Chrome & Ice™ 2025 was a thrilling tribute to the “Evolution of Racing”!

For the past 28 years, this event has been vital in raising funds for the Flint School of Performing Arts Seeing Stars! tuition assistance program, ensuring that students can study music, dance and theater regardless of their ability to pay for classes.

Each year, the Genesee District Library celebrates Black History Month by honoring community members for their good work in Greater Flint. Individuals or organizations can be nominated for the honor, and are then chosen by the GDL Black History Month Brunch Advisory Committee comprised of community members, and GDL staff and Board. Selected individuals receive the GDL Award of Excellence, and selected organizations receive the GDL Partner in Progress Award.

In partnership with Communities First, Inc., the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School presented another well-attended celebration of Black history and African American art and artists. This year’s event showcased the exhibition openings of Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist and Visionary and We Loved the Swag: From Black Bottom Until Now by Detroit-based collage artist, Judy Bowman.

The community gathered for a distinguished event themed “Equity, Justice & Voting Rights,” which celebrated Dr. King’s enduring legacy. Presiding over the program was Venetia Petteway, Director of STEM Diversity Initiative and Corporate & Community Engagement at Kettering University. The evening opened with a flag ceremony led by the Urban Boy Scouts, under the direction of Cory Moore, and a heartfelt welcome from UM-Flint Chancellor, Dr. Laurence Alexander. Pastor Christopher Taylor of Antioch Baptist Church gave the invocation, setting a reflective tone as guests enjoyed dinner accompanied by a musical selection from vocalist Jasmine Turman and pianist Coscetia “Coco” Weatherly-McGee.

Hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County, this cherished community tradition honors Dr. King’s legacy by celebrating mentorship, volunteerism and service.

Kicked off on December 5 with the annual pre-party fundraiser at Scooter’s Bar & Grill, this exciting event supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County.

Held annually on the first Saturday in December, this event celebrates the unsurpassed history of Flint area athletic achievement and community service. Nearly 500 attendees enjoyed dinner, followed by an awards ceremony emceed by GFASHOF Board Member, Bill Troesken.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint (BGCGF) marked two decades of life-changing impact with the Great Futures Gala: Strolling through 20 Years of Impact. The event honored the organization’s commitment to providing opportunity and building bright futures for youth in Flint and Genesee County – over 1,500 served in 2024, alone.

“Rhythms of Resilience, Resistance & Reclamation” delivered an unforgettable celebration of multicultural heritage through music, art, dance and storytelling, capturing the indomitable spirit and creativity of diverse traditions. Audiences were spellbound by an electrifying concert where tap dancers and musicians fused the pulsating beats of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Afro-Caribbean and West African music. A special highlight was the tribute to Karen Callaway Williams, honored as the 2024 “Tapology Living Legend.”

The Humane Society of Genesee County celebrated another fantastic fundraising event, with community members rallying together to support the animals of HSGC. Guests arrived for an elegant champagne reception and a bustling silent auction before enjoying a delicious buffet dinner. Auctioneer Ashley Peters kept the energy high as he urged bidders to compete for thrilling live auction prizes, including getaway packages to Mackinaw City and Hilton Head Island, an exclusive dinner for ten prepared by Chef Luis of Redwood Steakhouse, a tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery in Tennessee, and the unique honor of having a pet named the 2025 “Ties & Tails Ambassador.”

Once again, the community came together in a big way to raise crucial funds for the Hurley Foundation’s Breast Cancer Navigation and Cancer Services Funds. These programs provide life-saving support to local cancer patients, helping them access healthcare, pay bills and put food on the table as they undergo treatment and fight to survive.