inc., and Quicken Loans. Green
sponsors included: Baker Tilly, Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Hylant,
Preferred Moving & Storage, and Transamerica. Thank you to our
media sponsor Hour Detroit.
Building on Girl Scouts’ rich 103 year history, recognitions at the Cookie Gala annually honor women who
have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in their personal lives, professional careers and through
community service with the “One Tough Cookie” recognition. GSSEM was able to recognize 16 outstanding
women. Kim L. Worthy and Sharon Agnew received top honors.
“One Tough Cookie” Recognition for Leadership Honorees
Terry A. BarclayKaren Palka
Carolyn CassinCynthia Pasky
Lynn DrakeVicky Rad
The Honorable Pam Faris
Maximiliane Straub
Michelle HodgesKim L. Worthy
Laurene H. Horiszny
The top recipient for this category is Kim L. Worthy.
“One Tough Cookie” Recognition for
Community Service Honorees
Sharon AgnewColeen Peters
Barbara ElkridgeKatrina Studvent
Michelle HodgesElree Watkins
The top recipient for this category is Sharon Agnew.
Chef Award Winners:
CEO’s Choice: Highland House
Cookie Diva’s Choice - Presented by Glenda Lewis: J. Baldwin’s Restaurant – Lounge – Caterer
Girl’s Choice: Fifty-One O One
Judges’ Choice: Holiday Market
People’s Choice: J. Baldwin’s Restaurant – Lounge – Caterer
Presenting Sponsor Choice – Presented by Ford Motor Company: Treat Dreams
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 3
Preparations are underway for the 2016 Cookie Gala and the “Man Enough to be a Girl Scout” will be added
as a category given to a man, who has contributed years of service encouraging and mentoring woman’s
leadership. Women will also be able to be nominated for two new categories, the Maggie Allesee Recognition
for Community Service and the Nancy L. Philippart Recognition for Leadership. For more information on
the 2016 Cookie Gala visit www.gssem.org/cookiegala. For sponsorship opportunities, ads, contact:
Jeffrey Baytarian, at 800 482 6734 x 2206 or [email protected] . To submit an award nomination,
contact: Leslie Groves, at 800 482 6734 x 2260 or [email protected].
Anna Koerber (Gold Award Recipient)
Exploring the Skies
Koerber’s Gold Award project focused on providing a resource for young
women to explore the exciting career paths in aviation, a STEM field. Seeing
the lack of resources available to young women in her community, Anna
collaborated with female flyers group, the 99s, MDOT Aeronautics Commission
General Aviation Committee, Experimental Aviation Association and other
independent supporters to form a Junior 99s group. “The Junior 99s is a girls’
aviation focused experiential group,” said Koerber. “To engage young girls and
women in my community, I held a community kick-off event, and with the help
from the 99s and other volunteers, the Junior 99s were born,” she concluded.
The Junior 99s offer a way for girls to experience the different career paths inside the aviation world.
Koerber says that completing her Gold Award project helped reinforce the necessity of strong communication
and tenacity to overcome obstacles to achieve her goals. She feels proud to have opened up a whole new
world for young women in her community.
4 • Community Report 2015 GSSEM
The 2015 Camp Moxie experience
was available to 72 girls because of
the partnership between Girl Scouts
of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan
Women’s Foundation and the Women
Officials Network Foundation. Camp
Moxie is a 4-day/3-night leadership
adventure for girl grades 8-12 who want
to make a difference in their school,
community and in the world.
Each day, the campers developed their leadership skills by
participating in hands-on interactive workshops around the
Girl Scouts’ Three Keys of Leadership: Discover, Connect, and
Take Action. The last full day of camp included a field trip to the
Heidelberg Project in Detroit where campers met the artist,
Tyree Gutyon.
The field trip was followed by an afternoon of networking with
more than 80 prominent area women professionals in a Speed
Mentoring format. Each girl met one-on-one with a mentor for
eight minutes before rotating to the next pairing. The girls pitched
ideas and topics that they felt could impact the world and the
mentors offered guidance to help further their ideas. Some girls
were interested in topics such as social entrepreneurism and
community activism in preparation for their Gold Award projects.
The girls made lasting personal friendships, cultivated valuable
professional relationships, and had fun!
In addition to the Camp Moxie partners, we would like to thank the
following organizations for their support:
• Henry Ford Health System (Speed Mentoring Lunch Sponsor)
• General Motors Foundation
• The Elizabeth, Allan and Warren Shelden Fund
We are grateful to the individuals who generously sponsored girls
to attend Camp Moxie. Finally, the event would not have been
possible without the speakers and mentors who volunteered their
time and expertise to the girls throughout the leadership camp.
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 5
My Promise, My Faith Day
Girl Scouts carefully examine the Girl Scout Promise and Law and develop
their own values within the context of family and faith by choosing to earn the
My Promise, My Faith pin. More than 100 Girl Scouts of all ages and 60 adult
volunteers participated in the third annual My Promise, My Faith day on June
7 at Hawthorne Hallow.
The day was filled with fun activities and opportunities to learn about different
faiths which was coordinated by the GSSEM Religious Relationships Committee.
Each girl completed a religious
passport and visited the interactive
stations where the girls could ask experts about Christianity,
Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. The girls also examined
inspirational quotes by women such as Maya Angelou, Judy
Garland, Helen Keller, and Marilyn Monroe that fit with the
Girl Scout Law.
Girls can earn this national pin each year. Girl Scouts has
always provided many opportunities for girls to grow in their
respective religious faith, including religious recognitions
that are facilitated at an individual or troop level through a
faith community.
Anna Maria Chávez, Girl Scout National Ceo Attends International
Catholic Conference On Guiding World Council
Girl Scout leaders Anna Maria Chávez and Kathy Hopinkah Hannan arrived today into Rome for an audience
with Pope Francis and to attend the International Catholic Conference on Guiding (ICCG) World Council,
reaffirming and strengthening the organization’s 100-year-old relationship with the Catholic Church. Girl
Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) are two of the
U.S. organizations attending the World Council alongside representatives from organizations from
42 countries.
Girl Scouts’ presence at the benchmark ICCG World
Council reflects its renewed commitment to faith
development for all girls, and is a testament to the
faith component fundamental to Girl Scouting (known
internationally as Girl Guiding). Faith has been a core
value of Girl Scouts since its inception 103 years ago,
and GSUSA continues to raise awareness of the value of
faith for every girl and family.
6 • Community Report 2015 GSSEM
Outdoor Experiences
Girl Scouts has focused on ensuring girls spend time outdoors
since Juliette Gordon Low started the first troop in 1912. Girl
Scouts of the USA, nationally, and Girl Scouts of Southeastern
Michigan, locally, have made a concerted effort over the last year
to get girls outside.
As part of GSUSA’s national advocacy agenda, GSSEM took to the
Michigan State Capitol lawn in Lansing to promote healthy living
and outdoor education. GSSEM and our girls joined more than 1,500 youth on July 8 to participate in the
Parks and Recreation Association’s “Get Outside and Play at the Capitol Day,” and engaged in teambuilding,
group juggling, golf, kayak simulations, disc golf, lawn Olympics and fishing.
On a national level, First Lady Michelle Obama in June hosted Girl Scouts to a first-ever White House
Campout as part of her “Let’s Move! Outside” initiative. Ms. Obama, who is Girl Scouts of the USA Honorary
National President, discussed with girls the importance of staying
active, exploring the outdoors and caring for our environment.
Girl Scouts engaged in both new and traditional outdoor activities,
including rock wall climbing, knot tying, orienteering and tent
pitching. They earned their Camper badge and celebrated the
release of the new Girls’ Choice Outdoor badges.
New outdoor badges were determined by the 80,000 Girl Scouts
nationally who voted for the following badges: Outdoor Adventurer,
Archery, Horseback Riding, Paddling and Ultimate Recreation
Challenge. We anticipate that these new badges will increase girls’
interest in the outdoors.
Over 6,700 girls have participated in GSSEM outdoor education
and camp over the last year. Activities we offer include archery,
horseback riding, swimming, high & low ropes challenge course,
ziplining, camping and participating in the Detroit Free Press 5K
and Kids Fun Run.
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 7
Rachael WashBurn
(Gold Award Recipient)
Teaching the Truth About Diabetes Education and Outreach
Rachael took the initiative to educate fellow students and other community
members about a subject that is very close to her heart: diabetes. Living with the
disease helped Rachel to see that most people have strong misconceptions about
diabetes, and they are often curious and willing to help, but do not know how. With
the help of diabetes treatment professionals, Rachel created presentations, and
shared the information with various groups in her school and social communities.
Rachel recalls times she knew her work was effective as those who had received her information helped her
using the lesson and information she had taught them. Several of her students said they planned to use what
they had learned to help others they know who are dealing with diabetes.
In completing her project, Rachael learned that a plan might have to be altered in order to achieve the goal and
that helping people understand something has rewards. Rachael is currently attending Trenton High School.
She is a member of Troop 42285.
International River Crossing
The International River Crossing is GSSEM’s biggest and longest running event now
it its 48th year, took place on September 26 in both Marine City, Michigan and
Sombra, Ontario Canada. More than 1,200 girls attended the event. This year’s
theme was “Dreams and Wings” and the girls loved walking among the Monarch
Butterfly House. Girl Scouts and Canadian Girl Guides connected for program
activities, swapping, and a ferry crossing in the spirit of international friendship
during a day along the St. Clair River. The “Free Being Me” Patch program, Music
Lady, FIRST Robotics and the giant cockroaches activities were all big hits.
8 • Community Report 2015 GSSEM
Mary Grace Sinkovich
(Gold Award Recipient)
Community Garden at Providence Park Hospital
For her Gold Award Project, Mary Grace created a community garden in the
Providence Park Hospital community. Seeing the lack of knowledge about the idea
of a Food Print, she met with Go Green Committee and the hospital’s Healing Arts
Program to explore opportunities for a community garden. Mary Grace worked to
teach hospital personnel and patients what a food print is and how they can impact
where their food comes from, along with exploring the many wonders of developing
a community garden and picking fresh produce.
Mary Grace learned many things throughout the project. She learned that it takes determination and strong
mindset to get a project done. She also gained many skills like working with adults, helping the community,
teaching others, being a strong leader and learned more about gardening.
Mary Grace attends Novi High School. She is a member of Troop 41441.
Mall Frenzy
Mall Frenzy, held each spring, provides girls a fun overnight, lock-in after-hours
experience at Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights. This is a popular event for girls
in grades 4 -12 which gathered 1,500 girls along with 500 adult chaperones for
“A Night among the Stars,” theme centered on modern celebrities and current
media. Girls had the opportunity to earn badges. Juniors: Musician Badge,
Cadettes: Book Artist Badge, and Seniors: Science of Style. They also had an
opportunity to learn CPR, dance, do karaoke, take fitness classes, and take selfies
at our photo booths. Girls practiced their financial literacy skills by saving their
money all year to shop, and make
budget decisions using coupons
and incentives offered at the
mall’s stores.
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 9
S.T.E.M. (Science, Engineering,
Technology and Math)
According to a study by the Girl Scout Research Institute,
Generation STEM: What Girls Say about Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (2012), many
girls aspire to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
& Math) careers, but aren’t necessarily choosing
STEM careers as their first choice at this time. Girls are
interested in making a difference in the world but often
need more STEM exposure, education, and experience
about what STEM careers can offer before they can
begin to feel comfortable moving into this arena.
GSSEM provides a variety of activities and opportunities for girls to build STEM skills and develop confidence in
their abilities. GSSEM partners with FIRST in Michigan, an organization dedicated to advancing STEM to students in
Michigan, to provide STEM opportunities for girls. Girls in grades K-3 can participate in Junior FIRST LEGO League
and girls in grades 4-5 can participate in FIRST LEGO League. Both Leagues, along with adult coaches, build LEGO
models dealing with the year’s theme and challenge.
Girls in the Junior FIRST LEGO League teams create a model with at least one moving component. FIRST
LEGO League teams have the opportunity to participate in exhibitions around the country, where they
demonstrate and explain their models and research for award opportunities.
Because of the generosity of DTE Energy Foundation, General Motors Foundation, PNC Foundation, PPG
Industries, Rochester Rotary and other corporate funding for STEM programming, 147 girls were able to
participate in the Junior FIRST and FIRST Lego League Teams this last year. Last March the girls presented
their research and LEGO models at Oakland Mall in Troy. Plans are underway to partner with the Cranbrook
Science Museum in 2016 to expand the program and allow participation of more girls.
More than 300 girls recently participated in GSSEM’s Girl Scout Innovative Experience at the Michigan Science
Center. They took part in hands-on interactive STEM activities and took home experiments to maintain their
interest. In addition to a day of fun, this event was designed to introduce girls and their families to Girl Scout
Junior FIRST and FIRST LEGO League teams for the 2015-2016 year.
Girls �
STEM!
10 • Community Report 2015
GSSEM
Annie Leuker (Gold Award Recipient)
Anti-Bullying Program at Turtle Creek Farm
For her Gold Award, Annie took action to develop an anti-bullying program for
Turtle Creek Farm, a local organization that provides education to children and
a safe haven for abandoned animals. Annie was greatly concerned by the
issue of childhood bullying and worked to design a program to teach children
how to stand up to bullies, control anger, and move from aggressive to assertive
communication. Annie engaged the community with her project by working
with Mercy High School health classes to raise student awareness, and expand
the reach of the program. Lesson plans and activities were developed and
placed online to be easily accessible to anyone who wanted to duplicate the
program. The result is a local and global anti-bullying program that provides a fun, kid-friendly way to combat
childhood bullying, and is available to everyone.
Annie says that by completing her Gold Award project, she has learned that bullying is a much more complex
and widespread issue than most believe. The experience has given her confidence that she can make a
positive change in the world.
Lead with Friendship
The “Be A Friend First” (BFF) series is designed to work with the aMAZE! Journey,
the highly acclaimed Girl Scouts leadership program. The aMAZE! Journey enables
middle-school girls to build the valuable skills they need to develop healthy
relationships, prevent bullying behavior, and become peacemakers in their
schools and communities. Girls participate in eight sessions that run for one-hour
each session. They engage in group discussions, role playing, creative writing, and
games led by a trained adult facilitator.
According to a 2013 The State of Girls: Unfinished Business report from the Girl Scout Research Institute,
about 30 percent of girls have experienced some sort of bullying or aggression from their peers. It was also
discovered that 160,000 children miss school each day out of fear of being bullied and six out of 10 teens
witness bullying at least once a day.
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) is proud to have received grant funds from 11 caring
in support of its “Be a Friend First” (BFF) anti-bullying initiative for middle-school girls. The following
organizations contributed to the program’s success:
• DTE Energy Foundation
• Minerva Education and
• Ford Motor Company Fund Development Foundation
• General Motors Foundation
• Sojourner Foundation
• Junior League of Detroit
• United Way of Genesee County
• Martha Merkley Charitable Trust • United Way of St. Clair County
for Youth/First Merit Bank
• Whiting Foundation - Flint
• MGM Resorts
• Zonta Club of Flint No. 1
We are grateful to these organizations committed to supporting a culture of peace
within our schools and communities. The BFF series has been delivered to 488 girls this year.
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 11
Jacqueline Kenny (Gold Award Recipient)
Give the Look
For Jacqueline’s Gold Award project, she took action to help stop bullying in its
tracks by building self-confidence, empathy, and friendship skills of students
ages 11 through 17. She accomplished this goal by partnering with the Rochester
Area Neighborhood House to create a Give the Look Clothing Closet, which
provides brochures with tips to boost self-esteem and help girls put their
best foot forward. Jacqueline also worked with Holy Family Regional School to
implement activities for their annual Random Acts of Kindness Week that help
students build empathy, confidence, and friendship.
Jacqueline says that completing her Gold Award helped her learn about self-esteem and bullying on local,
national, and global levels. Jacqueline learned to create effective, lasting partnerships with charities, retail
stores, and corporate organizations. She learned that perseverance is key and that when one door closes,
another opens.
Jacqueline is a sophomore at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Pontiac, MI. She is a member of Troop 40134
It’s GREAT being a Girl Scout …
BROWNIE TROOP 71048
Enjoying letterboxing and then filling up with
donuts and cider after the day’s activities.
Letterboxing is an adventurous “treasure
hunt” style outdoor activity rooted in England
in the mid 1800’s.
TROOP 71296 at Camp Playfair in Lexington,
MI demonstrating great community service
by picking up trash from the beach!
TROOP 74144 BRIDGING TO JUNIOR
Bridging ceremonies mark a girl’s
move from one level of Girl Scouting
to another.
CADETTE TROOP 41135’s friendship
circle. They are working on their MEdia
journey and spent the night at the
Port Huron Lighthouse. This journey
encourages girls to explore the great
multi-media world around them.
TROOP 70611 having an awesome
time at International River Crossing!
12 • Community Report 2015
GSSEM
Board Member Spotlight
Julianne T. Princinsky, Ed.D.
Julianne has been dedicating time, talent, and treasure to Girl Scouts since
2000. She has been committed because of the positive experiences she had
as a Girl Scout in youth as well. For more than 7 years, Julianne has served as the
key volunteer for the annual Golf Classic FORE! The Girls. Formerly, the event
chair, Julianne co-chaired the 2015 Golf Outing after retiring as President of
Baker College of Flint. She has served on the GSSEM Board of Directors since
2009 and served one year on the Executive Committee as Treasurer.
She has received many community awards including induction into Zonta
1’s Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) Women’s Hall of Fame, the Michigan Chamber of
Commerce Foundation’s Distinguished Leadership Award, and others like the Girl Scouts of Southeastern
Michigan National Service Award – Thanks Badge, the YWCA of Greater Flint’s Nina Mills Not-for-Profit Award,
the GRCC’s Athena Award, the Jewish Federation’s Donald Riegle Community Service Award, the Boy Scouts
of America Tall Pine Council’s Citizen of the Year Award, and the Arab American Heritage Council’s Business
Woman of the Year Award.
“Fore the Girls” Golf Outing
It was a sunny and hot summer day for the 15th Annual Golf Classic
FORE! The Girls which was held on August 17 at Flint Elks Club #222 in
Grand Blanc. The event raised more than $33,000 for Girl Scouts of
Southeastern Michigan and featured 28 foursomes, a raffle, a silent
auction, prizes, lunch and a dinner banquet. The Outing continues
to be an excellent way for people and companies to help us provide
leadership experiences for girls.
This year’s FORE! The Girls was presented by McLaren Health
Care. The Cart Sponsor was TCF Commercial Banking. The
Platinum Lunch Sponsor was Landaal Packaging Systems; Gold
Lunch Sponsors were Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, and Hurley
Children’s Hospital; the Lunch Meat Sponsor was Koegel Meats and
the Lunch Water Sponsor was Absopure Water Company. We are
grateful to 37 Hole Sponsors and nearly 90 silent auction and in-kind
donors who helped make the day a success.
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 13
Sarah Panone (Gold Award Recipient)
Read-a-Long Stories at Academy of the Sacred Heart
Since education is a critical part for people to be successful in their lives, Sarah’s
project focused on providing an educational and fun tool to aid with reading.
Sarah’s goal was to get children interested in reading at a young age and inspire
them to enjoy reading even more. With the help of her friends, family members
and school community, Sarah was able to provide 54 read-a-long stories for the
young children at her school. The stories are used on a daily basis and it has been
reported that the children enjoy listening to the stories and learning how to read
as a result.
Sarah has discovered many new things about herself with the completion of her Gold Award. She learned
that it is possible to overcome many obstacles with a little more hard work and that all of her goals are
accomplishable if she puts her mind to it.
Sarah is graduating from Academy of the Sacred Heart High School in Bloomfield Hill, MI. She is a member of
Troop 43052.
A Gift to Change Lives
A new troop was formed in Pontiac which is changing the lives of
16 girls thanks to Julie Dawson. “This is the only positive activity
the girls have in their lives.” said the troop leader. Ms. Dawson
was the first donor for the Support – A – Troop program which
provides membership fees, starter kits, and program supplies
for new troops. The Troop honored Ms. Dawson at a meeting,
presenting her with a poster greeting card and cookies.
Ms. Dawson reciprocated by inviting the girls to her home to tour
her art studio and gardens. There the girls learned about Ms. Dawson’s experience as a Girl Scout, world
travels and art. The girls were so excited about art following the tour that Ms. Dawson provided financial
assistance for the girls to attend the Women Making Art Indiana Johanna Day Camp.
Julie finds great joy in getting to know the girls, supporting the initial start of the Troop, and plans to provide
financial aid for special activities next year. Ms. Dawson grew up in a Scouting family in suburban Chicago
and earned her Curved Bar Award. As a girl scout, Julie participated in a Juliette Low Session at Our
Chalet in Switzerland and as an adult led a Juliette Low Session at Our Cabana in Mexico. She has stayed
connected for the past 61 years with other women she met there. Julie worked for Southern Oakland Girls
Scouts for 10 years.
She is a watercolor artist and an author whose work is often inspired by her favorite memories from extensive
journeys in 101 countries. Julie believes Girl Scouts is a vital force needed to develop leaders and people who
believe in helping one another. There are other areas in southeastern Michigan that need financial aid to start
Troops so girls can benefit from new experiences that would not be possible without this support.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Leslie Groves, Director of
Individual Giving & Donor Relations at, [email protected] or 313-870-2544.
14 • Community Report 2015
GSSEM
Detroit Free Press 2015 Marathon
GSSEM was a NEW Charity Partner with the Detroit Free Press
Marathon. Participants were able to run or walk, fundraise or
volunteer. The 5K and the Kids Fun Run were held on Saturday,
October 17 and more than $6,000 was raised by supporters to
provide high-quality outdoor experiences for girls. The 5K course
took participants along the Detroit RiverWalk, through the William
G. Milliken State Park & Harbor and the Rivertown Warehouse
District before finishing near Rivard Plaza. Over 20 volunteers
braved the cold to man the Girl Scout Fluid Station located at
Lafayette just east of Rivard on Sunday. Thank you to all for
showing up in Girl Scout style!
A special thank you to our sponsors; MadDog Technology and The Karmanos Family with contributions that
enabled girls (grades K-12) to participate in the event.
Amy Hoch (Gold Award Recipient)
Pump That Zebra Spirit Up
For her Gold Award project, Amy took action to replace the apathy about the
school’s sports teams with enthusiasm and support. She created a student
spirit squad called The Herd. Seeing that student attendance at the sports
teams’ games was little to none, Amy started a movement among her friends
to recruit more friends to attend and support Wayne Memorial High School’s
athletic teams. She united students from all different groups to help her with
this task. Under Amy’s leadership The Herd met biweekly, established rules
and expectations, and started a Twitter account to keep students informed
about games. The Herd was loud and proud at the first win in Wayne Memorial
HS football history in six seasons, and was also there when the team won its second game. Amy believes the
wins were in direct correlation with the Herd being present, positive, and supportive.
Amy said that completing her Gold Award project helped her become more confident with her leadership
skills, learn to effectively communicate, and most importantly she has learned that “you can do anything
you set your mind to.” She was able to successfully fulfill her passion by inspiring others to be involved
in school.
Amy is graduating from Wayne Memorial High School and is a Juliette Girl Scout.
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 15
Mark your calendars with these key dates:
March 30, 2016
Cookie Gala
DTE Energy Headquarters
Detroit
5:00-6:00 pm
“One Tough Cookie” Reception
6:00-9:00 pm
Cookie Gala
August 15, 2016
Flint Elks Club #222
Grand Blanc
Golf Classic
FORE! the Girls
12:30 pm
Shot Gun Start
October 15, 2016
Detroit
9:00 am
5K Run/Walk
10:30 am
Kids Fun Run
October 16, 2016
7:00 am
GSSEM Fluid Station
(Volunteers)
16 • Community Report 2015
GSSEM
2015 Contributors
Providing Leadership Experience throughout southeastern Michigan requires the help of a committed
group of individuals, corporations and foundations who, each year, give generously of their resources, time
and talent. With your support, we help girls become leaders of courage, confidence, and character who
make the world a better place.
We express our appreciation to you for investing in girls who will change the world.
Organizations
Gifts of $5,000 or more
Arthur G. Bishop Charitable Trust
The Comcast Foundation
Community Foundation of
Greater Flint*
The Detroit Tigers
DTE Energy Foundation*
Fairwinds Girl Scout Council
Endowment Fund of the Community
Foundation of Greater Flint*
Eileen Fisher, Inc. - Retail Division
Benson and Edith Ford Fund*
Ford Motor Company Fund*
General Motors Foundation*
Lear Corporation World Headquarters*
Little Brownie Bakers*
McLaren Health Care*
Michigan Women’s Foundation*
Motor City Electric Company*
PNC Bank*
The Elizabeth, Allan & Warren
Shelden Fund*
Toyota Financial Services
United Way of Genesee County*
United Way of Sanilac County*
United Way for Southeastern Michigan*
United Way of St. Clair County*
The Whiting Foundation*
Youth Foundation of America*
Flint and Genesee Chamber
of Commerce*
Wm. Floyd Heating &
Cooling Company
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
General Dynamics Land Systems*
Henry Ford Health Systems
James and Lynelle Holden Fund
Hurley Foundation
Hylant
Italia Gardens
JPMorgan Chase & Co.*
Kiwanis Club No. 1 of Detroit, Inc.
The Kroger Company*
LA-Z-BOY Foundation
Macomb County Employees
Markee Electric
Martha Merkley Charitable Trust
for Youth
MGM Grand Detroit
Michigan First Credit Union
Minerva Education and
Development Foundation
Morgan Construction Company
Mott Community College
Network For Good
OpTech, Inc.
Ossian Law P.C.
Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Co.
PPG Industries, Inc.*
Preferred Moving & Storage, Inc.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP - PwC
Quicken Loans, Inc.
Rowe Professional
Services Company
Serra Automotive
Simen, Figura & Parker, P.L.C.
Snider Financial
Sojourner Foundation
St. John’s United Church of Christ
TCF Commercial Banking
TNT Sound Productions
Gifts under $5,000
Ally Financial
Anna Paulina Foundation
AT&T Corporation*
Baker College - Auburn Hills
Baker College - Clinton
Township Campus
Baker College – Flint*
Baker College for Graduate Studies
Baker Tilly
Bill Carr Signs, Inc.
Blanchard Agency
Clark Hill, PLC*
Comerica Bank*
Donald and Katherine Dahlstrom
Endowment Fund
Delta Dental Plan of Michigan
The Detroit Pistons
Basketball Company
Federated Campaign Stewards
FirstMerit Bank
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 17
Gifts under $5,000 continued
Total Benefit Systems Inc
Trophy Nut Company
Truist
United Way of Greater Milwaukee
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
United Way of Lapeer County
United Way of Metropolitan
Dallas, Inc.
United Way of Monroe County
United Way Suncoast
United Way of Washtenaw County
Henry & Harriet Whiting Memorial Fund
Women Officials’ Network Foundation
Zonta Club of Flint No. 1
Laurene Horiszny
Stephanie Jones
Peter and Danialle Karmanos
Peter and Eilish Keating*
Richard and Susan Lueders*
Elaine T. Marcotte*
Gary Marcotte
Denise Minoletti
Lisa Morse*
Dara Munson
James and Rhonda Orr*
Kathryn Ossian and James Linn*
Francine Pegues
Nancy Philippart and
Thomas McGrail*
Sarah Pobocik
Julianne Princinsky*
Heather Rivard*
Justine Scriptunas
William Sengstock*
Michelle L. Smith*
Gail Spaeth*
Honorable Maureen Stapleton
Josephine Starceski
Richard Sundquist*
M. Spring Tremaine
Diane Young*
Courteney Zagacki
Maria Zardis*
Cynthia Abejuro
Karen Accetturo
James and Deborah Adsit*
Gale and Barbara Ahearn
Christian Alessi
Renee Allen
Margaret Allesee*
Joanne Allison
Cindy Almstadt
Julie Amann
Marie Amici
Honorable Jim Ananich
Donna Anderson
Karl Anderson
Debra Anthony
Cristina Antoniolli
Christine Apel
Michelle Arrington
Corinne Asher
Carolee Austin
Elisabeth Austin and Dennis Dorogi
Neveen Awad
Linda Axe
Bharathi Aytha
Kathleen Bacha
Amanda Bachman
Penelope Bailer
Donna Bailey
Susan Balamucki
Karl Balke
Diane Banyas
Suzanne Bante
Farrah Barbat
Edi Barci
Valentina Barci
Bradley Barnes
Natalie Barnes
Linnea Bassin
Linda Batcheller
Gail Beale
Dorothy Bejin
Erin Bell
18 • Community Report 2015
Individuals
Gifts over $500
Josephine Altstetter
Michael Baird*
P. Jeffrey Baytarian*
Angela Ciaramitaro
Lorelei Claiborne
Lynda Clegg*
Denise Dalrymple*
Ava Danner*
Julie Dawson*
April Donaldson
Anne Doyle*
Candyce Foreman
Jeremy and Amy Friedman
Joseph and Joanne Galvin*
Kevin and Barbara Hendrick*
Individuals
Gifts under $500
GSSEM
Gifts under $500 continued
Mary Therese Bellaimey
Jill Bellomo
Angela Benitez
Laura Berkaw
Linda Bernhardt
Kimberly Bernreuter
Kathleen Berryman
Tammy Beste
Anna Biliti
Kristine Binge
Katherine Birney
Laurie Black
Lois Blaesing
Kim Blanks
Marisol Bleau
Amy Bloch
Basil and Coralene Bloss*
Sister Shirley Boettcher
Carol Bookout
Gail Borgiel
Dianne Boss
Brad Boundy
William Bozgan
Peter Breen
Alfred Bricker
Kelly Brickley
Elizabeth Briody and Marc Robinson*
Shirley Ann Brogan
Nancy Brown
Susan Brown
Voncile Brown-Miller
Sandra Brownlee
Carole Brumm
L. Edward Brungraber
Meghan Buban
Richard J Bugno
Bradford Bur
Cynthia Burgess
Rosellen Burkart
Warren Burt
Alma Butkunas
Allison Butler
Denise Calisi
Donald Callihan
Laura Callow
Ann Calvo
Krista Campau
Catherine Campbell-Terrell
Carol Carleton
Michael Carlson
Falicia Carr
Rae Carr
Julianne Carter
Kathleen Caruso
Carolyn Cassin
Sandra Cenkner
Cynthia Cervenak
Karen Chappell
Christine Chauvin
Nicole Chavez
Evelyn Chereson
Deborah Cherry
Dawn Cipa
Melissa Clark
Vonetta Clark
Jennifer Cohen
Connie Cole
Arnold Collens
Carrie Collins
Karen Collins
Craig Coney
Dorothy Conrad
Jennifer Coon
Savannah Cooper-Hughes
Tamara Cotter
Marjorie Covert
Charlotte Cowdin
Jean Craig - Flynn
Mary Crawford
Suzanne Crawford
Lois Creagh
Susan Cucksey
Sara Cummings
Elizabeth Daly
Susan Danielewicz
George Darany
Anita Dauch
Harriet Davidson
Glenn Davis
Sharon Davis
Susan Decker-Kowalski
Karen Deedler
Jennifer DeMaria
Manjiri Deshpande
Gail Detweiler
Frieda Dickason
Joy Diete-Spiff
Marilyn Dixon
Aileen Domenick
Elena Donahue
Kristi Donehue
Walter Douglas
Vincent Dow
Patricia Drabik
Maureen G. Drews*
Gary Dummitt
Nancy Dundas
Brenda Duplanty
Tracy Duran
Bradley Dusterhoft
Una Dworkin
Shannon Easter-White
Tonia Edmondson
Ruth Edwards
Theresa Edwards
Victoria Edwards
William Edwards
Don Eizen
Joan Emerick
Darci Essmaker
Arianne Evans
Sabra Evans
Santa Fabio
*Juliette Gordon Low Society Membership
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 19
Gifts under $500 continued
Christina Fath
Blanca Fauble
Caroline Feathers
Debbie Feit
Michele Fernandes
Joseph Fetter
Mary Findlay
Sally Flewelling
Freeman Flynn
Gerard Flynn
H. Halladay Flynn
Kellie Foskic
Kristen Fountaine
Renee Fournier
William and Susan Francis*
Terri Franzen
Lisa Funchess
Ellen Fylak
Karen Gaabo
Marcie Gall
Maureen Galle
Susan Gammicchia
Dan Gaulin
Lynne Gerfen
Sue Giannotta
Georgia Gibson
Thelma Gillick
Pauline Givens
Deanne Goedtel
Annette Goike
Shamille Goins
Debra Golden-Steinman
Roberta Granadier
Daniel Graunstadt
Dionne Graves
Karl Gregory
Tiffiny Griffin
Jan Griffiths
Gordon Grosscup
Leslie Groves
Kristina Grubb
Julie Gruber
Tracey Guidotti
Annette Gunderson
Jill Gutierrez
Lisa Hagel
Lindsey and Ken Hahn
Leila Hakim
Denise Harris
Lorraine Harris
Tracy Harris
Rachelle Hartley
David Harville
Judy Heisler
Jorisha Helm
Wendy Hemingway
Betty Henderson
Melissa Hendges
Rosemary Hendricks
Julie Hennessey
Michelle Henry
Thomas Henthorn
Sharon Hernandez
Lisa Herrera
Mary Ann Herrmann
Andrea Hetherington
Renee Hewson
Patricia Hidock
Claude High
Linda Hillier-Rivard
Michele Hodges
Alicia Hollers
Rebecca Hollis
Charles Hoover
Roxanne Hosko
Kelly Houseman
Jennifer Howard
Andrea Huddas
Geralynn Hurt
Lisa Hutchinson
Jean Iannone
Cynthia Idyle
20 • Community Report 2015
Crystal Jaber
Kenya C. James
Elizabeth Jamison
Dalibor Janceski
Cherelle Jennings
Deanne Jensen
Elizabeth Jenzen
Darlene Johannisson
Robert and Heather Johncox
Afauna Johnson
Patricia Johnson
Sheila Johnson
Theresa Johnson
Devin Johnson-Bishop
Mary Johnston
Susan Johnston
April Jones
Karen Jospeh
Zorica Jovanovski
Jumana Judeh
Peggy Jury
Barbara Justin
Dawn Kalbfleisch
Nick Kallas
Saranette Kanter
Janice Karcher
Shobha Kattimani
Jeanette Kearns
Michelle Kellstrom
Nicole Kelly
Shelle Kelz
Amelia Kennedy
Jennifer Kenny
Mary Kerwin
Elizabeth Ketterer
Julie Kiefer Eaman
Debra Kilburn
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Klingler
Cheryl Klinski
Lynne Knotts
Kathryn Koetters
GSSEM
Gifts under $500 continued
Scott Kolp
Keri Koshkarian
Suzanne Kosiba
Beth Kozma
Marsha Kozmor
Karen Kraft - Karavias
June Krajenke
Mark Kramer
Mary Kramer*
Amanda Kremer
Richard Krueger
Ronia Kruse*
Amy Kubli
Deann Kujawski
Stevenson Langmuir
Kathleen Laskey
Tracy Leahy
Sylvana Lee-Smith
Suzanne Lehr
Jaime Leining-Pudlo
Catherine Leverenz
Kimberly Levin
Marian Levy
Vicki Lindholm
Ruth Littleton
Stephanie Llamas
Long-Hua Lo
Mary Lockhart
Sandra Longworth
Carl Look
Amy Lopiccolo
Bobbi Lorenz
Susan Louvar
Vickie Luoma
Rachael Lynch
Elizabeth Mabley
Michael MacMillan
Desmond Maddens
Heidi Magyer
Norma Mahle
Barbara Mahone
Jennifer Makowski
Peter Malcolmson
Cristina Markellos
Maxine Martin
Diana Martinez
Airea Matthews
Matt Matthews
Lisa Mauck
Jan McAdams
Reva McCaskill
Douglas McColman
Darci McConnell
Mr. and Mrs. Gene McCornack
Kelly McGraw
Victoria McInnis
Tracey McKee
Kimberly McKnee
Lila McMechan
Holli McNally
Diane McNamara
Joanne McNary
Lucy Medendorp
Jill Medlinsky
James Meinershagen
Denise Mentzer
Nanci Michaels
Mary Ann Milarch
Catherine Miller
Duane Miller
Barbara Millington
Jamie Mitchell
Terry Moak
Cynthia Moore
Candacen Morgan
Tracy Morisi
Paula Morris
Stevie Morris
Shamika Morrison
Richard Mosteller
Judy A. Muhn
Mr. and Mrs. David Munro
Geraldine Muringer
Deborah Myers
Susan Myles
Barbara Mynek
Marianne Nagrant
Vivian Nalu
Lisa Nardone
Jerome Neyer
Ann Niezguski
Cindy Norlin-Thompson
Gay Norton
Victor Nzekwe
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Obelnicki
Cindy Obermeyer
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Oesch
Linda O’Leary
Sandra Oldford
Diana Olesko
Doreen Olko
Jennifer Ostrowski
Jackie Ouvry
Pawan Owens
Karen Palka
Margot Parker
Michelle Partlow
Roberta Patt
Daphne Pattee
Gail Pawlusiak
Wendy Peace
Mary Pellerito*
Robert Penkala
Carla Perrotta
Colleen Peters
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Peterson
Melissa Petz
Debra Pevos
Nancy Plasterer
Francine Pobe
Jeanne Polan
Lois Poston
Frances Price
*Juliette Gordon Low Society Membership
GSSEM
Community Report 2015 • 21
Gifts under $500 continued
Glenda Price
Robbiezell Price-Marshall
Michael Quaine
Shelley Quandt
Tracy Quartuccio
Vicky Rad
Shana Radomski
Virginia Regish
Anne Regling
Marian Rhodes
Ramona Richard
Anthony and Althea Richards*
Jan Robertjohn
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Romanowski
Susan Rosenberg
Sativa Ross
Annette Rozek
Harold W. Rudolph
Mr. and Mrs. Ignacio Ruiz
Renee Ruiz
Sandra Ryanlski
Lisa Sadikot
Robert Sakey
Jamie Salau
Joanna Sanchez
Helen Sandelands
Chrissy Sanderson
Patrice Sartori
Delynn Scheer
Frances Schleif
Patricia Schlick
Carol Schmidt
Dorothy Schoeffler
Robert Scholz
Janet Schoon
Ellen Schutt*
Honorable Martha Scott
Mr. and Mrs. John Segal
Melanie Sevald
Cynthia Sevilla
Joanne Shaw
Marisa Sheldon
Beth-Ann Shepley
Julie Shurtleff
Christina Siekierzynski
Brad Simmons
Millicent Simon
Beverly Simpkins
Silvia Sims
Denise Sinkovich
Marisa Sitler
Kathleen Smith
Lisa Smith
Scott Smith
Amanda Snider
Nancy Solak
Joy Solanskey
Antoinette Somers
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Soules
Lindsay Sowa
Deborah Springfield DeMeester
Suzanne Srodawa
Giuseppe Stabile
Erin Stark
Annette Stehlin
Karen Steitz
Scott Stensaas
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stieber
Malvina Stolyar
Robert Storc
Linda Stout
Faith Strickland
Katrina Studvent
Christina Sulik
Elaine Sullivan
Anna Szczotka
Anne Marie Szymaszek
Amberlee Szymchack
Katherine Tabor-Negron
Pamela Takes
Heather Tallon
Eleanor Taylor
Beth Theisen
Mary and David Thomas
Carol Tingwall
Marianne Tomasik
Daniela Tomazela
Jodi Torres
Brandi Towar
Thomas Townsend
Stuart and Barbara Trager
Sondra Travers
Pamela Travis
Jennifer Tremaine
Jennifer Trout
Michelle Tschirhart
Sandra Tucker
Steve Tunnicliff
Samanthia Turner
Sandra Ulsh*
Jennifer Van Zelst
Dr. Marcia VanderBroek
Mr. and Mrs. Hans Varblow
Suzanne Vaupel
Mr. and Mrs. Suresh Vemuri
Seema Verma-Prince
Karen Vesprini
Nicole Vigneau
Jorge Vivas
Heidi Voytas
Irena Vucelic
Frances Walch
Sheri Warminski
Sharri Watkins
Katherine Weaver
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Weber
Marva Weidner
Donna Weinle
John Weisgerber
Barbara Weiskopf
Tonya Wells
Andrea Wendt
Katherine White
*Juliette Gordon Low Society Membership
22 • Community Report 2015
GSSEM
Gifts under $500 continued
Galen Wickersham
Charles Wickins
Amelia Wilhelm
Nafeesah Williams
Vivian Williams
Melanie Wisdom
Lawrence Witkowski
Alison Wright
Douglas Wurster
Matt Wyneken
Lois Yeats
Susan Yeghissian
Karen Zakaria
Roberta Zald
Ruth Zamierowski
Cheryl Zeigler
Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Zemenick
Beth Zilka
*Juliette Gordon Low Society Membership
Girl Scouting builds girls of
courage, confidence, and
character who make the world
a better place.
Juliette Gordon Low Society
Established in 2009, the
is a donor recognition
program named after Juliette Gordon Low to honor the Girl Scouts founder and to
embrace the history and tradition of the organization. The leadership giving program
recognizes lifetime donor contributions from:
INDIVIDUALS
Recognition
Pearl
Gold
Silver
Bronze
GSSEM
Giving Levels
$50,000+
$25,000 - $49,999
$10,000 - $24,999
$2,500 - $9,999
Recognition
Pearl
Gold
Silver
Bronze
ORGANIZATIONS
Giving Levels
$500,000+
$250,000 - $499,999
$100,000 - $249,999
$25,000 - $99,999
Community Report 2015 • 23
3011 W. Grand Blvd.
500 Fisher Building
Detroit, MI 48202
www.gssem.org
2015
Community
Report
THANK YOU FOR MAKING
A DIFFERENCE BY INVESTING
IN GIRL SCOUTS!