2024 Griffis Spirit of Volunteerism Award
The Griffis Award is presented once a year to two deserving volunteers who demonstrate significant commitment to the work and the mission of Leader Dog. This year’s recipients are exceptionally long-serving, dedicated volunteers who live the values of Leader Dog every day.
Sheila Splane has been an on-campus volunteer for 14 years. She has served in many different roles in canine and puppy care. Her nominators comment, “She pays close attention to each dog’s mood and behavior and strives to make each dog feel loved and happy. She is kind, friendly and accepts each and every person at LD whether they are an employee or a volunteer. She talks positively about the LD mission outside her volunteer role.”
Debi Delie has been an off-campus volunteer for at least 12 years. She is a puppy raiser, prison puppy counselor for Baraga Correctional Facility and a puppy raiser counselor for northern Wisconsin. In addition, Debi sits on the Lions Club District Cabinet and goes out of her way to attend and promote Leader Dog to all 58 Lions Clubs represented by the cabinet.
Congratulations to Sheila and Debi!
Debi Delie with a yellow Lab Future Leader Dog
Sheila Splane
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Join Us For Dinner in the Dark!
Presented by AAA The Auto Club Group - March 20, 2026
Our signature fundraiser will take place at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, MI. Every dollar raised supports life-changing programs at no cost to our clients, empowering people who are blind or low vision to live independent, confident lives.
The evening includes a family style dinner, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, an ice cream and cannoli platter, an espresso station, and on-location parking.
A New Issue of the Faithful Friends Newsletter Is Out!
In our latest Faithful Friends newsletter, we highlight ways we are helping Leader Dog clients — and we invite you to learn how you can make a difference.