2010 Community Leadership STAR Award Winner: Bonna Perrin

Photo by Jill McLane Baker
Story by Michelle Ireton, Kalamazoo Gazette

When Bonna Perrin was told she had won a STAR Award in the category of Community Leadership, she was shocked.

“I was speechless; I had no idea I was even nominated,” Perrin said.

Perrin was recommended for her volunteer work in local agriculture activities, including the Kalamazoo County Fair.

Several different people nominated Perrin, each emphasizing she goes “above and beyond” what is required.

Sarah Hoagg, who works on the Kalamazoo County 4-H Leaders Council and also sits on the Kalamazoo County Fair Board, was among those who nominated Perrin for the leadership award.

“She dedicates her life to volunteer work – more than anyone else I have ever known,” said Hoagg, who has known Perrin for 10 years.

Perrin retired in 2005 from Pfizer Inc.  Along with her volunteer efforts, she also works part time as a bookkeeper for small businesses.

Perrin serves as president of the Kalamazoo County Fair Board and is treasurer of the Kalamazoo county 4-H Leaders Council.  She also is a member of the Kalamazoo County Parks Commission and one of the founders of the Pasture Golf Stampede, which helps raise funds for programs in Climax Township.
“She gives in so many different ways. She is very good at working with others – tha’’s why she is a great president,” Hoagg said.

Perrin said her volunteer work has been primarily based in agriculture. For the past 17 years, she has been volunteering  with the county fair – she has been with 4-H for 15 years.

“My husband and I are farmers – it’s been our livelihood for several years. Agriculture is the second largest industry in Michigan,” Perrin said. “I just think people need to know where milk comes from.”

The mission of the county fair is to promote and educate people about agriculture, Perrin said, making it a perfect fit for her volunteer work.

A few year ago, Perrin started an annual “birthday party” at the county fair for about 400 underprivileged children in Kalamazoo. Children who attend the party get a meal, cake and ice cream, and a free ride wristband, which allows them to ride carnival rides all day for free.

“It’s a good way to get kids who normally wouldn’t get to go to the fair a chance to come and have a good time,” Perrin said.

Perrin said the Pasture Golf Stampede is hosted every year on her family’s pasture, using paint cans for golf holes. Around 160 golfers typically show up and the money raised from the golf event goes to Climax Township.

“The golfing is just a fun way to raise money. It’s hilarious to be out there golfing right there with the cows,” Hoagg said.

Perrin said her reasoning for volunteer work is simple.

“I am just giving back to my community. It’s important to give back,” Perrin said. “I love to go and watch the kids have a good time at the fair. Mentoring youth is important – you need to set good examples.”

“She dedicates her life to volunteer work – more than anyone else I have ever known,” said Hoagg, who has known Perrin for 10 years.