BY BTL STAFF
ROYAL OAK – As 2015 wraps up, Ford Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort leaves its philanthropic mark as it crosses the $4.5 million milestone of overall total charitable donations since the festival's inception. This year $255,802 was raised from gate admission, beverage proceeds and other festival sponsored community initiatives benefitting over 60 nonprofit and community organizations.
Adding to its goodwill initiatives, Ford Arts Beats & Eats also connects with the community through programs for veterans, children with autism and an annual food drive. Oakland County Parks' Veterans Admission Program gave 1,400 veterans and family members free admission to the festival. The Fourth Annual Family Days presented by the Autism Alliance program gave 1,100 children on the ASD spectrum and family members a complimentary visit including parking, lunch and unlimited rides. Also, the sixth annual food drive hosted by OUR Credit Union benefitting Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan collected 3,979 pounds of non-perishable items, providing 3,316 meals, in exchange for free admission, while The Deaf Arts festival featured donated booth space to ten deaf artists.
"Partnering with Ford Arts, Beats & Eats is a point of pride for Ford and the Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers," said Amy Marentic, Detroit Regional Sales Manager for Ford. "It provides an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community through involvement in such initiatives as Family Days for Children with Autism while also sharing our newest products with the many people enjoying the festival."
With 385,000 visitors, this year's Ford Arts, Beats & Eats was the third largest attended in its history, up more than 5 percent from last year and trailing only 2012 and 2010. Of those, 122,544 were paid admissions while the remainder consisted of festival patrons whose attendance was gained through a variety of health-related and community programs as well as sponsors, stakeholders and those who took advantage of early admission on the opening day of the festival. And, of significant note, two major festival health initiatives saw an increase in participation as the Priority Health Move to the Beats 5K/10K Walk/Run presented by Life Time Fitness saw an increase to 570 runners from 521 last year; and the Priority Health Zumbathon Celebration had 1,254 participants this year versus 1,216 last year.
"Ford Arts, Beats & Eats has become one of our area's most significant annual events," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. "This Labor Day weekend tradition provides tremendous financial impact for local businesses of all sizes, its numerous charities, participants and partners, as well as for the City of Royal Oak and Oakland County. On top of it all, festivalgoers experience unlimited enjoyment with more entertainment, food and cultural exposure than anywhere else in the area."
This year's festival remains on pace with past years' fundraising, taking into account two initiatives that did not take place. In past years, the CrowdRise Community Challenge and Arts Du Jour charity preview event generated approximately $100,000 annually. Ford Arts, Beats & Eats continues to be a leader in festival-generated charitable contributions.
"Surpassing $4.5 million in donations over 18 years is especially fulfilling," explained Jon Witz, event producer. "It's great to see the success of our community programs, and we thank all of our partners for their roles in making this happen."
Proceeds from the festival were divided among many entities:
Gate proceeds of $107,250 went to 13 participating organizations:
Autism Alliance
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and Macomb Counties
The Children's Center
Detroit RiverFront Conservancy
Forgotten Harvest
The Ted Lindsay Foundation HOPE Center
JARC
Miracle League of Michigan
The Rainbow Connection
Royal Oak Schools Performing Arts Committee
Stagecrafters
Volunteers of America
Ziibiwing Cultural Center
Proceeds from Beverage sales of $81,950 went to 25 participating charitable and cultural groups:
AIDS Walk Detroit
Almost Home
Alpine Blind Skiers
Bat Busters
Empower
Ferndale High School Marching Band
Independent Opp of Michigan
Interact of Royal Oak High School
Ivy House
Lutheran Adoption Services
Milford Huron Valley Lions Club
Muscular Dystrophy
Planned Parenthood
Polish Women Alliance
Royal Oak Dance Team
Royal Oak Football Team, Inc.
Royal Oak Jaycees
Royal Oak Lions Club
Royal Oak Women's Club
Royal Oak High School Lacrosse
St. Mary's Church
St. Paul's Church
Starlites Parent Club
Wish Upon a Teen
Three churches will share $8,580 from festival parking donations:
1st Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak
Royal Oak First United Methodist
Nineteen groups shared an additional $23,395.00:
Bingo Cares
Brooksie Way
COTS
Evangelistic House of God
Paws With A Cause
Royal Oak Arts Commission
Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce
Royal Oak Historical Society
Royal Oak Police Department
Stone Soup Holy Cross
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Take 6
The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund
The Parade Company
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
