Mike Black, community supporter and owner of Valet Car Wash, was appointed a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Cambridge Sunrise
The highest form of recognition that a Rotary Club can bestow is the Paul Harris Fellow. It is presented to a Rotarian or member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. A Paul Harris Fellow is a person who has been recognized as having done something significant for others. It is named after our founder, Paul Harris, an inspired Chicago lawyer who organized the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905, which he started with three business associated.
Mike Black has had a life-long love affair with automobiles and built his first car wash at the age of 29. In 1991, he opened the doors of Valet Car Wash in Cambridge, and now has 10 locations including car washes, quick lubes, gas stations, and convenience stores. Over the past 30 years, Mike wanted to make sure that he always gave back and has volunteered his time and energy sitting on different associations and industry boards, becoming president of the Canadian Car Wash Association as well as the president of the International Car Wash Association.
He also wanted to make sure Valet Car Wash gave back to the communities they operate in. All locations must sponsor and support little league teams as well as helping any and all charities or organizations that are trying support causes or to raise funds, such as Rotary. They do this with in-kind donations as well as offer staff to assist when required. Valet also has an internal initiative called the Valet Volunteer Program, that pays their employees half of any hours they volunteer for. Basically, whoever asks for help, from charity golf tournaments to food drives to sponsoring community initiatives, Valet Car Wash is involved.
Mike's wife Donna is also very involved in volunteerism and the community. She was voted KW Woman of the Year for her outstanding fundraising work with the MS Society. Donna helps organize the "Run for the Cure" and has volunteered at both Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Trinity Church in downtown Galt.
Thanks to the influence and values Mike's father instilled in him at a young age, he feels very fortunate to be in a position that's allowed him to honour these values of giving back and helping others whenever possible.
Mike has been a great supporter of Rotary Cambridge Sunrise, including the Club's charitable golf tournament, the Annual Trivia Challenge, and of course at Rotary Cambridge Ribfest. Thank you Mike!
Left to Right: Donna Black, Mike Black, daughter Sara, Valet Car Wash GM Jacqueline