Advertisement

2018 Affirmations Spring Bash Event Raises Over $165K for LGBTQ Community Center

Affirmations' Annual Spring Bash themed "Celebrate Community" was "truly amazing" this year said Lilianna Reyes, the community center's interim executive director. With over 400 people in attendance, the April 14 event, emceed by Fox 2 Detroit News Charlie Langton, was held at the MGM Grand Detroit raised over $165,000 for the community center in Ferndale.

Events like this help support Affirmations as it continues to provide numerous programs and services that community members rely on. Looking to the future, Affirmations representatives said they hope to expand their current work and grow into new and much-needed programs.

"We have five amazing awards and while we are so fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers, we are so excited to celebrate with these amazing honorees," said Mike Flores, Affirmations' interim president during the event's VIP reception.

It was at this reception that Affirmations board members awarded individuals who have demonstrated longstanding dedication to the community center and given their time and talent. The honorees for 2018 included Kary Moss, who received the Community Hero Award; Anthony Sherman, who received the Jan Stevenson Award; Shazia Siddiqi, who received the Lorna Utley Award; Daniel Fulmer, who received the Charles Moyer Philanthropy Award and "our dear friend and always faithful volunteer" Karen Dorgan, who received the Volunteer of the Year Award, which will now be named after her.

The Affirmations staff was recognized during the event also. They are Angela Sawyers, Finance Director; Becca Budde, Education Manager; Ryan Fowler, Office and Facilities Coordinator; Shelly McCallister, Counseling Program Supervisor; Ian Unger, Youth Program Coordinator; Heather Aymer, Community Resource Coordinator; Kyle Taylor, Development Coordinator and Katie Koch, Development Director.

"We had more sponsors this year than any year before. I was honored to be part of the program to introduce and recognize some amazing Affirmations' volunteers and supporters who received awards," Reyes said. "We are excited more than ever to work with the community during the remaining 2018 year."
Affirmations will host their Fall Fling, its 2018 autumn fundraiser, in October. The event is held inside Affirmations' and will feature live entertainment, raffles, cocktails, hors-d'oeuvres and desserts. For those who have not attended an Affirmations fundraiser, expect an opportunity to see the center in action, welcome the beauty of the new season and get to know the staff and volunteers.

For more information, visit goaffirmations.org.

Advertisement
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
The AIDS Committee of Windsor provides client advocacy, support, harm reduction, health promotion…
Learn More
Directory default
C & N Party Rentals is a full-service rental center providing special events products to…
Learn More
Advertisement