Dana Locniskar Cherishes Detroit Public Television Honor

For nearly a decade, Dana Locniskar has shared his time, philanthropic advice, and expertise in asset management as a member of Detroit Public Television's Executive Board. Regarded as one of the chief financial advisors in the country from Merrill Lynch's Troy office, he will receive the 2013 Dolores & George Riley Stewardship Award at DPTV's 12th Annual Premiere Night Gala on Thursday, Sept. 26. at the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit.

He recently answered five questions for Patch.

An Incredible Honor

Detroit Public Television’s awards really symbolize the work of volunteers across Metro Detroit who have chosen to take an active role in their communities. I’m honored to be one of those volunteers, privileged with the opportunity to give back where we live and work.

The Meaning Behind the Stewardship Award

The award was first presented to its namesakes, Dolores and George Riley, in 2006, and since then has been awarded to individuals throughout the community who have passionately and enthusiastically worked to help Detroit Public Television achieve its mission. I have been on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the station for the last 9 years, and it has been my honor to serve as an advisor for the organization to meet its goals.

Volunteerism is a Necessity

I believe if you live and work in a community, at some point, you need to determine how you can give back. I volunteer for a number of organizations across Metro Detroit, as have many of the other honorees acknowledged by Detroit Public TV. It’s a commitment I’m willing to make because of the importance of public programming for our community and the resources the station offers to bring a depth of knowledge and engagement to our residents.

Why Detroit Public Television?

My children watched the quality programming of Detroit Public TV, and now my grandchildren also benefit from its broadcasts. And while Detroit Public TV will always be known for its programming, the station is becoming even more important for it’s role within the community. Whereas many commercial stations must fulfill the needs of advertisers, Detroit Public TV brings information to the public that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them, from environmental concerns about the Great Lakes addressed during Great Lakes Week to the Mackinac Policy Conference to state elections via MiVote.org.

Detroit Public TV’s Role in the Community  

Detroit Public Television helps provide the community’s institutions with a bigger voice, especially exemplified in our partnerships with organizations like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Not all of our local families have access to the broad spectrum of fine arts in our community, and Detroit Public TV makes this programming more widely available to the public. The station may not be the army, but we’re the air force for Detroit’s cultural gems.

Patron tickets to Premiere Night are $250 each, and benefactor tickets are $400 each. Proceeds help support DPTV programming. Contact Jill Schubiner at 248-305-3737 or jschubiner@dptv.org to purchase tickets.