Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Documentarian Keith Famie Recruiting Sponsors for ‘Detroit: The City of Chefs’
Wixom-based documentarian Keith Famie is offering an opportunity for businesses and foundations to participate in his newest film, “Detroit: The City of Chefs,” and support the work of the Entertainment Arts Department at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies.
The film, which will debut on Detroit Public TV/PBS in the fall of 2024, is now in production and includes clay look-a-likes of some of Detroit’s best-known chefs. CCS is in the process of creating 12 of these full puppet figures that will be used on a custom-created studio set so they can be stop motion animated.
CCS is dedicating a 15-week semester from January-May 2024 to creating an animated story that will open and close the 90-minute film.
“In order for this story to come to life, we need to gain the support from the business and philanthropy community, who are not only excited about Detroit’s and Michigan’s culinary heritage but also appreciate the creative design teachings of one of America’s most respected institutions — The College for Creative Studies,” Famie says.
To view a trailer for the film, visit here.
For more information on how to donate to the film’s production, visit detroitcityofchefs.com.
WCCC District Receives Historic ‘Network to Freedom’ Designation by National Park Service
Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) has received a Historic National Designation for its Underground Railroad Historic programming from the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom.
The historic designation reflects WCCCD’s longstanding commitment to preserving and sharing the history of the Underground Railroad, a network that stretched across the nation that helped guide more than 1,000 freedom seekers.
The Network to Freedom’s National Park Service Historic designation adds to the Wayne County Community College District/Detroit Underground Railroad Site Historic District and was officially designated by the City of Detroit on Nov. 23, 2021, encompassing the Curtis L. Ivery Central Educational Complex located at Third and Fort streets. Freedom seekers knew that Detroit, code-named, “Midnight,” was a place of refuge that eventually allowed them safe passage to Canada, code-named “Dawn.” The Michigan Central Railroad’s Third Street Depot also served as a vital gateway for abolitionist activity because of its proximity to the Detroit River.
The Network to Freedom designation adds WCCCD’s Underground Railroad District History programming as one of the 23 new listings from the 46th round of applications. These listings represent sites and programs in 14 states across the U.S. and Canada, expanding the reach and impact of the Network to Freedom.
“We are honored to receive this historic designation,” says Curtis L. Ivery, chancellor of WCCCD. “And gratified that it will help us expand our continued mission of educating, inspiring, and fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the Underground Railroad’s enduring legacy and celebrating the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and the pursuit of freedom for all.”
Better Made Introduces Wildfire Chili Lime Chips
Better Made Snack Foods in Detroit has released its latest potato chip flavor — Wildfire Chili Lime — a combination of chili pepper and lime flavors on a crinkle-cut potato chip.
The new gluten free chips are available in a 2.75 oz. bag and retail for $2.29 each. The new flavor joins Better Made’s lineup of products available in stores throughout Michigan, as well as in the Better Made Snack Foods online store.
“Our new Wildfire Chili Lime potato chip is a delicious flavor fusion providing a nice balance of heat and lime on our thicker, crinkle-cut potato chip,” says Dave Jones, president of Better Made Snack Foods. “We wanted to introduce a flavor unlike anything we currently offer. The Wildfire Chili Lime is unique and packs a serious flavor punch.”
Meijer Reduces Plastic Packaging in New Partnership with Bolthouse Farms
Grand Rapids-based Meijer says it’s the first retailer nationwide to carry Earthbound Farm Organic Mini Peeled Carrots, packaged by Bolthouse Farms in compostable bags.
The partnership with Bolthouse Farms — one of the retailer’s longest supplier relationships — reflects the company’s preference for offering its customers more sustainable packaging options, says Ron Lovelace, director of produce for Meijer.
“The decisions we make today impact the world we live in, which is why we’re committed to continual improvement through smart partnerships and innovations that benefit our customers and communities,” Lovelace says. “We’ve been clear and vocal with our suppliers that we want to offer more sustainable packaging options, and if they can develop the packaging, we will partner with them.”
The product remains available at Meijer and can be purchased in each of its stores across the Midwest. The packaging is made from 100 percent renewable sources of canola and soy, and is certified home compostable by TUV, a globally recognized leader in sustainable packaging, and is certified to bio-degrade at least 90 percent by 26 weeks and 100 percent by 52 weeks in a backyard compost heap or bin.
Ferndale’s Coeur Restaurant Announces Monthly Wine Experiences
Coeur, a new restaurant in downtown Ferndale, will be hosting monthly wine education experiences led by in-house sommelier Sean Crenny starting Oct. 15.
Each session is designed to offer an enriching 1.5-hour journey through the world of wine, with different themes accompanied by tasting pours of five distinct wines.
“Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a beginner eager to expand your knowledge, our wine classes at Coeur promise an unforgettable and enlightening evening,” Crenny says.
The courses will be conducted from 3-4:30 p.m. on a given Sunday each month and include a lecture, printed class materials, and tastes of five wines. The first five classes will take place Oct. 15, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, and Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, 2024. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased in advance at coeurferndale.com.
Motor Trend’s Frank Markus to Headline MotorCities Nov. 8 Gala
MotorCities National Heritage Area has announced that the keynote speaker for the 25th Anniversary Gala Nov. 8 in the Visitor’s Center at the Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores will be Frank Markus of Motor Trend magazine.
Markus, technical director of the magazine’s Detroit office, will discuss “Trends Driving the Automotive Future.”
In addition to the keynote, guests will be offered dinner, drinks, a silent auction, the opportunity to view exhibits, and stroll the grounds.
Tickets are now available by visiting here. RSVPs are required by Oct. 25.
Ronald McDonald House to Receive New Shuttle Van
Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit (RMHC Detroit) will take delivery of its new ADA-compliant, 12-passenger shuttle van on Oct. 19 at LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC St. Clair in China Township.
The new shuttle van is expected to be the catalyst that will allow RMHC Detroit to serve more hospitals in the Detroit community providing a house and hospitality programs to the families of ill or injured children.
In the last 45 years RMHC Detroit has given nearly 20,000 families a place to call home.
“This van opens the doors to support more families for years to come,” says Jennifer Litomisky says, CEO of RMHC Detroit.
Sky Foundation to Host Fundraiser Nov. 9 at The Henry Ford
Sky Foundation Inc. will host its largest fundraiser of the year on Nov. 9, during pancreatic cancer awareness month, at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn.
This year’s event will be emceed by Guy Gordon of WJR Newstalk 760 AM, and feature researchers from Karmanos Cancer Institute and Henry Ford Health.
Guests will be offered museum admission, a 52-card and wine raffle, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, open bar, plated dinner, and a live auction. There also will be a silent art auction called Sheila’s Studio Stroll, with globally inspired pieces that once belonged to late founder and 15-year survivor, Sheila Sky Kasselman.
Tickets and sponsorships start at $250 and can be found online at SkyFoundationInc.org.
Arts, Beats & Eats Attracts 345K People, Generates $386K+ for Charities
Organizers of the Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Flagstar Bank announced that donations of $386,905 were raised during the 2023 festival, the second highest total since its inception in 1998. Additionally, the festival attracted 345,000 people throughout Labor Day weekend, making it among the top 10 most attended Arts, Beats & Eats in the event’s 26-year history.
“This year’s event was a feast for the senses at every turn, from sounds of various genres of music and sumptuous tastes to sensational artworks, and creative and culturally unique initiatives,” says Jon Witz, producer of Arts, Beats & Eats. “We also enjoyed some amazing weather throughout the entire four days of the festival.
“Together, with our generous partners and a tremendous turnout from the community, we’ve generated a significant amount of funds to support a variety of community and charitable organizations, as well as for the city of Royal Oak and Oakland County.”
The festival has donated a total of more than $7 million, including the 2023 funds, to charitable organizations since 1998. This year’s donations to Royal Oak based charities totalled $130,222, bringing the total donations generated since 2010 to more than $1.38 million for the city of Royal Oak.
Funds were generated by the Labor Day weekend event through a multitude of sources, including gate admission fees, beverage proceeds, festival-sponsored community initiatives, and more.
MiSide to Stage MiHeroes Veterans Day Resource Event Nov. 11
MiSide Community Impact Network, which serves nearly 25,000 clients across Detroit and Wayne County, will host a free Veterans Day resource event from noon-3 p.m. Nov. 11 at Piquette Square (6221 Brush St.) in Detroit.
The nonprofit encourages all veterans and their families to attend and plans to provide food and amenities to approximately 400 individuals. MiSide will honor a decorated veteran at the event, as well as conduct a coining ceremony for all veterans in attendance.
“Truly honoring our nation’s veterans means taking meaningful actions to support them and that’s why we’re grateful to be able to host our Veterans Day resource event,” says Sean de Four, president and CEO of MiSide. “It’s a great opportunity to not only celebrate the many courageous individuals for their unwavering dedication to our nation, but also to provide them with essential knowledge about the life-changing resources available.”
The resource fair also will include live music, free haircuts, and on-site medical assessments, as well as information about the supportive services and programs available to veterans.
Representatives from the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, Humana, SERV and other organizations will be on-site to provide information about their services available to veterans. There is also availability until Nov. 1 to register to take part in the resource fair and interested organizations can secure a table here.
MiSide also will provide comprehensive information about its Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), which provides jobs and workforce development services to homeless veterans, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which provides supportive services to veterans and their families seeking successful independent housing and helping them to live their full potential.
MiSide is seeking the community’s support through monetary donations, as well as purchasing items from the organization’s Amazon wish list that will be used to create gift bags for each attendee. Gift bags will include toiletries, warm winter accessories, basics (socks, t-shirts), blankets and non-perishable food items.
To learn more about MiSide, its mission, and the services it provides or to donate, visit MiSide.org.
For sponsorship or vendor information, contact Laura LeBlanc at 734-672-1363 or laura.leblanc@miside.org.
