Category: Client News

Families in Bloom

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Bunker

                                                                (313) 886-9074 / marketwrite@comcast.net

Spaulding for Children’s ‘Families in Bloom’ Celebrates 50 Years Building Stronger Families

‘Spaulding for Children Day’ is Saturday, April 27 in Southfield

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 3, 2019 – The Honorable Kenson J. Siver, Mayor of the City of Southfield, has officially designated Saturday, April 27, 2019 as “Spaulding for Children Day” in recognition of Spaulding for Children’s 50 years as a not-for-profit organization in service to adopted and foster children. The proclamation also heralds Families in Bloom, a free family event that celebrates the anniversary and demonstrates how strong families help build strong communities.

Families in Bloom takes place Saturday, April 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at St. John’s Banquet and Conference Center, 22001 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan, 48975. Free and open to the public of all communities, the event includes workshops for adults and activities for children. The event also honors individuals whose work and support have made Spaulding for Children an important resource for children and families. Spaulding was founded in 1968 with the goal of finding a permanent family for every child who needs one.

Four awards will be presented to commemorate the 50th anniversary. They include:

  • “The John and Betty Barfield Angel Award”— Mr. Barfield’s wish was for SFC to have the resources to fund 100 adoptions annually and started the Partners Endowment Campaign.
  • “The Robert ‘Bob’ and Marjorie Daniels Lighthouse Award” – Mr. Daniels was a charter board member and a beacon, bringing many companies and individuals to support SFC.
  • “The Mike Lucci Ambassador Award” – Mr. Lucci was an ambassador for the children and SFC for more than 30 years, raising over a million dollars through his annual golf outing.
  • “The Dave Thomas Spirit of Adoption Award” – Mr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping children get adopted. SFC continues to work with his foundation, supported by Wendy’s franchisees.

Fox 2’s Huel Perkins emcees the Families in Bloom awards ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. Among the honorees and dignitaries in attendance will be Detroit Lion’s legend Mike Lucci.

Sponsors include Wendy’s Detroit Area Franchisees, the Michigan/Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services, Annette & Company School of Dance, and Health Alliance Plan. Joining them are Meijer’s, English Gardens, and Big Families.

Families in Bloom Timeline:

  • Noon to 2 p.m. – Southfield Fire Department Safety House
  • 1 – 2 p.m. – Meet Detroit Lion’s official mascot, Roary
  • 2 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
  • Noon to 2 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m. – Workshops
  • 1 – 4 p.m. – Raffle Pulls on the Hour

Workshops:

  • 12:30 p.m. – Spaulding for Children Presents Basics of Foster Care
  • 1 p.m. – JVS presents Families Financial literacy
  • 1:30 p.m. – Wellness Plan presents Puberty
  • 3 p.m. – CARE House of Oakland County presents Keeping Kids Safe from Abuse

Activities Throughout the Day:

  • Author readings by Theresa Baker of “Josie’s Bedazzled Shoes” and LaTashia M. Perry of the “Kids Like Mine” series
  • Kids First Initiative will present activities to introduce children to the excitement of science with Richard Bell.
  • Ascension Providence Hospital will conduct free health checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, and Body-Mass Index (BMI).
  • Southfield Public Library will host readings and children’s activities.
  • Southfield Police will discuss public and community safety.
  • Southfield Parks & Recreation will distribute information about summer programs.
  • Southfield Fire Department will provide fire safety information and demonstrations
  • Annette & Company will hold dance performances and demonstrations.

In addition, other organizations and exhibitors will present resources and opportunities for families and children.

About Spaulding for Children

Spaulding for Children is a national leader in developing and providing resources and training for foster and adoptive families and those who serve and support them. Started in 1968 with the belief that every child is adoptable, Spaulding brought attention to foster children with special needs. Today Spaulding provides research-based training and education for those interested in becoming adoptive and foster parents in addition to partnership projects funded through the Michigan DHHS and the Children’s Bureau and parenting and preventive support program for young women who are pregnant or young mothers between the ages of 13-24 children with risk factors for child abuse and neglect. Spaulding for Children prevention program includes assistance, coaching and mentoring for the most vulnerable parents and have achieved a significant success rate in keeping families intact. 

# # #

Spaulding for Children

16250 Northland Dr., Ste. 120

Southfield, MI  48075

www.spaulding.org

www.facebook.com/spauldingforchildren

U-SNAP-BAC Music on the Green Celebrates Detroit Community and Its Living Infrastructure

U-SNAP-BAC MUSIC ON THE GREEN CELEBRATES DETROIT COMMUNITY, INVITES PUBLIC INPUT ON A LIVING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE

DETROIT, Sept.5, 2017 – The public spotlight will turn on a unique development that features living infrastructure when U-SNAP-BAC presents Music on the Green, Sept. 24 in Detroit.

U-SNAP-BAC (United Streets Networking and Planning; Building A Community), a not-for-profit organization incorporated to revitalize the east side of Detroit, presents Music on the Green in answer to community interest that was sparked after the initial announcement of phase one planning for their Barham Farmway & Greenway project earlier this year.

Music on the Green runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24 on Barham Street between Mack Avenue and Windsor Street. The  event is designed to bring community members together and introduce to them the future possibilities for the Barham Farmway and Greenway.

The free, family friendly event features food and music and is designed to celebrate community. It kicks off with grower demonstrations and flower bulb planting, followed by a brief presentation about the Barham Farmway & Greenway development. Concert performances follow from Straight Ahead and The Sun Messengers.

Music on the Green is possible thanks to the generous support of Enterprise Community Partners. The Barham Farmway & Greenway Project is being developed by U-SNAP- BAC with  support from The Kresge Foundation. The project will transform Barham Street into an asset that connects the neighborhood and provides agricultural opportunities for local growers.

During Music on the Green, all members of the community are invited to review, comment, and vote on potential ideas from community members & technical teams who will present several ideas for the first phase of the project.

Music on the Green Schedule

  • 1:00-1:30 pm:  Grower Demonstrations & Flower Bulb Planting
  • 1:30 pm: Welcome & Barham Vision Presentation
  • 2:00 pm: Straight Ahead, featuring eclectic, soulful, jazz, Latin & jazzy hip-hop
  • 3:30 pm: The Sun Messengers, Detroit’s favorite dance band with Motown and more

​Music on the Green takes place rain or shine. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs.  Parking will be available on Lakepointe and Beaconsfield & vacant lots as directed. More information is available at www.usnapbac.org and (313) 640-1100.

About The Barham Farmway & Greenway & Project

U-SNAP-BAC, with support from The Kresge Foundation, is developing a plan to eliminate dumping, improve safety, and create an asset that connects the neighborhood to active recreation and agricultural opportunities on Barham. Community members and technical teams are currently researching and designing ideas for the first phase of the project.

About U-SNAP-BAC

U-SNAP-BAC (United Streets Networking and Planning; Building A Community) was incorporated in 1987 by a consortium of seven (7) neighborhood organizations and four (4) business associations to revitalize the east side of Detroit. The organization is designed to promote economic growth and neighborhood improvement through coalition building, resource development, joint planning and programming.

Programs include classes in home buying and ownership, home repair, rehabilitation of vacant properties, demolition of unsafe structures, as well as infrastructure repair, new home development and affordable rentals. Since 1987, U-SNAP-BAC has completed more than 1000 home repairs, rehabbed 65 vacant structures and constructed 131 units of affordable rental and single family homes for low and moderate income families.

U-SNAP-BAC currently serves as an intake center for the City of Detroit 0% interest Home Repair Loans.

U-SNAP-BAC provides training for potential homebuyers to prepare them for their first home; how to qualify for a mortgage, understanding predatory lending, how to read a credit report and what it means to be financially fit and avoid foreclosure.

Staff are HUD and MSHDA certified counselors and are available for one-on-one sessions, as well as group sessions to equip homebuyers and homeowners with the tools necessary to acquire and maintain the home of their dreams.

# # #

 

Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Raises Over $500,000 for Detroit PAL

14th ANNUAL PAUL W. SMITH GOLF CLASSIC RAISES OVER $500,000 FOR DETROIT PAL

·         Net proceeds from the 14th Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic on Aug. 7, 2017 exceed $500,000 for Detroit PAL programs

·         Paul’s PALs contributions, designed for the public to participate in the event, were nearly $60,000 and included a match from Farm Bureau Insurance

·         The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic, the largest fundraiser for Detroit PAL, has raised nearly $6M in net proceeds to date and supports 13,000 PAL participants annually 

DETROIT, August 10, 2017 – The 14th annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic raised just over $506,000 net for Detroit PAL, bringing the total financial contribution to nearly $6M net since 2004. Monies go directly to Detroit PAL athletic, academic and leadership programs which have expanded through the event’s support to reach 13,000 young people living in the City of Detroit.

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic, held at the historic Detroit Golf Club, featured a day of golf, camaraderie and dining and was attended by 270 corporate and community representatives. Event proceeds were raised from sponsorships and individual contributions of nearly $60,000 to Paul’s PALs which were matched by a match from Farm Bureau Insurance.

“The goal of the tournament since the beginning is the check we write to Detroit PAL,” Paul W. Smith, said.  “We are thrilled that the corporate community and the many caring individuals we have been able to bring together over the last 14 years have now raised nearly $6M in net proceeds for Detroit PAL. Thanks to these supporters, I am proud to report Detroit PAL has been able to increase its services and capacity to serve 13,000 of our city’s young people.”

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic is considered one of the region’s most productive charity golf outings and is made possible through the support of sponsors. The Title Sponsor each year is News/Talk 760 WJR and Ford Motor Company is Tournament Sponsor. Joining them as Presenting Sponsors were Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy Foundation, FCA Foundation, General Motors Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales, USA.

Other sponsors are listed at www.paulwsmithgolf.com/sponsors. Individuals can still make contributions at www.paulwsmithgolf.com/pauls-pals-donations.

About The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic is the single largest annual fundraiser for Detroit PAL. Now celebrating its 14th year, the tournament has raised nearly $6 million net since 2004. Since the tournament’s inception, Paul W. Smith, legendary radio personality and talk show host from News/Talk 760 WJR, has championed the event, serving as a dedicated event chair and sponsor solicitor. Corporate and community support includes Title Sponsor, Cumulus Media’s News/Talk 760 WJR; and include Tournament Sponsor Ford Motor Company, Presenting Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy Foundation, FCA Foundation, General Motors Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales, USA. For more information, and to view a complete list of sponsors, visit www.paulwsmithgolf.com.

About Detroit PAL

Detroit PAL is a nonprofit organization positively impacting the lives of over 13,000 children each year through athletics, academic and leadership development programs with roots dating back to 1969. Detroit PAL empowers the community by training volunteer coaches and creating safe places for kids to play. Each year, Detroit PAL teaches nearly 1,700 caring community members how to be encouraging and effective mentors. For more information, please visit www.detroitpal.org

# # #

Mahindra 2017 Urban Agriculture Grants and Summer Music Concert

MEDIA ADVISORY: NEW EVENT DATE

Mahindra 2017 Urban Agriculture Grants and Summer Music Concert – July 27

WHAT:                  

Mahindra will present over $100,000 in support to local non-profit organizations engaged in urban agriculture. Following the presentation Mahindra kicks off a music series in a working garden in downtown Detroit.

WHERE:    

Lafayette Greens
132 West Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Near the intersection of W Lafayette Blvd and Shelby St

WHEN: 

Thursday, July 27, 2017
5:30 – 6 :00 p.m. Media Opportunity with Mahindra representatives and grantees.
7:00 p.m. Presentation to charities preceding concert.

WHO:     

Mahindra is the world’s largest tractor company by volume and the third in the US.

Their North American technical center opened in Metro Detroit in 2013.

Later this year, Mahindra will announce a facility which will be the first new automotive assembly facility in Metro Detroit in 25 years.

The Greening of Detroit’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for Detroiters by planting trees, repurposing the land to create beautiful and productive green spaces and helping communities rebuild neighborhoods one lot at a time. Recipient of Mahindra Urban Agriculture grants, they also are the beneficiary of the concert series starting July 27.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:

Mahindra is a driving force in urban agriculture. Detroit has become known for its urban agriculture initiatives and their impact on reviving the city.

Since 2015 Mahindra has donated over $300,000 in cash and equipment to support sustainable farming and gardening in the city of Detroit.  Mahindra grants to date have provided Detroiters with over 1 million pounds of fresh produce and distributed more than 200,000 seeds and seedlings across 1,600 Detroit gardens.

Mahindra Summer Music Series

Concerts take place Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in Lafayette Greens. The music series benefits The Greening of Detroit. Concerts are at 7 p.m. on July 27 (Asamu Johnson  & The Associates of the Blues), and August 24 (Samantha Farrrell) Tickets are $10 and available at tiny.cc/mahindra-concerts or on site.

About Mahindra Automotive North America

Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) is Mahindra’s North American automotive headquarters.  In addition to leading all North America activity, MANA is a comprehensive automotive design, engineering, and vehicle development center.  Established in 2013 and located in Troy, Michigan, MANA’s team of veteran executives, engineers and designers, working with affiliate Mahindraautomotive teams in India, Korea and Italy, is playing a key role in growing Mahindra’s global automotive business. Visit: www.mahindranatc.com

About Mahindra

The Mahindra Group is a USD 19 billion federation of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, nurturing new businesses and fostering communities. It has a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services and vacation ownership in India and is the world’s largest tractor company, by volume.  It also enjoys a strong presence in agribusiness, components, commercial vehicles, consulting services, energy, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, steel, aerospace, defence and two wheelers. Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 200,000 people across 100 countries. Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise.

 

 

 

 

 

Landscapes to Dreamscapes:

Visions by Two Artists Opens May 20

GROSSE POINTE, Mich., April 27, 2017 –  Two artists shared their visions of things observed and imagined in an exhibit entitled Landscapes to Dreamscapes.  The art of Roselyn Rhodes and Linda Allen is on exhibit in downtown Mt. Clemens from May 20 through June 4.

The exhibit runs May 20- June 4 at The Loft Fine Art, 81 Macomb Place, Mt. Clemens, 48043. There is a complimentary opening night reception with refreshments with the artists on Saturday, May 20 from 6-9 p.m.  The Loft Fine Art is open Mondays- through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.

The artists will also be in the gallery on June 4 from noon to 5:00 p.m. which coincides with the Art! Macomb- Mt. Clemens Art Fair running June 2-4, 2017.

Rhodes and Allen are Grosse Pointe residents and Allen is a native of Mt. Clemens. This is their first collaboration.

To learn more about the artists, visit www.artwithrose.com for information on Roselyn Rhodes and contact Linda Allen at lindaalleninmi@yahoo.com.

 

Pro Musica of Detroit presents New Music Detroit

In concert Friday, May 5, 2017 at The Max       

DETROIT, April 17, 2017 – Experience the art of music at its finest and most contemporary when Pro Musica presents New Music Detroit on Friday, May 5, at the Cube in the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. Presenting a repertoire of modern and contemporary classical works, the concert program begins at 7:30 p.m.

New Music Detroit is an incredible ensemble comprised of top talents from the professional, classic music ranks. Calling themselves a “musical collective, more than a formal ensemble,” New Music Detroit’s primary members are Vicky Chow, piano; Gina DiBello, violin; Ian Ding, percussion; Una O’Riordan, cello; Shannon Orme, clarinets; and Erik Rönmark, saxophones.

Each a virtuosic musician, the artists are active soloists and members of leading symphonies, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the cultural and academic worlds. Specializing in chamber works from the late 20th century to the present day, New Music Detroit was honored as a Kresge Arts Fellow in 2014.

New Music Detroit has been hailed as the flagship new music ensemble in the region. The ensemble regularly draws upon super-talented guest artists from in and around Detroit and Southeast Michigan, as well as the broader new music community. The group has developed a loyal following of young fans. Along with other leading Detroit-area performing arts and cultural organizations, they have produced and performed “Strange, Beautiful Music,” now an annual tradition at Orchestra Hall, drawing hundreds of young new/contemporary music fans every year.

“Pro Musica presents New Music Detroit” will be held in the intimate Cube at The Max on Friday, May 5. Individual ticket prices are $45 for Cabaret Table Seating; $25 for Theater Seats; and $10 for Student Tickets (and school drivers). VIP seating with valet parking are $90 each. Tickets are available by calling the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Box Office, (313) 576-5111, and online at DSO.org. All tickets include an Afterglow reception with the artists in the Orchestra Hall Atrium. Concert doors open at 7 p.m. An informal pre-concert presentation begins at 7:15 p.m.

The performance by New Music Detroit represents the final concert in the Pro Musica of Detroit 2016-2017 season, the not-for-profit cultural institution’s 90th concert season. The 2016-2017 season also included concert performances by the Escher Quartet in September, 2016 and the Poulenc Trio in March of this year. For details, please visit promusicadetroit.com.

About Pro Musica of Detroit

Now entering its 90th season, the mission of Pro Musica of Detroit is to present artists and works at the forefront of classical music. Many of the world’s most eminent names in music, including composers Béla Bartók, Maurice Ravel, Aaron Copland, Michael Daugherty and Kristjan Järvi, and performers who include Joshua Bell, Ray Chen, Paul Huang, Amit Peled, Ivan Moshchuk and Cuarteto Latinoamericano, have given our audiences a deeper appreciation for the wonder that is music and the artists who make it possible. Pro Musica of Detroit is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about Pro Musica of Detroit, please visit promusicadetroit.com.

# # #

 

 

N E W   M U S I C   D E T R O I T

 

Vicky Chow, piano

Gina DiBello, violin

Ian Ding, percussion

Una O’Riordan, cello

Shannon Orme, clarinets

Erik Rönmark, saxophones

 

Program

Karakurenai                                      ANDY AKIHO (b. 1979)

Number 9                    GABRIELLA SMITH (b. 1994)

Gravity                  HADI AYANBOD (b. 1980)

Mara’s Lullaby (from Tight Sweater)               MARC MELLITS (b. 1966)

Prime                                  MARC MELLITS

Learn Winning Strategies to Attract, Motivate and Retain Top Talent

Special Program May 16 at Kart 2 Kart

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., April 27, 2017 – The keys to attracting, motivating and retaining top talent in today’s business world are on the agenda at an innovative event May 16 at Kart 2 Kart. Other items on the itinerary cover creating new opportunities, setting mutually beneficial goals and making fun at work and in personal life.

“How to Attract, Motivate and Retain Top Talent” addresses the pressing challenges of building and maintaining winning professional teams in today’s tumultuous job market. Designed as an evening of networking and fun for business owners and executives, the event features a brief program about ways to attract, motivate and retain top talent

Business owners working to build strong teams may be surprised to learn that more than half of employees are dissatisfied and seeking their next job. Gallup Research also found that a lack of professional development and career growth is the new number one reason employees leave a company in today’s market.

In order to stop the loss of seasoned talent, attendees will discover innovative ways to reward employees, motivate staff, and strengthen teams through shared experiences.

One way to accomplish that is changing the way a business owner may look at travel. Representatives from Royal Caribbean Cruise will illuminate the benefits of changing how one thinks about travel from a method of transport to a means of attracting and incentivizing top talent.

“How to Attract, Motivate and Retain Top Talent” takes place 5:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16 at Kart 2 Kart Karting and Conference Center, 42705 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, Mich. Cost of the program is $20 for two guests and includes beer, wine and hot hors d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities. Guests can register online at  www.elitesuccesspartners.com/event/how-to-attract-motivate-retain-top-talent/.

Among the evening’s topics is how the building of a culture of fun and energy helps retain great talent. Demonstrating that fun, guests will be invited to drive Kart 2 Kart’s Pro Karts modeled after racing karts, the same style that professional drivers started out in. Powered by a Honda 6.5 horsepower engine, drivers can achieve speeds upwards of 35 mph on a 1/5 mile, 6-turn road course.

The event is a collaboration between Elite Success Partners, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, KEO RIS Marketing and Kart 2 Kart Karting and Conference Center.

About Kart 2 Kart Indoor Karting & Conference Center

Kart 2 Kart offers the latest in indoor racing technology in a safe, clean and authentic racing atmosphere. The track is operated using the most current professional motor sports safety systems, including warning lights, soft barrier systems, enforced driving standards, and an automatic computerized lap timing system. Drivers are fully briefed on the equipment they use and track safety and the entire circuit is overseen by the trained Kart 2 Kart staff.

# # #

 

 

Alger Theatre Adds New Rooftop Terrace

DETROIT, Feb. 8, 2017 — Friends of the Alger Theater are about to take their mission to create a welcoming destination for arts and culture in the City of Detroit to another level. The organization announced today that it has commenced construction of a new Rooftop Terrace that will debut this year.

Construction on the Alger Rooftop Terrace is expected to last through spring of 2017. The new open-air, elevated patio will serve as a public gathering space for outdoor films, performances, party rentals, meetings and a place to enjoy the company of friends and neighbors. The Alger Rooftop Terrace is scheduled for public debut in mid-June.

The new project marks the next phase of the non-profit group Friends of the Alger Theater’s mission to activate and restore the theater and establish a welcoming destination all members of the community. Volunteers and loyal donors have paved the pathway over the past 30 years in order to make this project to be possible.

This phase of The Alger Theater reactivation is made possible through a number of funders and agencies. Fundraising kicked off a 2015 Patronicity campaign through a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Funds raised from individuals  were matched by the MEDC. The Lear Corporation provided the balance of dollars required for design and permitting this first phase construction. To date $200,000 has been raised for the rooftop terrace and related construction.

The project includes the face of the East Warren storefronts which will be available for rent. Additional funds are needed to prepare the storefronts for commercial tenants. Specifically funds are needed for the installation of electric, plumbing, heating and the build-out of the interior spaces. Tax-deductible donations can be made at www.algertheater.org.

The construction project is overseen by D&S Contractors of Berkley. The theater has national, state and local historic designation requiring the appearance of the exterior of the building is to remain in character with the original 1935 design. The Friends have used historic photos as a reference for selection of new materials since none of the original architectural plans are known to exist. Any remaining fixtures or architectural details that may be original to the building will be archived to provide visual reference for the future.

The mission of The Friends of The Alger Theater is to activate and restore the Alger Theater and establish a welcoming destination for arts, entertainment, and education in the community.  The revitalized Alger Theater is intended to become the neighborhood catalyst driving new commercial, social, and cultural development to advance a vibrant community. More information is available at www.algertheater.org.