JACKSON, Mich., July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A classic Michigan vacation and a child frolicking in Lake Michigan were the perfect combination for a Northville couple to submit the winning entry in Consumers Energy's first-ever Green Generation photo contest.
A photo of then-1-year-old Jackson Wheeler taken near St. Ignace just after Labor Day last year earned Todd and Kristen Wheeler the top prize in the "This Is My Michigan" contest, designed to spotlight and benefit Michigan. To view and download their photo, click here.
Consumers Energy will plant 5,000 trees throughout Michigan and is providing a paid dream vacation in the state to the Wheelers for their photo. Nine other finalists will receive $1,000 prizes.
"We are thrilled by the response from customers to this contest. It was not easy to choose one from this outstanding field, which started with more than 2,000 photos," said Thomas Shirilla, Consumers Energy's Green Generation program manager.
"This contest illustrates the pride that Michigan residents have for their state, and we were thrilled to be part of that, caring for the Michigan communities we serve. That includes growing more renewable energy right here, part of our Promise to Michigan."
Click here to hear and share an audio recording of Shirilla talking about the photo contest.
The Green Generation program supports Consumers Energy's renewable energy efforts. More than 17,000 customers have voluntarily enrolled, financially supporting more energy that comes from wind and landfill gas sources. To learn more, go to greengeneration.com.
Kristen Wheeler took the photo of son Jackson, who is now 2, during the family's annual trip to Lake Michigan, which typically includes a visit to Mackinac Island. Kristen Wheeler is from Dearborn, and Todd is from Ludington. They also have a daughter, Samantha, 5.
"My kids love the water, and our son was having a ball," said Todd Wheeler of the winning photo. "My wife just grabbed the camera and started taking pictures."
For their vacation trip, Todd Wheeler said they are thinking of traveling to Crystal Mountain, southwest of Traverse City.
Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
For more information regarding Consumers Energy, visit us at: www.consumersenergy.com or join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
SOURCE Consumers Energy