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.
Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy to Meet in Detroit Sept. 25-29
The Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy is conducting its annual fall conference in Detroit, Sept. 25-29, at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel and will feature homeowners, public site directors, authors, museum directors, scholars, and preservationists from across the country.
The event will include an opening reception at the Book Tower, a variety of speakers on Wright discussing his ideas for a great American city and his built works, and five afternoons touring Wright homes as well as other notable architects such as Saarinen, Yamasaki, and Kessler. The Wright-designed Dorothy Turkel House in Detroit is on the tour.
For more information on the event and the conservancy, visit savewright.org/.
Detroit PAL to Host Swing for the Fences Fundraiser Friday
Detroit PAL will host its third annual Swing for the Fences fundraising event, which gives participants the chance to step up to home plate at The Corner Ballpark and take some swings before heading down to enjoy the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day.
Fans will get 10 swings for $10 with all proceeds benefiting PAL programming. Anyone who drives a ball over the fence will be awarded a commemorative “Ground from the Mound” collectible from historic Tiger Stadium, while supplies last. Pitching and fielding will be provided by the Schoolcraft Ocelots.
New for 2024, baseball fans can watch the Detroit Tigers take on the Oakland Athletics on the ballpark scoreboard. The game will be shown in its entirety and is free to attend. There also will be food trucks on-site.
Marelli In Southfield Develops Controller to Enable Software-defined Vehicle Architectures
Southfield-based Marelli has developed in China an automotive lighting domain control unit platform that is able to control vehicles’ front lights, rear lights, and all new 360-degree lighting features.
In the future, even more lighting algorithms could be further integrated into the light domain controller, the company says. The technology, aimed at next-generation vehicles, will be showcased at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, April 25-May 4, alongside other Marelli advanced technologies.
As lighting functions become increasingly independent from dedicated ECUs, the Software as a Product (SaaP) concept has reinforced the core role of software in the entire lighting system. Marelli’s technological approach supports OTA (Over-the-Air) updates and continuous deployment of new features for automotive lighting software, after the vehicle is in production, according to Marelli.
NKFM Launches Kidney Disease Awareness Campaign During Arab American Heritage Month
The Ann Arbor-based National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) has expanded the reach of its “Are you the 33%?” message to individuals in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities starting April 1, the start of Arab American Heritage Month.
“The MENA community is at higher risk for diabetes, which is a leading cause of kidney disease,” says Dr. Hassan Fehmi, a former NKFM Scientific Advisory Board member and a Detroit area nephrologist who helps people prevent and manage kidney disease. “A lack of data has hindered progress in raising awareness around chronic diseases in the Arab American community. More research needs to be developed.”
Of Michigan adults, 33 percent are at risk for kidney disease, but most don’t know it. Those with diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk for kidney disease. The “Are you the 33%?” digital awareness campaign focuses on reaching and informing those most at risk to take control of their kidney health as well as raising awareness of the risk and relationship between kidney health and COVID-19 complications. In addition to health messages in Arabic on social media, the NKFM website is also in Arabic, allowing access to relevant information, resources, and links.
“Bringing this awareness to the MENA community represents a pivotal moment for our organization, signaling our commitment to innovation, growth, and community engagement,” says Linda Smith-Wheelock, president and CEO of NKFM. “Arabic is the third most spoken language in Michigan. We are meeting that challenge with our translated website, as well as forming partnerships with clinics and health professionals who care for this community.”
Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market Promotes Autism Awareness During April
During April, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market in Clinton Township joins the world in promoting Autism Awareness by collecting donations for Hope Network, one of Michigan’s largest nonprofits supporting Autism services.
It’s part of the store’s year-round commitment to Hope Network and Autism Awareness from sales of its homemade Emma’s Hope sauces created just for this partnership.
Since 2018 a portion of all sales from Emma’s Hope sauces along with donations taken during April have been donated each year to Hope Network as a way for the Vitale family to give back to an organization that helps so many. Co-owner Joe Vitale’s granddaughter Emma, 14, has autism and the family knows first-hand how much the Hope Network does for families across Michigan. With the addition of the 2023 donation, the total-to-date campaign funds raised by Emma’s Hope sauces is now over $60,000.
Emma’s Hope sauces include Marinara, Meat, Alfredo, and Pesto sauces. Each sauce can be served with pasta or used as a base sauce for any recipe, or marinade.
During April Vince & Joe’s Executive Chef Angelo Loria will share recipes using Emma’s Hope sauces on social media and in stores. Prior to the NFL Draft, former Detroit Lions kicker Eddie Murray, who is Hope Network’s director of donor and community relations, will be signing autographs in the store.
Visit vinceandjoes.com for more information.
Detroit Tigers to Dedicate Game to the Kirk Gibson Foundation For Parkinson’s
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is pleased to announce that the Detroit Tigers will be supporting the foundation during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which takes place each April.
The Detroit Tigers have selected the game on Thursday, April 11, vs. the Minnesota Twins, which also happens to be World Parkinson’s Day, as a benefit for the foundation. A special Parkinson’s Awareness Day ticket package is now available which includes a game ticket and exclusive Detroit Tigers + Kirk Gibson Foundation For Parkinson’s Awareness T-Shirt (while supplies last).
In addition, a portion of proceeds will benefit the foundation. The game at Comerica Park starts at 1:10 p.m. against the Minnesota Twins.
The foundation was formed by former professional baseball player and manager, Kirk Gibson, after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. Gibson spent most of his career with the Tigers, but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Gibson is currently the color commentator for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit, special assistant to the Tigers, and spends his time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s and providing inspiration and hope to others who are living with Parkinson’s.
The mission of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs. Over the years and through fundraising, the foundation has created awareness and supported organizations to provide specialized programs for those living with Parkinson’s Disease in Michigan.
Ticket package prices range from $32-56 and can be purchased here.
To learn more about the Kirk Gibson’s Foundation for Parkinson’s, visit here.
