Those who bring sunshine to others cannot keep it from themselves. -- James Matthew Barrie

Pictured left to right: Dave Behnke and Robert Stoll, Dave's supervisor in the Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering program in Allen Park, Michigan.

Dave Behnke, the August Volunteer of the Month, has delivered tons of sunshine through his work at Angels' Place in Southfield, Michigan and in turn his life has become enriched and brightened by the experience.

Dave began volunteering at Angels' Place seven years ago. While looking through the Ford Volunteer Corps list of approved 16-hour program, non-profit agencies, Dave was drawn to the mission of Angels' Place. "I found Angels' Place quite unique in that they provide a home environment for adults who are not capable of living on their own.but they are capable of functioning in society if given the right circumstances. Angels' Place not only provides a home but they help many of the residents find jobs, and provide transportation to jobs, for shopping and to attend church.

The thirteen homes require constant upkeep and attention to retain the appropriate neighborhood appearance according to the Executive Director, Barbara Ubriel. She is grateful for the time and energy Dave spends organizing, and then working with scores of his co-workers to repair and freshen up the homes and the outdoor spaces.

"Dave Behnke is a key volunteer for Angel's Place", said Suzanne Mattingly on the Volunteer of the Month nomination form. "He has committed his time to coordinate volunteer activity at our homes.I know I can count on Dave to do a quality job.Ford Motor Company is lucky to have someone who demonstrates willingness to help, and a desire to make things better."

At the recent award ceremony at the Allen Park Test Labs, Robert Brown, Director of Vehicle Environmental Engineering and Robert Stoll, Dave's supervisor were joined by 30 of Dave's co-workers, Barbara Ubriel, Executive Director and Marcie Levey, Volunteer Coordinator at Angels' Place, Thomas Niemann, from the Chairman's Office at Ford World Headquarters, Janet Lawson, Director of the Ford Volunteer Corps, along with family members. Upon receiving the award, Dave said, "This plaque has my name on it, but. it could not have happened without a team of volunteers. So, to all those who have helped, thank you."

Dave, a great role model, has passed along to his son and daughter a love and commitment to helping those in need. An interesting coincidence occurred when Dave's son was working on his Eagle Scout project in 2004. Dave retrieved his own Eagle Scout award from years before and on the certificate he found William Clay Ford's name and signature as Chairman of the Eagle Scout Recognition Program for the Detroit Area Council of Boy Scouts of America!

Thank you, Dave, for your wonderful contributions. Congratulations.