The Bingham Farms-based nonprofit International Heritage Foundation on Thursday will host its annual Heritage Hall of Fame Celebration to honor metro Detroit leaders who have made an impact in the region.
“(The individuals we’re honoring) have done great things for the state of Michigan, the City of Detroit, not just in their profession, but outside of their profession on a charitable level,” says Anthony Rugiero, chairman of the foundation. “(These) individuals have given their time and energy to help one another out to make an impact.”
Rugiero says the honorees who will be inducted into the 19th Hall of Fame Gallery include: Manoj Bhargava, CEO of Farmington Hills-based 5-Hour Energy; Dr. Philip Stella, medical director of oncology at St. Joseph Mercy Health System; Fouad Ashkar, manager of ethnic marketing for Detroit-based DTE Energy; Antonio Viviano, a retired Macomb County Circuit Court judge; and Stephen Vogel, a professor in the school of architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy.
“They came here and worked hard and had nothing and now they’re very wealthy in their profession and they’re giving back on many levels, and so we honor them for their work and generosity,” Rugiero says. “Their success has helped so many people.”
The Heritage Hall of Fame Gallery is a photographic exhibition that hosts more than 100 awardees. The event will be held at the ballroom at Cobo Center from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. For more information, click here.
