We are excited to announce the start of our 2017 Make a STATEment Awards program, which celebrates New Mexicans who are heroes in our community, tirelessly working to make a difference. They may do this in a professional role or they may give of themselves through a volunteer effort. Some of them may have received recognition for their kindness and focus, while others may have never received the “shout out” they deserve. We would like you, our State ECU members, to be the eyes and ears of the program—and submit to us the names of outstanding New Mexicans who you feel should be recognized for their good deeds. Each selected nominee will receive a Make a STATEment Certificate and be profiled in this To Your Credit newsletter and on other State ECU channels. At the end of 2017, there will be a vote to select one Make a STATEment nominee to receive the Grand Prize recognition—a $500 gift to salute their courage and strength. The intention is to honor a group of New Mexicans who are as diverse as the neighborhoods they represent. (There is no requirement for nominees to be State ECU members.) So think about the great stories you are hearing in your community, and send a brief description and contact information for potential nominees to Make a STATEment Nominations. Thanks for helping us honor local heroes who are making life better in New Mexico and building a better future.
May Make a STATEment Award Nominee
Our first Make a STATEment Nominee is Santa Fe’s Michael Dellheim, who is the spark behind two very different programs under the heading of Outside In Productions. The first many of you enjoy each summer—Santa Fe Bandstand—with eight weeks of free entertainment on the Santa Fe Plaza (begins July 5). This year also includes four shows on Santa Fe’s southside at the SWAN park near Tierra Contenta. The mix of music has something for everyone and covers all genres from country to salsa to reggae to singer-songwriter and more. This program is a labor of love for Michael, who acts as entertainment booker, stage hand, sponsorship outreach coordinator, promoter, roadie, all rolled into one. Michael also drives the other arm of Outside In Productions, which is a nonprofit, community based group that brings free live performances, presentations, and workshops to people who don’t have access to the acts, such as those confined to shelters, residential treatment facilities, nursing homes, and correctional facilities.
“Wow! What an honor to be recognized as the first Make a STATEment recipient. Outside In loves bringing the joy of music to the people of Santa Fe every summer. Our year-round core mission brings music and the arts to isolated populations throughout our city. This work is mostly low-key and behind-the-scenes in nature, so it’s particularly gratifying to be recognized as an organization that makes a difference here in Santa Fe. Thanks so much to State Employees Credit Union for this special award.”