2019 Adele Gantz Volunteer of the Year Award winner Karen Larson (second from left) is flanked by The Information Center President and CEO Edward D’Angelo (left) and her husband, Robert Mirek.
TAYLOR — The Information Center, a Downriver-based nonprofit, presented its 2019 Adele Gantz Volunteer of the Year Award to Royal Oak resident Karen Larson Tuesday at the annual Volunteer Banquet at the Hungarian Rhapsody in Southgate.
Larson and The Information Center made a special connection several years ago. In the winter of 2013, the call went out for tri-county area nonprofits to enter AIGA Detroit’s Impact48. Impact48 was a special weekend where AIGA Detroit designers donated their talents and time to help a nonprofit create a new brand identity. The Information Center, based on specific criteria, the agency was chosen.
Almost to the date, six years ago, The Information Center received a professional and personal boost from AIGA Detroit Designers during that weekend. IMPACT48 included staff from The Information Center and 25 AIGA Detroit designers from companies and institutes such as General Motors Corp., Team Detroit, Avfuel, Mars Advertising, Mott Community College, Atlas Oil, Little Caesars Enterprise Inc. and College for Creative Studies coming together to create a brand identity for the agency.
When IMPACT48 concluded, Larson voluntarily continued her connection to The Information Center. Over the last six years, she has provided The Information Center with:
• Professional consultation as to the color and design of its new office building.
• The layout and design of its annual report from 2013 to 2018.
• Assistance with the new logo package and the building of its brand.
“What began as a special weekend to help a nonprofit in Taylor create a new identity and brand, unexpectedly developed into a wonderful friendship and partnership over the last six years The Information Center President and CEO Edward D’Angelo said. “Karen has unselfishly lent her creative talents to The Information Center and for that we are extremely grateful.”
The Adele Gantz Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a group or a person who has given their time and talents to support the community and The Information Center. Gantz was a long-term dedicated and inspiring volunteer who worked tirelessly assisting the less fortunate Downriver and in surrounding communities.