One of Cedarburg’s top cheerleaders, Patty Gallun-Hansen, was the recipient of the 15th annual Civic Award given by the Greater Cedarburg Foundation (GCF). The award was presented during a ceremony and reception honoring her on Thursday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the Cedarburg Cultural Center.

“Patty has always been a mover and shaker in Cedarburg,” said Barb Janssen, a member of the GCF Civic Event committee. “She has never been one to simply follow the crowd. She has the ability to see the big picture, set her goals high and works hard to achieve them.”

Gallun-Hansen, who was born and raised in Cedarburg, has given back to her hometown in numerous ways. She has been actively involved with the Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant’s Association, Cedarburg Scholarship Fund, Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedarburg Community Pool Fund Drive, Advocates of Ozaukee County, Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County, Town of Cedarburg Ad Hoc Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Envisioning Committee and Forward Cedarburg.

Gallun-Hansen is a graduate gemologist and operates Dorothy Gallun Fine Jewelry on Bridge Road with her mother, right next to the home where she grew up. Previously, she operated a small retail business at the Cedar Creek Settlement called “What’s Poppin’ “ before serving as executive director of the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce, a role she said was her “dream job.”

Gallun-Hansen has helped to get many projects off the ground. She was instrumental in establishing a gift check program for the Chamber, helped in organizing Five Festive Fridays during the holiday season and co-chaired the Big Splash pool parties to raise money for the city pool. She served on the committee to “Revive the Rivoli,” participated in Cedarburg’s historic walking tours and helped to host the filming of a half hour TV show, “Discover Wisconsin.”

She and her husband, Dr. Michael Hansen, are the “voices” of Cedarburg’s annual July 4th parade. As each unit in the parade makes its way past City Hall, the Hansens broadcast each appearance live to the curbside audience.

The Greater Cedarburg Foundation has assets of more than $4 million comprised of an endowment and donor advised funds which distributes grants to non-profit organizations. The foundation’s mission is to preserve the local cultural heritage, enhance artistic endeavors and support educational, social and community-based services in the Greater Cedarburg area.