Beyond Basics Literacy Luncheon 2025

Literacy nonprofit Beyond Basics hosted its Literacy Luncheon on May 7 at the Detroit Athletic Club in downtown Detroit. The event honored individuals dedicated to improving literacy in Michigan and across the country. Humanitarians of the Year recipients Yael and Ethan Gross, CEO of Globe Midwest Adjusters, were honored due to their extraordinary commitment to breaking barriers, empowering communities, and transforming lives. The award is in memory of Beyond Basics co-founder Joanne Wagerson. This year’s Bettering the Lives of Children honorees were Frank Venegas Jr., chairman of Ideal Group in Detroit, Carolyn Clifford of WXYZ-TV, and Darryl Woods, chair-elect of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners. // Photographs by Patrick Gloria