Lighthouse of Oakland County to honor two

Known for their work in the public eye, what people may not know is that both Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and WJR-AM News/Talk 760’s Marie Osborne have been working behind the scenes to help people in need for many years. Lighthouse of Oakland County is pleased to announce the two will receive the annual Salute America Award at the gala event on Friday, June 23, at Oakland Hills Country Club. Sherry Margolis, Fox 2 Detroit anchor and reporter, will host the event.  Former Lighthouse client Jenifer Hughes will share her story of triumph at the event.

In addition to running one of the country’s largest sheriff’s departments with over 1,300 employees and receiving numerous citations and awards for leadership and service,
Sheriff Mike Bouchard has ensured more than 7,000 Oakland County families have a Christmas through the Lighthouse Adopt-a-Family program. 

“For the past 10 years, it’s really been incredible what he and his department do to help us help families in need,” said Lighthouse CEO Rick David.  “Sheriff deputies oversee a ‘Trustee’ program where their trusted inmates help with community service.  They work with us for one month to do the heavy lifting and organize all the donations—from bicycles, to coats, clothes and household items, school supplies and toys—and ensure Lighthouse families receive the donations they need.  Sheriff Bouchard’s ‘Trustee’ program helps us, helps our families, and helps prevent recidivism among inmates who want to change their behavior. It’s a win-win-win,” he said.

An award-winning anchor and reporter known as one of the most influential women in Detroit radio, WJR-AM News/Talk 760’s Marie Osborne has made supporting the community a family affair for many years.  Beginning in 1992, Osborne and her husband John and three children, Domenique, Robert, and John, have been volunteering at the Lighthouse Thanksgiving food drive.  With her kids grown, she and her husband have returned ever year since.  Over their 24 years of service, they have helped feed more than 21,600 people.  “Marie is one of the most dedicated volunteers we have. She and her family have been a blessing to Lighthouse in so many ways,” said David.

“Salute America!” is the annual fundraiser supporting the programs and services of Lighthouse of Oakland County.  Lighthouse helps more than 16,000 people—40% of whom are children—move from economic crisis towards self-sufficiency each year from two locations in Pontiac and Clarkston.  It operates the county’s only five-day-per-week food pantry serving 1,300 people each month, and the area’s only long-term transitional housing program called PATH, for homeless women and their children.
Salute America! is made possible thanks to the following, generous partners: Lead partners include Beaumont Health, Conway MacKenzie, MGM Grand Detroit and supporting partners are PNC Bank, Comerica Bank, Flagstar Bank and many other corporations, businesses and individuals.

The Salute America! event will feature dinner, entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, and inspirational stories.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23, at Oakland Hills Country Club,  3951 West Maple Road in Bloomfield Hills.

Advance Tickets are $150 per person and are available at www.lighthouseoakland.org or by calling 248-972-1484.