Ray and Ann Michau

Chamber photo

Before the award presentation, Chamber vice president Amy Cantu welcomed those attending the banquet. Dan Frain, a past recipient of the award recognized past honorees.

The 2024 recipient was introduced by Mark Hines and Don Busch.

Michau moved to Pulaski County in 1999 from Calumet City, IL. Since that time he has been an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Gideons, the Humanitarian Distribution Center, Mobile Food Pantry and Pulaski County Human Services.  

Michau became involved in Habitat for Humanity, building houses for families in the community, and serving as foreman. He is known to help people with home repair for no cost and has built many ramps for those needing home access. He is active as a Gideon and helped build the Thornhope Holiness Church. As an active volunteer for the Humanitarian Distribution Center, he helps distribute food to pantries, feeding residents in several counties served by multiple food pantries. He has volunteered for the mobile food trucks and Human Services, unloading food to keep shelves stocked for those facing hunger or needing to supplement their nutrition.

He graduated from South Shore High in Chicago. He is a former U.S. Marine and worked 28 years for Western Union Telegraph, and as a subcontractor for four years for Doors and Windows before becoming self-employed. He retired, but soon returned to the workforce for Culligan for 10 years. He retired again and moved to Pulaski County, Then he “un-retired” once more and went to work at Sanders Grocery for what was to be a short time, and is now 22 years.  

Michau and his wife of 45 years, Ann, have five children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. As a young man, Michau learned his woodworking skills were a gift he could share with others and continues to do so. Ann supports Ray in his dedication to work, volunteering using his building skills, and his enjoyment of helping others. She says his faith is everything to him and guides him in his giving to others. He is humbled by this recognition of the H.J. Halleck Award and thanks those who have nominated him.

About the Halleck Award

The Halleck award was first presented by the Chamber in 1979 to its namesake, the late Dr. Harold J. Halleck. Last year's recipient was Mike O'Connor of Winamac.

The Chamber notes that every town, every city is blessed with a handful of individuals who selflessly donate their time, energy, and hard work to make their community a better place for everyone to live. Such individuals often give this time and energy for years without the gratitude and recognition they deserve. In order to recognize such outstanding individuals, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce awards the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award to one deserving individual each year.

Halleck Award Recipients

Halleck Award recipients are: