Ilitch Companies Foundation Continues its Support of Local Non-Profit Groups

During an August 24 celebration in The District Detroit, three Detroit-based non-profit organizations making a positive impact in the city each received $100,000 from the Ilitch Companies Foundation. This year’s beneficiaries were:

• ‍Mariners Inn, a leading treatment center, nationally acclaimed for its professional approach toward alleviating the problems of homelessness and substance abuse in Detroit. The organization is currently constructing a new facility in The DistricDetroit to expand its services.
• The Coleman A. Young Foundation, founded by Detroit’s first Black mayor, develops leadership skills among youth through college scholarships, mentoring and other support for personal growth and development. The Foundation is currently leading an initiative to honor the former Mayor with a statue in the U.S. Capitol Building. ‍
• Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) presents exhibitions and offers contemporary art programming to connect Detroit and the global art world. MOCAD focuses on art to nurture social change and human understanding.

In expressing gratitude for the support, David Sampson, CEO of Mariners Inn said that “In the field that we’re in, we have to apply for grants every single year to make sure the operations continue. So, when you can be gracious enough and grateful enough and lucky enough to receive these types of contributions, it tells us that people still believe in us and helps us to do the work that we need to do.”

“We wouldn’t be where we are without the community,” said Marie Madison-Patton, co-director and chief operating officer of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. “We’re there to serve the people of Detroit, and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Coleman A. Young Foundation Executive Director Khary Turner said, “The Ilitch Companies Foundation gift allows us to grow the Coleman Young statue initiative. The more community members we can get excited about this campaign and wrap their arms and their resources around it, the more scholarships we’re able to give to Detroit youth.”

The August 24th evening event allowed guests to learn more about community organizations as they mingled throughout the pedestrian-friendly Columbia Street and the historic Fox Theatre, sampling food from area restaurants, enjoying live entertainment, and more.

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“It’s important for folks to come together from our business community, from government, from other philanthropic organizations to make sure our youth have a chance, that all of our residents here in Detroit have a chance,” said Detroit City Council Member, Fred Durhal III.

“Tonight is the opportunity to celebrate those who are champions, who come together to do so much for our community.”

On Monday, August 26, the 16th annual Celebrity Golf Classic hosted by Ilitch Companies Foundation further supported community fundraising efforts.

“The Ilitch organization has called Detroit home for decades, and thanks to the unwavering vision of our CEO, Chris Ilitch, we continue to bring our partners together to make our community a better place today and in the future,” said Joshua Sanborn, director of Ilitch Companies Foundation.

Over the years, the Ilitch Companies Foundation, Ilitch Companies and its affiliates and owners have donated more than $275 million to worthy causes.

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