Romney Award Finalist's Volunteer Hours Equivalent of a 13-Year Fulltime Job

Phillip William Fisher of Bloomfield Hills, who given the equivalent of 13 years of full-time work to volunteer service since he was in his 20s, is a finalist for the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest of the prestigious Governor’s Service Awards to be awarded next month.

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the 40 finalists for the 2014 Governor's Service Awards. The finalists have been selected from more than 160 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations statewide for their commitment to volunteer service.

“Michigan’s comeback relies on volunteers across the state making a difference in their communities and I’m pleased to honor those who have gone above and beyond in this effort,” said Snyder. “These 40 finalists exemplify what it means to get involved, do something and have a positive impact on our great state. I want to commend and thank them for their service.”

The Governor’s Service Awards recipients will be honored during a special ceremony titled "An Evening with the Stars" Monday, June 30 at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. During the ceremony, one overall winner in each category will be announced. The event will also feature musical entertainment by Toppermost, a Beatles Tribute Band.

The 40 outstanding volunteer finalists are being honored in one of eight different award categories that reflect the diverse nature of volunteers throughout Michigan. The award categories are: Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award; Corporate Community Leader Award; Mentor of the Year Award; Volunteer of the Year Award; Senior Volunteer of the Year Award; Youth Volunteer of the Year Award; Outstanding National Service Program Award; and Outstanding Volunteer Program Award.

The Romney award recognizes an individual, usually a senior citizen, who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteer service.

Why Fisher is a Finalist

Fisher’s volunteer activities have directly aided more than 10,000 individuals and have raised around $100 million for more than 20 community and state organizations. He was raised with the understanding that giving back is a lifelong obligation and began his service in the 1970s with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

In the years following, Phillip has given his time to Starfish Family Services, Family Service Alliance, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, United Jewish Charities, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, United Way, Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan, The Henry Ford and the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation. Phillip’s philanthropic activities eventually led him to found Mission Throttle, an organization devoted to developing tools and creative ways to accelerate the evolution of philanthropy.

>> A full list of the 40 finalists – individuals, businesses and nonprofit groups – is available here.