The Michael Group Wins GEDCO’s Partner of the Year

On a cold, damp Spring night, a huge crowd gathers in St Mary’s Church Hall in Govans for GEDCO’s Annual meeting. While this is primarily a business meeting, this year the GEDCO staff has added an fun filled line up including Ms Beverly Burke as MC, special award ceremonies and the GEDCO’s Got Talent Talent Show. 

This year marks the 20^th year that GEDCO, Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation, has been serving the needs of low-income elderly residents of North/Central Baltimore. Their work attracts support from religious congregations of all denominations as well as businesses, neighborhood associations and residents themselves. You could tell by listening to songs, stories and more how important GEDCO is in the lives of those who were attending and to the community outside St Mary’s doors.

About half way through the evening, Perry Savoy, Vice President of the Board of Directors, stood to announce the Partner of the Year Award. “Each year, GEDCO recognizes a very special organization whose partnership greatly enhances the success of our work to build caring and compassionate communities. This year it is my honor to present our Partner Award to The Michael Group”

Left to Right: Ellen Frost, The Michael Group, Mitch Posner, GEDCO, Michael Shacklette, the Michael Group, Perry Savoy, GEDCO, Jeff Hill, The Michael Group

Michael Shacklette, President of the Michael Group Inc General Contractors in Baltimore has been a supporter of GEDCO for the past three years. Last year, Michael headed up the GEDCO ThanksGiving Tribute fundraising committee. While the committee was successful, raising a record amount of funds to support GEDCO’s operations, Michael wanted to do more. This year, Michael is heading up a year long campaign to secure corporate sponsors and major gifts that will allow GEDCO to continue the important, life saving work they are doing.

“Having gone to elementary school here in Govans, I feel like I still have a connection to the well being of the neighborhood” says Micahel Shacklette. “Since I began the Michael Group Inc nine years ago, we have committed ourselves to building affordable housing and supporting non-profits like GEDCO that are provide housing and services for low-income and elderly residents of our community. I am honored to receive the GEDCO Partner of the Year award.”.

The evening ended with laughing and dancing and celebrating the good works of GEDCO. The Michael Group is so proud to be a part of this amazing organization!