Spark of Hope Tribute Gala 2025

Life Directions in Detroit hosted its annual Spark of Hope Tribute Gala on April 25 at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms. Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association in Troy and the Detroit Auto Show for 35 years, was presented with the organization’s Guiding Light Award. Patrick A. Rugiero, executive director of the Roman Village Restaurant Group in Dearborn, was recognized with the of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event included appetizers, a plated dinner, entertainment by Michele Ramo, and live and silent auctions. // Photographs by Lindsay Schweickert