Thank you to everyone who attended or supported Elder Law of Michigan’s 2013 Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Awards events!
The events were a tremendous success and the funds raised will ensure that Elder Law of Michigan’s vital work continues for vulnerable adults.
The first of two ceremonies was held at Glen Oaks Country Club in Farmington Hills where Dr. Peter Lichtenberg, Attorney Sanford Mall, Judge Milton Mack Jr., Director Kari Sederberg of the Office of Services to the Aging and Barb McCallahan of US Senator Debbie Stabenow’s office accepted awards. Honorees shared why they were called to their work and what motivates them to continue to make our community better for all of us, but particularly for vulnerable adults. To illustrate the importance of judicial reform Judge Mack quoted Hubert H. Humphrey’s statement, “It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”
The second ceremony was hosted by Gordon Food Service at their beautiful headquarters in Wyoming, Michigan. This celebration saluted Attorney Lauretta K. Murphy, Tom Czerwinski of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, the Office of Services to the Aging, Ginni Blanchard of Senior Neighbors, and US Senator Debbie Stabenow who was represented by Mary Judnich. Joe D. Sutton Award Winner Lauretta Murphy praised Elder Law of Michigan saying, “Elder Law of Michigan has really given me a unique opportunity to be helpful.” Office of Services to the Aging’s Field Representative Eric Burke illustrated the importance of carrying out Elder Law of Michigan’s mission when he said, “I keep the number for the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors on my desk... its a comfort to me to have you around.”
Both Elder Law of Michigan Call to Justice events proved to be excellent celebrations of the spirit of community and the memory of Joe D. Sutton. As an additional nod to Joe, who loved the big woods of northern Michigan, those in attendance took away a Blue Spruce seedling to plant. As it grows the seedling will serve as a lasting reminder of the unsung heros who are making contributions in the fields of law and aging. Again, congratulations to all award winners- Michigan is blessed to have organizations and individuals that provide a great example of what it means to answer the ‘Call to Justice’.
If you were unable to attend, you can still make a contribution to “Call to Justice” or make a donation as a tribute to one of our award winners!
To see a full photo album of the events, visit and "like" our Facebook page!
 Peter Lichtenberg, PhD |
 Ginni Blanchard |
 The Honorable Milton Mack, Jr. |
 The Honorable Debbie Stabenow |
 Sanford Mall, JD |
 Tom Czerwinski |
 Lauretta Murphy, JD |
 Michigan Office of Services to the Aging |
