Ionia, Michigan - Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Don Koivisto is supporting United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama and supported by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and her cabinet to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. 

Koivisto was the featured speaker at the Ionia Free Fair's Governor's Lawn Party to officially recognize the significant role that volunteerism plays in addressing many of our communities' serious challenges and demonstrate support of United We Serve.  Additionally, Koivisto awarded two-Ionia Free Fair volunteers with President's Volunteer Service Awards at the event. 

"In these tough economic times, we need more volunteers than ever," said MDA Director Don Koivisto.  " Michigan's nonprofit organizations are facing increased demands for services, and volunteers can help fill this growing need.  I am pleased to participate in United We Serve and thank the President for making this call to service. "

United We Serve kicked off on June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked for the first time as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  The initiative focuses on four key areas:  education, health, energy and the environment; and community renewal.  It is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities through volunteering and service.  In Michigan, the Michigan Community Service Commission - which is chaired by First Gentleman Mulhern is leading the effort. 

"This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation," said President Obama. "Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing as what we're doing in Washington - and it's going to take all of us, working together."

Additionally, Annie Bayles-Ludwick and Gail Braun, two long-time volunteers will receive the President's Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their service efforts with the Ionia Free Fair and across Ionia County.  Both have volunteered together in various capacities to support the Ionia Free Fair for a number of years.

Bayles-Ludwick received the award for her year-round efforts in making the Ionia Free Fair a successful event each year.  Although she has served as a Fair trustee for the past 14 years, she has been a Fair volunteer for more than 20 years.  And, every year she facilitates the Governor's Lawn Party event, which generally occurs during the first week of the Ionia Free Fair. Bayles-Ludwick, who will step down after this year's fair, has dedicated thousands of hours to the event each year. 

Braun, a licensed physical therapist, is also a nine-year volunteer with 4-H serving in various leadership roles.  Most recently, Braun served on the 4-H Advisory Council and she spearheaded a county-wide community service project to assist the Ionia Free Fair Association in beautifying the fairgrounds. 

"Extraordinary individuals like Annie Bayles Ludwick and Gail Braun deserve our heartfelt thanks for giving of themselves to ensure that families from across the state have an opportunity to visit Ionia County and learn more about the region and our great state's heritage , "said Director Koivisto. "It is an honor to recognize them for their commitment to the greater good and making a difference in the lives of Ionia County citizens."

Individuals or organizations interested in joining the United We Serve effort should visit www.serve.gov, a website dedicated to matching individuals with volunteer opportunities.  For local and state volunteering opportunities and additional information on the Presidential Service Award program, individuals are also encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/volunteer.  Individuals who contribute at least 100 hours of service during the summer will be eligible to receive a President's Volunteer Service Award. 

BACKGROUND

The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard - measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.  To date, the President's Council has partnered with more than 80 Leadership Organizationsand more than 28,000 Certifying Organizationsto bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nation's deserving volunteers.

The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2009-2010, the MCSC is granting more than $7.7 million in federal and state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  The MCSC is funding 19 AmeriCorps programs, 20 Learn and Serve programs, and 8 Volunteer Investment Grants.  The Governor's Service Awards and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.  The MCSC is housed in the Michigan Department of Human Services, whose mission is to assist children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe, stable, and self-supporting.  The Corporation for National and Community Service grants federal funding that the MCSC administers to its programs.

The 95^th Ionia Free Fair is a regional fair that provides industrial exhibits, demonstrations and competition aimed at the advancement of livestock, horticulture and agriculture.  The Fair places special emphasis on educational activities such as 4-H, FFA and similar youth development programs.