1. Exemplifies the Mission of the Friends:

 The mission of the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter is to
provide loving care and sanctuary to animals,
encourage adoptions and reunions,
and promote respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals.

2. Exemplifies true support of the humane treatment of animals, through thought, word and deed, whatever the arena or circumstance. 

    

3. Has consistently over time donated time, support, and/or talent to facilitate or further the cause of animal welfare.

* Friends Board of Directors members are exempt from receiving the Big Heart award.

2009
Norma Wallis

2008
Mary Ann Wright

2007
Phyllis Moore

2006
Alberta Muirhead

2005
Dr. Richard Caputo

2004
Gary Kuhlmann

2009 - Norma Wallis

Norma Wallis is the President and CEO of Livernois Vehicle Development.  She has been a Community Leader for over 25 years and is widely recognized as one of the most influential business women in Michigan

She is a long time Friends supporter, the Chair and Presenting Sponsor for our Critter Invitational Golf Outing, and the Honorary Co-Chair of our New Shelter Campaign.

She has two dogs – Lexie and Buddy, and three cats Goofy, Gabby, and Luckie

2008 - Mary Ann Wright

            The 2008 Big Heart award goes to Mary Ann Wright, CEO of Johnson Controls–Saft Advanced Power Solutions LLC in Milwaukee.

            The three Big Heart Award criteria may have been written with Mary Ann in mind. First, she exemplifies the Friends’ mission of providing loving care and sanctuary to animals: She is proud “Mom” to rottweiler Dexter and cats Winter and Scout, all shelter rescues.

            Second, she exemplifies true support of the humane treatment of animals: Mary Ann is passionate—and vocal—about raising funds to build the Friends’ new “green” animal shelter.

            Third, she has consistently lent support to further the cause of animal welfare. Among her many contributions, Mary Ann has sponsored Black Tie & Tails, the Critter Invitational, and is a platinum Caring Heart.

            Mary Ann will receive the Big Heart Award at Black Tie & Tails on October 24, 2008.

2007 - Phyllis Moore

 Big Heart just begins to define this woman. She has always been an animal lover, not just her own fabulous four felines, but any creature that crosses her path.  It would not be unusual to see her running down the street in heels and a skirt to rescue an animal in need.  Until earlier this year, this remarkable woman was on the Friends' Board of Directors where her boundless energy and willpower resulted in wonderfully successful events, fundraisers, as well as corporate and community relationships. One thing this humble woman will admit to is that the word “cannot” does not exist in her vocabulary. Ask and she will be there, and sometimes, the request is not necessary. She seems to have some kind of radar that draws her to animals or people in need.  She continues to share herself, her many talents and determination to support this organization and as well as the animals. She is an  amazing, generous, dedicated, and very dear friend for the Friends.

2006 - Alberta Muirhead

Alberta Muirhead and Mayor Michael Guido saying
hello at the 2006 Henry Ford Estate Dinner Dance.

She is a charter sponsor for the Friends' Black Tie & Tails, serves on the New Shelter Advisory Board, and generously supports animals in need. 

2005 - Dr. Richard Caputo D.V.M.

Dr. Richard Caputo shown with his wife, Sue

Since the Friends organization was formed in 1993, Rick Caputo has been an invaluable advocate for the Shelter animals, supporting events such as the Critter Invitational, Black Tie & Tails, providing emergency care for injured animals, working with the Shelter to facilitate cost-effective veterinary services, serving on the new-shelter advisory board, and donating time and money to help homeless animals get a second chance for a happy life.

His involvement exemplifies the compassion and commitment to saving animal lives that the Friends organization strives to achieve. His giving spirit and dedication to the animals he reaches is truly remarkable.  We are truly honored by his acceptance.

2004 - Gary Kuhlmann

Since the Friends organization was formed in 1993, Gary Kuhlmann has been an invaluable supporter.

The owner of Park Place, a banquet facility in Dearborn, Kuhlmann has offered the Friends the use of that facility countless times, for events such as our fifth anniversary celebration and for fundraisers such as the Bachelor Auction. He has offered his catering services off-site as well, providing refreshments for key Friends gatherings, including meetings for the new-shelter advisory committee and the architects, and “An Evening With Friends” get-to-know-us event.

Kuhlmann serves on the Friends new-shelter advisory board, and he has sponsored numerous fundraising events, including the Road Rally, Critter Invitational Golf Outing, and Black Tie & Tails.

He generously donates his time to help homeless animals, even if it means showing up late for a dinner engagement because he and his wife, Sue, stopped to rescue a stray kitten along a busy street.

The Kuhlmanns share their home with a cat named Mitzi, who -- as our winner will proudly tell you – was adopted from the Dearborn Animal Shelter.