by BTL staff
A riverboat cruise on the Detroit River will soon provide 175 guests with a panoramic view of Detroit and Windsor while supporting two local organizations. The Motown Moonlight River Cruise sets sail from 8-11 p.m. Aug. 28 with proceeds benefiting the Motown Invitational Classic and Steppin' Out.
The Motown Invitational Classic is the oldest and largest LGBT bowling tournament in Michigan and will celebrate its 25th anniversary from Oct. 8-10 in metro Detroit. Steppin' Out is a grassroots HIV/AIDS organization that raises funds to disseminate to Michigan service agencies. Every year, they produce AIDS Walk Detroit, which is scheduled to take place Sept. 19 in downtown Royal Oak.
The two groups started working together when they produced their first Motown River Cruise and Tea Dance, which has taken place every June since 2007. Over the years, the Tea Dance has grown in popularity and eventually prompted organizers to coordinate a moonlight cruise.
"The riverboat cruises present a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and funds for both organizations," said Michael Odom, co-director for the Motown Invitational Classic. "Our guests are always diverse and come back year after year to enjoy our annual summer party on the Detroit River. It was very clear from the success of our Tea Dance that we needed to grow our partnership to include an evening cruise."
The Motown Moonlight River Cruise is a three-hour event that offers guests two levels of fun aboard the Diamond Queen, a mini-ship that was built in 1956 and once operated as a Mackinac Island Ferry.
Tickets are $35 per person and include a covered dance floor with dj, glow necklaces, cash bar, 50/50 raffles and special surprises along the way. Tickets will be available for purchase at Five15 Media, Mojo and More or ZMC Pharmacy in Royal Oak until 3 p.m. Aug. 28. Afterwards, any remaining tickets can be purchased at the dock, which is located at Rivard Plaza on the corner of Atwater St. and Rivard St. on the riverfront. Boarding begins at 7:30 p.m. with the boat leaving promptly at 8 p.m.
"We are receiving calls daily from people who are interested in purchasing tickets and want more information about the moonlight cruise," adds Odom. "It's an affordable, fun event that provides another entertainment opportunity for metro Detroit's LGBT and allied communities."
For more information regarding the Motown Invitational Classic, call 734-259-9060 or visit http://www.mictournament.org. Information about Steppin' Out and AIDS Walk Detroit can be found by calling 248-399-9255 or visiting http://www.aidswalkdetroit.org.
River cruise to benefit two area non-profits
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