Secrest Wardle Exec. Gen. Partner Henry S. Emrich Awarded Boys and Girls Club of GR Youth Commonwealth "Heart & Soul" Award

Secrest Wardle Executive General Partner Henry S. Emrich of the Firm's Grand Rapids location was recently awarded the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth (BGCGRYC) "Heart and Soul" Award. The award is given to members of the community who have done a great deal for the organization. Henry Emrich, (pictured right), was presented the award by Rick Huisman, Executive Director of the BGCGRYC (pictured left.)

Henry Emrich, Managing Partner of the Firm’s Grand Rapids office, has a long history of involvement with the BGCGRYC. Mr. Emrich is the longest-serving board member of the Club, having served since 1993. Additionally, he has served as past-president for over 10 years.

The Heart and Soul award was presented along with several other awards recognizing individuals for their dedicated support of the BGCGRYC at the 4^th Annual Be Great Tailgate. A video (courtesy of Martin Hogan) of Mr. Emrich and the other award recipients speaking about their dedication to the organization was broadcast during the ceremony. Secrest Wardle served as a "Fan Sponsor" for the event, held on September 14, 2016, at the Paul I. Phillips Club gymnasium in Grand Rapids. Attendees were encouraged to wear their favorite football gear. Many of Mr. Emrich's family members and friends were in attendance, along with several of his clients and colleagues, including Secrest Wardle attorneys Mark Morley, Senior Partner and Co-Managing Partner of the Firm, Executive Partner Sarah Walburn, and Partners Steven Kreuger and Amanda Fopma.

Be Great Tailgate events feature games, prizes, silent and live auctions, entertainment, and the best in local tailgate food. All money raised benefits BGCGRYC’s mission, programs, and kids. This year's Be Great Tailgate exceeded all past Be Great events in attendance and fundraising records. The BGCGRYC’s fundraising efforts help make a difference in the lives of youth in the Grand Rapids area by recognizing the potential of youth, which in turn has an impact on the entire Grand Rapids community both in the present and into the future. To support the BE Great initiative, or any other Boys and Girls Club campaigns, please visit the BGCGRYC website.

Secrest Wardle is a law firm specializing in defense litigation and counsel for insurance, municipal, and commercial clients headquartered in Troy, Michigan, with additional offices in Grand Rapids and Lansing. For more information, please visit www.secrestwardle.com