The Parade Co. in Detroit has named Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and sportscaster Mike Tirico as grand marshals for the 98th America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White.
“Daniel J. Loepp, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and Mike Tirico are extraordinary individuals, and we are thrilled to have them as our grand marshals for America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White,” says Tony Michaels, president and CEO, of The Parade Co. “Their remarkable efforts here and around the country are inspiring and they are all so deserving of this honor.”
Loepp, president and CEO of BCBSM since 2006, is one of Detroit’s most visible and active business and philanthropic leaders. He is a longtime supporter of The Parade Co. and served as its chairman.
Under Loepp’s leadership, BCBSM committed $1.56 billion to the independent Michigan Health Endowment Fund more than 18 years. The company also committed $5 million to the city of Detroit’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund to invest in revitalizing the East Warren-Cadieux neighborhood where Loepp grew up.
“As a born-and-raised Detroiter who leads a company proudly headquartered in the city, being named a grand marshal for America’s Thanksgiving Parade is an incredible honor,” says Loepp. “This parade is more than a celebration; it’s a cherished tradition that brings together families, friends and communities from across the nation. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an event that has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s cultural fabric for decades.”
Stabenow has served the people of Michigan for more than 50 years as an Ingham County commissioner, a state legislator, a member of the U.S. Congress, and the senior Michigan U/S. senator since 2001.
“America’s Thanksgiving Parade has been a wonderful part of my family’s traditions over the years, so this honor is especially meaningful,” Stebenow says. “Detroit is a one-of-a-kind community, and this parade is a one-of-a-kind parade. I have so much to be thankful for and am grateful for this opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with Detroiters and Michiganders across the state.”
Tirico, who resides in Ann Arbor, is one of America’s most recognized sports announcers. He is the lead play-by-play announcer of the NFL’s “Sunday Night Football” on NBC and primetime host of the Olympics on NBC. Tirico has covered and announced nearly every major sporting event in the world including the Winter and Summer Olympics, NHL’s Stanley Cup Finals, “Monday Night Football,” The Kentucky Derby, the NBA, NCAA college basketball, and the U.S. Open golf tournament.
“What an honor to be asked to join two true great Michiganders to celebrate this great holiday event,” says Tirico. “Thanksgiving Day and Detroit are synonymous across the country, and it is a thrill to have a front row seat for the start of this special day.”
The Parade Co. also announced this year’s Parade theme, “Miles of Smiles.” And, to further enhance the parade-viewing experience, it has begun sales of grandstand tickets here.
Additionally, the Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot — a pre-Parade tradition in Detroit for more than 40 years — has opened registration for the various races including a 10K, 5K, one mile, and combo events where participants dress up in holiday costumes to run the streets of Detroit. Additional announcements will follow in the coming weeks, for more information, visit theparade.org.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White takes place on Thursday, Nov. 28. It is broadcast live on WDIV Local 4 from 10 a.m.-noon and nationally to millions of viewers across 185 major cities in the U.S.
 President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and sportscaster Mike Tirico as grand marshals for the 98th America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White.){kind=link}