Winning words
My Grand Rapids in Six Words – or MyGR6 – was launched July 4, 2011 during the city’s Fourth of July Celebration.
People who have lived, worked or played in our community were invited to share their sentiments about Grand Rapids using just six words.
During the 90 days of MyGR6, people submitted 7,922 entries equalling 47,532 words, from which 60 finalists were named.
A panel of community judges selected the six winning phrases announced today. They are:
Looks like vacation. Feels like home. – Amanda Grah
Not ChiTown. Not MoTown. My Town. – Brandon Helder
On the river. On the move. – Pamela Patton
The cure for the common city. – Mike Sikkema
The heart of the “High Five.” – Aron Wheeler
Water surrounds. Beauty abounds. Happiness Found. – Andi Carlson Claus
These winners have already seen and heard their words in print, online, on television and on the radio. In a few weeks they’ll see them on billboards around our city. And they each received a prize package worth about $10,000.
Amway was proud to sponsor MyGR6 with The Grand Rapids Press | mlive.com and to partner with Cumulus Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Icavia and Storytelling Pictures to bring the program to life.
One of our winners, Brandon Helder, thanked all of those involved in a poem he shared during the winner’s celebration:
To the sponsors and organizers of this competition, your support and creativity deserve recognition…
Thanks to thousands who took up the opportunity, to share their six words with the Grand Rapids community.
We couldn’t have said it better.
I do feel truly blessed to have been part of this amazing opportunity. Thanks to every one of you for your support and for allowing the Grand Rapids community to celebrate our city in this way. My family, friends and fifth graders couldn’t be happier, and I have you to thank for it.
Brandon, congratulations again on your “winning words.” Enjoy your “six minutes of fame” and your prizes!