About GKAR

Philip P. Perry

Humanitarian Award

The Philip P. Perry Humanitarian Award was conceived upon the passing of distinguished GKAR Member, Philip P. Perry in 2004. The Award honors the legacy of a Member who devoted his lifetime to selfless humanitarian efforts. 

The Award is given to a current GKAR Member who embodies the spirit of selflessness that was important to Mr. Perry throughout his life. To submit a Nomination, please read the Guidelines and use the form below.

John Buttery

2022 Award Recipient

I have been concerned about affordable housing for many years. I recall an article in the Kalamazoo Gazette that stated the Kalamazoo Public Schools identified over 900 children who were considered homeless. I hope you agree that is unacceptable. A number of years ago I served on the Board of Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity and volunteered on the construction of a home on Holland Ave for a single mom with two kids. My wife kept in touch with the new homeowner; several years later we had the opportunity to attend her child’s high school graduation Open House. For the past 10 or so years my efforts have been primarily focused with Open Doors Kalamazoo. Our church has partnered with Open Doors to provide maintenance and remodeling services for the five unit building at 530 W. North St. My wife and I also try to establish a relationship with the tenants –we plant flowers in the spring, deliver goodies several times a year and small gift cards at Christmas. About 8 years ago a woman moved in coming out of the Open Doors Women’s Shelter for homeless individuals. She had previously enjoyed a successful professional career, was married and had two children. Her addiction took everything —home, job, family and dignity. She is now a certified addiction coach with a local agency. She has reestablish the connection with the children. We also had the joy of attending their graduation open houses. We’re convinced success in school is closely linked with safe, stable housing. My family has been richly blessed. We believe we have an obligation to share our blessings, to assist those who may need help. I hope to spend one hour working in a volunteer capacity for each hour I spent in committee meetings in my professional career. I still have a long way to go. Jared Arnold is an Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate. Jared began his career in 1981 at Reed & Company REALTORS®, working alongside Bill Reed, Steve Nuss, and Melody Stirk. He became a partner in 1985, joining Bill, Steve, and Gary Clay as owners. Later, Mary Sutton & Olivia Hensley joined the firm—what a fun, synergistically successful team!