Canton Siblings Use Music to Brighten Others' Lives: Governor's Service Awards

CANTON, MI — Two Canton siblings who are using their musical talents to lift the spirits of residents of nursing homes throughout Metro Detroit, as well as raise money to shower their too often forgotten audiences with gifts.

Through their Little Stars Foundation, Alan and Anna Sun, ages 17 and 14, have performed more than 100 free concerts since the organization was founded in 2007. They have performed before more than 1,000 senior citizens at 15 nursing homes, and have raised more than $10,000 to provide their audiences with gifts during holiday concerts.

The two teens are among 28 winners of the 2016 Governor’s Service Awards announced Thursday by the Michigan Community Service Commission to recognize citizens who display “a willingness to help neighbors and communities through service and volunteerism,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a news release.

The winners — individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations from across the state — will be honored during a special ceremony on Aug. 30 at the Temple Theatre in Saginaw.

The Sun siblings said in a news release that one of their goals is to brighten holidays that might otherwise be difficult for nursing home residents to get through.

“While many lucky children and their relatives think of the holidays as a warm, happy time, countless others around the world are struggling to cope with illness, loneliness or other serious difficulties,” Alan said in a news release.

The talented duo also share their gift for music with children. Through four-week workshops, they’ve helped about 250 Metro Detroit children learn how to play the violin.

Outside of music, Alan launched two free programs in 2015, one to help with childhood obesity and also a 3D printer workshop to inspire children to get involved with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Anna has helped the Little Stars Foundation grow to more than 40 members, with musicians ages six to 18 performing for seniors to put smiles on their faces.

“It brought delightful tears to my eyes as I read about the good works you and your thoughtful group has been doing,” one senior citizen noted in a press release announcing the awards. “With all the mischief in the world these days, it is so wonderful to know that you are out there.”

Full List of Winners

Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award: Doris Jacques (Saginaw)

Corporate Community Leader Award: Bank of Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor); Dow Chemical (Midland); Gast Manufacturing (Benton Harbor)

Mentor of the Year Award: Christine Alvarado (Holly); Alphonso Amos (Port Huron)

Volunteer of the Year Award: Mike McFarlen (Battle Creek); Richard Chatman (Detroit); Wanda Westman (Ishpeming)

Senior Volunteer of the Year Award: Paul Goldsmith (Farmington Hills); James Polet (Holland); Lucille Wright (Bath); Nancy Bryant (Mt. Pleasant)

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award: Caleb White (Commerce Twp.); Aubrey Cohoon (Spring Lake); Eliana Margherio (Bloomfield Hills); Emily Prokop (Birmingham); Alan Sun (Canton); Anna Sun (Canton); Sikander Khan (Jackson)

Outstanding National Service Program Award: Cherry Health Community HealthCorps (Grand Rapids); Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps (Lansing); RSVP of Otsego County (Gaylord); MARESA AmeriCorps (Marquette)

Outstanding Volunteer Program Award: Memorial HealthCare (Owosso); Just Speak, Inc. (Detroit); Flowers for Friends (Petoskey); Friends of the Porcupine Mountains (Ontonagon)

To read the winners’ biographies and learn more about their community service, click here.

Image credit: torbakhopper via Flickr / Creative Common