2026 Griffis Award
Written by Melissa Pletcher, Manager of Volunteer Engagement
One of the greatest pleasures I have as a manager of volunteers is to publicly recognize outstanding volunteers. Each year, the Leader Dog team nominates individual volunteers for the Griffis Spirit of Volunteerism Award. In 2014, Leader Dog created this annual award for on-campus volunteers. It was created in honor of long-time volunteers, Bob and Doris Griffis. Their dedication to Leader Dog was extraordinary, and it is in their memory that this award is presented to two volunteers who display the following qualities:
- Exceptional, long serving on-campus volunteer
- Significant personal commitment to the work and mission of Leader Dog
- Lives the values of Leader Dog
- Generosity of spirit
- Team player
- Ambassador for Leader Dog
A selection committee goes over all the nominations and then makes the difficult decision of choosing just two individuals. This year, we chose Paul Tulikangas along with Mike and Patty French.
Congratulations to Paul, Mike, and Patty on such a prestigious honor!
Paul Tulikangas
Paul has volunteered for over 12 years as a downtown client guide, docent and breeding host. His quiet, calm and reassuring demeanor are a perfect match for his roles. His nominator said he often takes the lead with the other volunteers and ensures that everyone is introduced to clients in class. Once they get started with assisting clients, he rarely slows down. Clients often comment that during all the chaos, Paul makes them feel like they are the focus of his attention. Paul’s generosity of spirit and dedication to our mission is clear in everything that he does.
Mike and Patty French
Mike and Patty French are a dynamic duo that have been volunteering as a team since 2011. Combined, they have donated more than 4,500 hours of service to Leader Dog. They serve in several different capacities including counseling puppy raisers when they drop off their puppy for formal training, calling puppy raisers whose puppies are being career changed and handing out puppies to new puppy raisers on the happiest day of the year – puppy pick up day!
Their nominator said this about them:
Mike and Patty are so generous with their time and attention towards our volunteer puppy raisers. They have served as volunteers for many years, have taken on multiple volunteer roles over time with various departments, and they are such wonderful representatives for our organization with their professionalism and empathy.
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Join Us For Bark and Brew 5K!
Presented by Chief Financial Credit Union - June 7, 2026
Kick off your summer with a fun and scenic run through Downtown Rochester, MI. All proceeds from the Bark & Brew 5K directly support Leader Dog’s life‑changing programs and services, provided at no cost to people who are blind or have low vision.
In-person participants receive a race t-shirt, large medal, race bib, and a coupon for a free, age-appropriate beverage and food item at the post-race party.
LAST CHANCE to take advantage of our Matching Gift Challenge
Support our $60,000 Matching Gift Challenge and have your gift DOUBLED!
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.