Judy Custer has a rich history of helping veterans and countless others through her work with the Home Depot Foundation. Upon her retirement, she was awarded a $5,000 grant to be given in her name to the charity of her choice. Her son, WNEM-TV 5 news anchor David Custer, had the honor of surprising his mom with the award.

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A Long History of Volunteering

After two decades of service, Judy Custer announced her retirement in early April. She joined the Home Depot in 2000 and became a 'Team Depot Captain.' She has volunteered hundreds of hours and motivated many of her coworkers to pitch in and give back to the communities they serve. Custer has also applied for numerous grants along the way, in order to bring much-needed resources to people in the Mid-Michigan area.

A Special Retirement Event Was Held Friday

Custer was honored for her commitment to the area at a special ceremony on Friday (4/23) at Home Depot's Burton location.

District Manager Don Mandeville tells WNEM that Custer has been instrumental in her efforts to help the Home Depot give back to the community.

“Judy has helped so many veterans and disabled people. She has worked with them and made their lives better," Mandeville said. "She’s the first person I call when I need to get in touch with someone in the community.”

 

A Surprise Presentation

Judy had no idea her son was going to be at her 'retirement thingy' as she phrased it. WNEM's David Custer said in a Facebook post that his mother discouraged him from attending, but the Home Depot Foundation had already contacted Custer, tapping him to present the award to his mother.

"You exemplify everything of what it means to be a good steward of your community, Custer said. "The Home Depot Foundation has recognized that and they would like to honor you and give you a $5,000 grant for you to use to give to any charity of your choice in your honor."

Judy Custer, in her orange Home Depot uniform, was moved by the presentation and quipped, "They tell me I've been bleeding orange for years," as she was presented with a bouquet of orange flowers.

 

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