Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health

In a ceremony on January 16, 2009, the Community Services and Relations Committee of the Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health Services Board presented the first annual Kris Plont Advocacy Award to Sonny Rodriguez, an organizer of Special Olympics in Benzie County. Because of Rodriguez's tireless promotion, Special Olympics in Benzie County has grown from just a few participants in a single sport to a year-round sports program.

The Plont Award, to be presented annually by the MBCMH Board to a member of the community who has provided outstanding service to persons with disabilities, was founded in honor of Kris Plont, a home provider who passed away in 2008. Her advocacy truly made a difference in the lives of the people she worked for and with.