Citizen of the Year

 Lake Orion resident Matt Pfeiffer has been named the Orion Area Parade Group’s  2021 Citizen of the Year. The OAPG reviewed nominations and selected Pfeiffer as this year’s recipient. Each year the Parade Group recognizes an outstanding individual who contributes to our community in a manner that is non-political, not job-related and not a paid position. Pfeiffer will have the honor of riding in one of the first cars to lead off the Orion Lighted Christmas Parade December 4th.

Pfeiffer is the embodiment of an involved community member. When he is not operating his business, Northern Wholesale Flooring and Floor Trader Outlet, he can be seen dressed in pink from August to October in his role as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign. He started a team called the Real Men of Orion. Over the past five years, they have raised more than $135,000 for breast cancer research.

Matt also actively solicits food and clothing donations for families in need in our area through a program he calls Operation Warm and participates in the Mobile Food Pantry food delivery every Monday at Woodside Bible Church. He’s an avid volunteer at numerous charitable and community events throughout Orion.

Matt’s generous heart stems from a childhood trauma. His family home burned to the ground right before Christmas. They lost everything. But within days the Orion community had rallied around his family to provide food, clothing, living arrangements and even a new Christmas tree. The experience stuck with him and compelled him to help and give back wherever he can. It’s a responsibility he feels every business owner should carry--to be involved and give back to their community.

As a business owner and respected community member, Matt willingly recommends, endorses, promotes and champions other local businesses and organizations; he is a huge supporter of anything Orion. He has earned the trust and respect of his peers and is often sought out for advice and help when there is a need. His efforts, spirit, enthusiasm and heart epitomize all that the OAPG seeks to recognize in a Citizen of the Year and the group is proud to bestow this honor on Matt Pfeiffer this year.