Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks to United Auto Workers members at a rally in Detroit on Sept. 15. (AP photo)

MARQUETTE — Two Marquette County residents and one Marquette organization will be honored by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer later this month at the 2023 Governor’s Service Awards ceremony.

This year’s ceremony is slated to take place at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Nov. 28. The annual awards ceremony honors individuals, businesses and nonprofits that commit to volunteerism and service to their communities.

“Michiganders roll up their sleeves to help their communities and always have each other’s backs,” said Whitmer. “That spirit of service and selflessness defines us and demonstrates the power of getting things done for the people and places you love most. Every year, we come together to honor those extraordinary Michiganders who go above and beyond to serve their community and this year is no different.”

The ceremony has been taking place since 1994. The awards are presented on behalf of the governor and the Michigan Community Service Commission.

“The award ceremony is an inspirational event that acknowledges the valuable and important contribution of volunteering and giving to the social, cultural, economic and environmental well-being of Michigan communities,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “It pays tribute to those whose efforts inspire and promote the spirit of volunteerism and giving through their exemplary endeavors. We hope it inspires everyone to serve.”

Andrew Rickauer of Marquette, Marcia Gonstead of Big Bay and the Suicide Survivors Fund are each being designated by the governor for their work in the community.

Rickauer will receive the Community Impact Award for his work with several local nonprofits. Rickauer is the creator of Yoopers United, a nonprofit that aims to encourage more Upper Peninsula residents to engage in acts of community service. He also works on multiple boards and committees in the area, including the Kiwanis Club of Marquette, the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, Marquette Trail Running Group, and Marquette County Habitat for Humanity.

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Gonstead. Gonstead is known for her commitment to volunteerism, with service on numerous boards which aim to protect and promote the U.P.’s natural environment. Over the past 20 years, Gonstead has served on several boards, including the Noquemanon Trail Network and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, and has worked to raise funds, plan events, manage land acquisition and coordination of volunteers for those organizations.

Also being honored is the Suicide Survivors Fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation of Marquette County. The group provides financial support to individuals and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. The fund was started after its founder Dave Aro experienced the loss of a friend to suicide. Aro was upset by the lack of support for the families and organized, along with others in the community, to work to support families.

The three U.P. recipients of the awards are just some of the 42 awards that will be given to entities around the state at the ceremony later this month.