Affirmations celebrates new center building

FERNDALE – It was all smiles, and a few joyful tears, on Sunday evening as Affirmations hosted major donors into the new center building. For many of the people at the black tie event, it was their first chance to see the fabulous new home of the LGBT community center for southeastern Michigan.
"It is really amazing," said June Washington. "Who would have thought that we would ever have a center this nice."
"I am just overwhelmed," said Vicky Morter, one of the major donors and a member of the original building feasibility committee that starting meeting five years ago.
The presentations began by honoring the two largest donors, Allan Gilmour and Eric Jirgens, for whom the center in named, and who were two of the four honorary co-chairs of the fundraising committee. Their gift of $1 million represented about 18 percent of the total $5.7 million raised for the total project.
As Gilmour stood in front of the huge glass windows facing Nine Mile Rd., he said, "Ican remember the first meetings of the HOPE fund, where we were concerned that some people may be uncomfortable. How far we have come! Here we are in front of this glass wall, proud of our community and our center!"
Nancy Katz and Margo Dichtelmiller, the other co-chairs, both spoke to the enthused crowd of about 200 people. "This building is the tangible result of what we can accomplish when we work together," said Katz. She said she was reminded of a saying, "Don't be afraid of failing. Be afraid of never having tried."
Caolyn Burdi and Brian Huttienne were presented with special awards for their tireless efforts. Houtienne, an architect, oversaw all the plans and interfaced with the architecural firm. Burdi, who is an expert in building and construction projects, managed all the contracts and payments. Both volunteers committed hundreds if not thousands of hours over the course of the five year project.
George Westerman, the chair of the building committee, honored Executive Director Leslie Thompson with a plaque, and said, "This would not have happened without the vision and leadership of Leslie. We all owe her a huge debt of gratitude."
Thompson returned the heartfelt appreciation when she presented Westerman with an award for all his work. She then surprised him with a special plaque that will be installed in the cybercafe that calls out Westermans' extraordinary contributions, and asks anyone who sees him to thank him personally. That did it. Westerman was brought to tears with that gesture.
The guest list included anyone who had donated $5,000 or more to the capital campaign. Affirmations will have a Grand Opening Celebration June 3 during Motor City Pride for anyone who wants to take a tour of the new center building on Nine Mile.