Novi's 'Spirit of Giving Award' Goes To ...

Going along with the "Mr. Rogers" theme, Novi Mayor Bob Gatt offered some advice from the iconic TV figure at Thursday's State of the City Address.

"There are three ways to ultimate success," Gatt said, sharing a lesson from Rogers' book. "The first is to be kind, the second is to be kind and the third is to be kind."

He said Novi is blessed to have some of the kindest people, like Michael Stanford, president of Varsity Lincoln in Novi. Stanford is the 2014 recipient of the city's "Spirit of Giving Award."

>>See the video clip above of Stanford accepting the honor.

Gatt said Varsity Lincoln has been the number one Lincoln dealership in the country for 17 straight years. He also said that the dealership has been a community supporter from the start.

"He is the first to say yes to Novi Youth Assistance, recognizing that there are those who are less fortunate and wanting all Novi children to succeed," Gatt said about Stanford.

Stanford also regularly assists the Novi Police and Fire Benevolent Association, the Novi Youth Council and the Novi Public Library, Gatt said.

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