Efforts by Alma residents to help their community will be honored by Gov. Rick Snyder next month.
John and Cleo Leppien will receive the Governor’s Service Lifetime Humanitarian Award during an awards banquet on June 5 at the Wharton Center in East Lansing.
“It obviously took us aback. We were obviously surprised and humbled by it,” said John Leppien, President and CEO of Garr Tool in Alma, on Tuesday. “We just are typically not necessarily seeking the limelight for the things we do in the community. We’ve been blessed to have more than we need and been honored to help people with less than they need.”
The couple do not know who nominated them, Leppien said.
Snyder’s office announced on Thursday the winners of the lifetime humanitarian award and 37 other Governor’s Service Awards.
The winners are individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that were selected for their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy, according to the Michigan Community Service Commission website.
“This year’s winners have inspiring stories. They have made a tremendous impact on the lives of others through their service,” Snyder said in a news release. “I am extremely grateful for the contributions they have made for Michigan and am honored to recognize their incredible accomplishments.”
John Leppien was on the first board of directors of the Gratiot County Community Foundation, he said.
In addition, the couple have raised more than $485,000 in 10 years for the community, according to a biography on the Michigan Community Service Commission website.
In 2005, the couple also donated $450,000 to a MidMichigan Medical Center capital campaign for a new facility to be built.