With Michael you get a prolific storyteller and a media celebrity. Michael is a NY Times Bestselling author of the book, The Color of Rain, which was adapted into a Hallmark motion picture.
He co-founded the non-profit New Day Foundation for Families, which serves families fighting cancer. In 2023 he gave a TEDx talk on the topic of agape love. He was contributing editor for Home Life Magazine, and co-host of Your Family Matters radio show on Salem Broadcasting Network. He has appeared on numerous media outlets including multiple appearances on The Today Show, ABC World News, Huckabee, FoxNews, Home and Family, Hugh Hewitt Show, and countless radio programs.
Michael was a member of the Second City Theater in Chicago, training under Del Close, Martin DeMaat, Jo Forsberg and others. As writer and performer he learned to create the “Yes, and…” mindset from the architects of the genre. This now fuels his message of “live generously”.
Michael spent the majority of his professional career in consulting and finance, with Anheuser-Busch, The Dwyer Group, Nordick Franchising, Thrivent, Allstate, Equitable Advisors, among others.
He is an avid golfer, reluctant pickleball player, and thinks that March Madness and a day game at Wrigley Field are the best things in sports. He spent more than 30 years as a high school basketball coach in California and Michigan. He and his wife Gina have five grown children.
The message “Live Generously” is Michael’s passion. While the timeline of Michael’s life has been marked by tragedy, it has also been continually restored by generosity. The kindness of others is what has sustained and renewed his life, time and again. Being able to share those stories and this message is his mission.
THE RED COOLER PROJECT
The Red Cooler Project helps communities support families fighting cancer.
The Red Cooler… “Bringing hope to your doorstep.”
The Red Cooler Project helps communities support families fighting cancer, and encourages the organizing and delivering of fresh meals, healthy meals throughout their treatment.
Here’s how it works:
- Place a Red Cooler on the front porch of a family in cancer treatment.
- Organize neighbors to prepare meals for the family.
- Drop off meals into the Red Cooler, without disturbing the family, for them to enjoy at their convenience.
New Day Foundation for Families
A financial bridge for Michigan families fighting cancer
No family should fight cancer alone or make unthinkable choices between medical treatment and providing basic necessities. New Day works with hospitals across the state of Michigan to reach more patients before they hit critical financial breaking points caused by financial toxicity, a harmful side effect that creates significant barriers to treatment and healing.