This special champagne brunch and auction is held to educate and raise funds necessary to help care for the animals sheltering at the Humane Society of Genesee County.
Arts supporters and wine enthusiasts enjoyed an elegant evening of sipping and gambling co-hosted by the FIA, the Junior League of Flint and Xcelerated IT Strategies.
Over 900 individuals gathered for the 29th event dedicated to recognizing those who have shown outstanding commitment to the well-being of Genesee County children. A collaboration between Voices for Children Advocacy Center (VFC) and United Way of Genesee County, the event invites the entire community to unite in support of children and to benefit the work of VFC. Since its inception in 1995, the Awards have been a beacon, recognizing individuals and organizations committed to uplifting the lives of children.
With an “80s Retro Rewind” theme, this four-day event attracted groups from the community who united to bowl for kids’ sake. Every year, half a million people across America support this signature fundraiser by having fun and raising money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Coming from 12 different Flint area schools and the Lansing, Saginaw, Midland and Traverse City areas, 320 students participated in the Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (9-12) Categories. With a panel of 80+ judges, three rounds of judging took place including online material submission, in-person interviews at UM-Flint with finalists and non-finalists at their displays, and the Challenger Round (seniors only) that required an intense, long-format interview of the Top 10 projects with a team of judges designed to prepare the students for the international fair.
Celebrating the community’s Irish roots, the Ancient Order of Hibernians hosted its annual event, presided over by this year’s Flint St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal Tim Murphy of Flushing.
Co-sponsored by Dort Financial Credit Union and General Motors with 50 others lending support, the 9th annual family-friendly event was themed “Shake, Rattle & Roll” a tribute to the 1950s. The three-day event showcased a collection of 122 classic and custom vehicles – sports cars, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, and a handful of custom motorcycles filling the two arenas, hallways and mezzanine of the Dort Financial Center. In the lobby, a variety of vintage cars, gas pumps and neon were displayed, with a collection of GTOs taking center stage on the ice.
Presented by the Flint Institute of Arts and Communities First, Inc. this event gathered patrons of the arts to celebrate the exhibition opening for Revolutionary Times. Following an informative talk by the artist – Detroit native Mario Moore – attendees enjoyed viewing the exhibit during a cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvre and live entertainment. Revolutionary Times draws from three bodies of work by Moore; paintings, silverpoint drawings and works on paper that focus on American history and current connections to the past. There are currently 37 works on view through April 14 in the FIA Hodge & Henry Galleries.
For the past 25 years, this event has been vital in raising funds for the Flint School of Performing Arts tuition assistance program, ensuring that students can study music, dance and theater regardless of their ability to pay. Last year alone, the Seeing Stars! tuition assistance program awarded $230,000 to local FSPA performing arts students and their families. Sixty percent of the FSPA’s enrolled families receive support.
On the date of the civil rights leader’s 95th birthday, community members braved the frigid weather and gathered to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Themed “Momentum versus Regression – Striving for a Level Playing Field,” the 45th annual event included an inspiring keynote address by 67th District Court Judge Tabitha Marsh. Elected in 2020, Judge Marsh is the only female currently serving on the City of Flint District Court bench and the only African American female serving on the Genesee County District Court bench. Another uplifting speech was offered by MLK Essay Contest winner, Joshua Tewolde, a 16-year-old junior at Grand Blanc High School and two-time recipient of the Presidential Service Award. He received a $500 prize for his essay entry written on the theme.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County continued a longstanding tradition of celebrating Dr. King’s legacy and message as well as highlighting service, volunteerism and mentoring around the community. Food and fellowship were enjoyed at this inclusive event attended by Little Brothers and Sisters, volunteers, community groups, and civic and political leaders. BBBS Chairman of the Board James Washington addressed the crowd and introduced keynote speaker Shon Hart, Executive Director of InvolvedDad. Also delivering remarks were Lisa Humphrey, BBBS President/CEO and Flint Mayor, Sheldon Neeley.
For over 40 years, the GFASHOF has recognized and celebrated the unsurpassed history of athletic achievement and community service that has been so much a part of the Flint area.