Thank you for everyone who participated in or volunteered with this year’s MCstrong 5K Classic. We truly appreciate everyone’s involvement. Please click the photo above to see photo’s from this year’s 5K run/walk.
MADD Announces the Michael Collins Humanity Award
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
2016 Golf Outing photo’s
Two thumbs up for a GREAT outing and being awarded best dressed! Criteria…Tiger red, white belt with shirt tucked in! Good job Josh Kauten! Thanks to everyone who braved the excessive heat warning. Our volunteers along with the Ironwood Golf Course staff worked hard to make sure everyone stayed hydrated. From corporate partners to private donors, volunteers to golfers, thank you for making the 2nd Annual MCstrong golf outing a success! We have some exciting things being planned through the foundation with a newsletter to follow.
Congratulations to the 1st place team: Jeff Wells, Todd Kagel, Jon Eickhorst and Jason Alexander.
2015 Michael Collins Memorial Invitational
MCstrong 5K Classic 2015
A very special THANK YOU to everyone who participated, volunteered, or sponsored the first MCstrong 5K!
Photos: Heartland Hawk Jersey Retirement
Photos: MADD Walk at Homer Glen this June 2014
These are some great photos from the MADD walk in June 2014 at Homer Glen.
“Gift of Hope” Flag Raising Ceremony – April 2nd 2014
Family, friends, caregivers and others gathered on a cool windy day on April 2nd outside BroMenn Hospital. Jimmy Jr. helped raise the Gift of Hope flag in honor of Michael’s decision to be a donor.
Because of Michael’s decision 200+ lives were saved or vastly improved through his passing later that evening. At 9:05 on April 2nd, Michael left us, but also left behind a legacy that we can only hope to come close to matching…..
Click here to see the slide show: Michael’s Gift of Hope to others
A shining moment for Michael in Enid…….
CLICK TO VIEW: A SHINING MOMENT for #19……….
Two years ago about this time Michael and his Hawks team were finishing 3rd in the NJCAA National Championships in Enid, OK. It was a great week for the Hawks; as well as for Michael. Enjoy watching and applauding as you know Michael would be very happy you did!
Today (5/30/14) it just happens that the same Madison team is playing today to get a chance to face Mesa Junior College for the title tomorrow. MCStrong.org wishes the three remaining teams good luck.
The Michael Collins Memorial Coaches Champion Trophy will be handed out to the title teams staff for the first time after the game.