August 21, 2010
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today participated in a dedication ceremony for two new Habitat for Humanity homes and one refurbished home in Detroit's Morningside neighborhood. Throughout the summer, the governor, First Gentlemen Daniel G. Mulhern and members of their family from across the country gathered for a family reunion and used the opportunity to volunteer on the Habitat build site featured in today's dedication ceremony.
"Our family is proud to join with members and future homeowners here today to celebrate the completion of these beautiful, energy-efficient homes for families right here in Detroit," Granholm said. "We encourage families across our state to join together to strengthen their communities and support those in need."
Prior to the ceremony, flowers taken from the first family's garden at the governor's residence in Lansing were donated and planted at the homes. In addition, Habitat for Humanity Detroit, the Greening of Detroit, and The Giving Gardens based in Grand Rapids, assisted with landscaping as well as donated flowers, trees and shrubs for the ceremony.
The Giving Gardens concept was founded in 2004 by Margaux Drake, owner of the M. Drake Company and the S.D. Drake & Co., whose plant-it-forward philosophy was inspired by the movie "Pay It Forward," in which the main character is challenged to develop an idea to make the world a better place and the put it into action.
The first family has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Michigan and other Habitat affiliates across the state to elevate the need and importance of community service. The MI Family Builds Michigan initiative will not only help Habitat to build quality, affordable homes, but also demonstrate how community service can help speed Michigan's recovery from the recession and the mortgage foreclosure crisis.
