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.

On a lovely, late summer evening, one of Flint’s most popular urban spaces was transformed into an elegant venue for an elevated dining experience. Friends of The Alley hosted 75 guests who enjoyed a plated, multi-course dinner prepared by local chefs Dustin Totten, Anthony Guiett and Andre Rowels (On the Fly Service Solutions). The adventurous menu included Risotto Arancini with Bourbon Pear Compote, Braised Short Rib with Cheddar Andouille Polenta and a Deconstructed Lemon Tart for dessert. Diners enjoyed cocktails and live jazz provided by the Caleb Robinson Trio, then danced into the evening with DJRudeBoi.

Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium recently hosted their 10th Annual Night at the Museum event, themed “The Big Easy NOLA,” celebrating the spirited culture of New Orleans. Over 200 guests enjoyed an evening filled with the distinctive flair of Zydeco music, Creole cuisine, historic architecture and lively nightlife. As the largest and most important fundraiser of the year, the event supports STEM education and programming for both institutions.

Officially kicking off the 2024 high school football season, the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic was played at two venues for the first time since its inception. This year’s match-ups took place at Grand Blanc High School’s Don Batchelor Field on August 29 and Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium August 30.

The weather was fantastic this year for the 7th Annual Ally Challenge, once again drawing crowds for an exciting week of competitive golf, charitable initiatives and fan-favorite activities.

Once again, the electronic music scene was in full effect as this unique and popular event achieved its mission: Free music for the people!

Produced by Greater Flint Arts Council, the Flint Jazz Festival continued its longstanding tradition this summer, but at a new location due to river renovations in Downtown Flint to prepare for Genesee County’s first state park.

A five-day extravaganza celebrated 20 years of uniting Greater Flint with guests from all over the country for the love of the automobile. The schedule included a car show and concert at Birch Run Speedway, the 15th annual “Bricks Flicks” movie and Swap Meet at US23 Drive-In, the ever-popular rolling cruise from Flint to Grand Blanc, and a Downtown Flint Cruise N’ Concert featuring the Chicago tribute band, Old Days.

Following an opening ceremony with the National Anthems of The United States and Lebanon, another free, family-friendly summer festival was under way! The 15th annual celebration of Lebanese culture featured homemade Mediterranean cuisine including Kibbee, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Hummus, Baked Meat and Spinach Pies, Tabouli, Shawarma, Falafel, Baklawa and Honey Balls. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed performances by Arabic folk dancers, belly dancers, live music, kids games, a beer tent and huge fireworks shows on Friday and Saturday nights.