MCStrong: The Michael Collins Foundation

To glorify God and honor Michael's legacy by supporting causes and initiatives that have been important to Michael, his faith, and his family.

MADD awards The Michael Collins Humanitarian Award

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Humanitarian Award

“Every day in America, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes. That’s one person every 53 minutes.”  On Saturday we attended the annual MADD Heroe’s Award Banquet recognizing law enforcement where Officer John Fermon was awarded The Michael Collins Humanitarian Award. Officer Fermon from the City of Bloomington – Police has made DUI enforcement in this community a passion. In 2016 he set a new record with 107 DUI arrests beating the previous record of 53. He also has the most DUI’s in the department as a total since 1999 and is the only downstate officer with over 100 DUI’s. Officer Fermon was one of the first responder’s on the scene the night of Michael’s crash and the event has had a profound impact on him personally. He stated he is “motivated by Michael,” and that he has been touched to “Pay it forward.” He also volunteers his time to the foundation whenever possible. We could not be more proud of this year’s selection. Congratulations.

MADD Announces the Michael Collins Humanity Award

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MADD Illinois proudly announces the MADD Michael Collins Humanity Award

Bloomington Normal, Illinois – On Saturday, August 20, 2016 Mothers Against Drunk Driving announced at their yearly Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet held in Springfield, Illinois that the MADD Community Award was being renamed the Michael Collins Humanity Award, in honor of Normal native, Michael Collins.

In the past MADD Community Award, now the Michael Collins Humanity Award, is given to the individual or organization that demonstrates fellowship with others as the result of the sharing of similar attitudes, values, interests and goals with respect to MADD’s mission and the overall desire for the improvement of the quality of life in their community.

Michael Collins was a 22 year old senior at Illinois State University majoring in Exercise Science when on March 29, 2014 a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content level more than twice the legal limit ran a red light traveling over 100 mph at the intersection of Main Street and Empire Street and collided with a vehicle that Michael Collins was a passenger in. Michael succumbed to the injuries he sustained at the crash and passed away four days later on April 2, 2014.

“Jim and Kelly Collins are wonderful people who have had the ultimate tragedy bestowed upon them and that is the loss of a child. The Collins family and The Michael Collins Foundation have been extremely generous to MADD Illinois and have donated considerable funds, as well as their time and leadership that has allowed for MADD to further pursue its mission to stop drunk and drugged driving, prevent underage drinking and provide services to victims of the violent crime,” said Sam Canzoneri, State Executive Director of MADD Illinois.

“Our family is deeply humbled that MADD has changed the name of the award to embody Michael’s spirit and the mission of his foundation. We will continue to partner with MADD to raise awareness and fight against this senseless and preventable crime,” said Kelly Collins, mother of Michael Collins

 

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Humanity Award

MCstrong Poster Contest

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Madison Read and Nikki Ogorek, both from Normal Community High School, tied for first place in the MCstrong Poster contest.
The contest was to design a poster that promotes safe and sober driving. Along with the poster, participants included an essay explaining how their future choices are to pledge to practice safe and sober driving. Top finishers were recognized at the Michael Collins Baseball Memorial Invite held at the Corn Crib. Both girls received a $500 cash prize and NCHS’s art club was awarded $1,000. Congratulations and thanks to all who participated!
Nikki Ogorek

Nikki Ogorek

My poster for the Michael Collins Foundation is a little girl holding her father’s hand with a set of car keys. They girl’s jersey is the color of Michael’s Heartland jersey, and includes Collins’ last name and number. I included the quote, “You’re not the only one on the road,” because drunk driving not only affects those who are impaired, but also can be detrimental to those who are being responsible. This father, who took his daughter to a baseball game, is being a safe and sober driver. But, if another driver is irresponsible he/she may take the lives of innocent people. My future choices include safe and sober driving because I am aware of the consequences that accompany drunk driving, as well as the danger it brings upon myself and others.

Nikki Ogorek
Normal Community High School

Madison Read

Madison Read

For my MCstrong poster I wanted to portray the message that together, we are stronger. I was inspired by the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 which says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” If is much easier for a community to come together and make a difference than an individual. I think it’s essential for friends and family to encourage each other to drive sober and make safe decisions. If we join together, support each other, and “lift people up” our community can make a difference not only in Bloomington – Normal, but around the world. In my poster I painted a person’s hand grasping on to someone else’s to illustrate someone “lifting up a friend” and “lending a helping hand.” The reason I chose to paint this was to show what it looks like to encourage and help others get back on their feet and make good choices. I also painted the MCstrong logo on the arms. I wanted to promote and share the message of

The Michael Collins foundation. Michael Collins touched many people in our community, and his accident struck up a change in our town, and in me. I plan to drive safe and sober, and to inspire others to do the same.

Madison Read
Normal Community High School

2016 MCstrong Award

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2016 MCstrong Award Winners

As the summer winds down and Labor Day approaches we are once again reminded of the dangers of being on the roadways. According to AAA the “100 deadliest days” of the summer driving season are from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Michael Collins Foundation, not long ago, recognized local law enforcement for continued efforts to eliminate drunk and drugged driving by presenting the MCstrong Award. Each candidate was selected by their command officer based on specific criteria.  This award will be presented annually to a Bloomington, Normal, McLean County, and Illinois State University police officer for their exemplary DUI enforcement.

All to often the tireless work of police officers goes seemingly unnoticed by society in general. We, at The Michael Collins Foundation, want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for making safe roads a number one priority.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the 2016 MCstrong Award.

Bloomington Police Officer Jim Clesson,
Normal Officer Cory McNicol,
ISU Officer Matt Blecha, and
McLean County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Albee.

2016 Michael Collins Memorial Scholarships Awarded

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Michael loved baseball. He called his two years as a Heartland Hawk “the best two years of my life.” Those two years included consecutive trips to the NJCAA World Series in Enid, OK. Prior to playing at Heartland he starred at Normal West, leading the Wildcats to consecutive Big 12 conference championships. And while he was attending Illinois State University, Michael was an assistant coach at University High School.

The Michael Collins Memorial Scholarships will be awarded annually to a player who exemplifies the characteristics that made Michael a special individual to have as a teammate, player, friend and son. Players chosen will demonstrate a strong faith, an outstanding work ethic, a commitment to servant leadership, a high level of integrity, a love for coaches and teammates, and a pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.

Here are the 2016 scholarship winners:

2016 scolarship winners

University High School – Zach Frey
Zach led the Pioneers to a 23-8 record and a Cornbelt Conference championship in 2016.  He was selected to play in the Illinois Coaches Association – MCstrong All-Star game, and the Pantagraph Senior All-Star game.  Zach was a sophomore on the Pioneer varsity team in 2014 when Michael was an assistant coach at U-High.  Zach was a key component as that team battled through the unimaginable tragedy of losing Michael, winning a regional championship and advancing to the Sectional title game.  Zach honors his memory of Michael with an “MCstrong” tattoo on his bicep, and will carry those memories with him as he continues his baseball career at the University of Illinois – Springfield. 
 
Normal West – Nate Beal
Nate provided outstanding senior leadership last season for a Wildcat team that finished 18-16 overall.  Nate was selected to play in the Illinois Coaches Association – MCstrong All-Star game, and the Pantagraph Senior All-Star game.  Nate attended all of the team’s optional chapels in 2015 and 2016.  His kind and encouraging nature provided a tremendous model for others to follow.  Michael had the opportunity to coach Nate when Nate was at Parkside Junior High School.  Nate will continue his baseball career at Lindenwood University – Belleville. 

 

Michael’s story shared with the Chicago Bears

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We are excited to announce that Kelly Collins will be partnering with MADD to share Michael’s story with the Chicago Bears Rookie program next week. Michael was a passionate and dedicated athlete, and we are honored to further promote his legacy, the importance of making responsible decisions, and the dangers of drinking and driving with these promising young athletes. 

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“I was honored to share Michael’s story & the dangers of drunk driving with Chicago Bears Rookie Program this past Monday,” Kelly Collins commented.  Each player was gifted a Dare To Be Uncommon Devotional (Tony Dungy) challenging them to make responsible choices that will echo through eternity. Thanks again to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)for all the work they do to end drunk driving.

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