BROWSING:  Haps

Once again, the Greater Flint community turned out to support Whaley Children’s Center dressed to impress in their fanciest tennies! The annual gala event included a champagne reception, gourmet dinner and many unique interactive experiences. After donating generously through the live and silent auctions, attendees danced the night away to live music by Bluewater Kings Band sponsored by My City Magazine. Funds raised will support Whaley programs that empower and enhance the lives of at-risk foster children in the Center’s care.

Held in the heart of the beautiful Flint Cultural Center, the 56th annual event did not disappoint! Presented by the Friends of Modern Art (FOMA) and attracting thousands of visitors each year, the 2-day event is juried to ensure the highest caliber of established and emerging artists from Michigan and beyond in various genres including ceramics, glass, painting, jewelry, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. FOMA’s mission is to promote interest, understanding and appreciation of contemporary art among the citizens of the region. Funds raised help fund exhibitions, programs and art acquisitions at the FIA.

A sur-really good time was had by all at this event that has become THE annual kickoff to spring in Greater Flint! Attendees of the “Art of Dreams Bash” enjoyed delicious food, a signature cocktail and always-imaginative entertainment including a jam-packed dance party until midnight. Proceeds from the event support museum programming and outreach programs for thousands of PreK-12 students.

On a sunny spring day, soap box cars with names like the Blazing Turtles, the Raider Racers, the Full Send Vipers and the Tower of Pizza took off and sped down the racetrack that started near the intersection of Glenwood Ave. and Fox St. Racers plunged down the road, crossing a bridge over the Flint River and finally ending at the finish line near Kettering University. The annual race is a component of a larger program that provides hands-on STEM learning in a collaborative environment that builds community partnership.

The weather was perfect for a chic evening garden party that featured a strolling barbecue dinner, a mobile-bidding silent auction and live dance music by Nightline Band. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, the Hospitality House at McLaren provides a comfortable and convenient haven with low-cost or no-cost lodging for cancer patients who receive daily treatment at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, as well as their families. The facility benefited directly from the event, with proceeds directed to key programs and other McLaren Flint initiatives that support patients and their families during their cancer journeys.

It’s official – Gearhead Season is underway! Enthusiasts began gathering early on a gorgeous Sunday to admire vehicles of every sort and peruse the automotive vendor offerings including collector products and all-new Back to the Bricks® merchandise. Attendees of the free event also enjoyed a great variety of food-truck fare in the sunshine while DJ Scott Kuhl played tunes to make the fun, festive and family-friendly atmosphere complete.

This year’s event theme was “The Art of Medicine” and the community showed up to support Hurley’s continued efforts as a teaching hospital. Hurley partners with a multitude of educational institutions to provide clinical and non-clinical training. This year’s Hurley Benefit Ball proceeds will establish a Workforce Advancement Fund for training and education necessary to assist Hurley’s workforce with internal career advancement opportunities, deeper training in a particular field of expertise, or to be part of in-house training programs in support of these objectives.

Postponed from 2021 due to the pandemic, the MTA gathered employees and community partners to thank them for helping the Authority make great strides in their service to Greater Flint residents for 50 years. A reception and dinner were followed by a program emceed by MTA General Manager Ed Benning, who introduced the MTA Board of Directors and special guests, sharing highlights of the Authority’s 50 year history and their momentum going forward. The FIM provided pre-program musical entertainment and deejay Peter McFray wrapped up the evening with dance music and more fun.

To support the Humane Society of Genesee County, attendees of this popular fundraiser enjoyed a champagne reception, spirited silent auction bidding and a chef-prepared gourmet brunch. Hosted by Chris and Lisa Roeser, the 23rd annual event also featured a live auction called by CARS 108 radio personality, Lisa Marie. Attendees donated nearly $120,000 with proceeds slotted to purchase a new van the Animal Cruelty Investigator will use for rescues. Sheriff Chris Swanson stopped by to talk about a ballot initiative, ProtectMIPet, which will prevent people who are convicted of abusing animals from owning them, as well as place their names on a public registry.

Hundreds of people gathered in Downtown Flint for an early breakfast with the purpose of honoring those who strive to make a difference in a young person’s life – individuals, businesses, government agencies and organizations. The event is an annual fundraiser for Voices for Children, which works to help victims of child abuse in Genesee and Shiawassee Counties. Sharing the emcee dutiess were Voices for Children Board Member and ABC12 News Anchor, Angie Hendershot, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Congratulations to all honorees!

The Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Induction Class was celebrated with a reception and dinner attended by friends and family of this year’s esteemed honorees. Ira Rutherford presided over the induction of Marty Embry (Basketball), Anthony Holliday (Coaching), Tim Littles (Boxing), Kelvin Torbert (Basketball), Andre Wiley (Basketball), Yvonne Thompson (Basketball), Fernando Smith (Football) and Robaire Smith (Football). The goal of GFAASHOF is to “preserve and exhibit the history of former Flint African American professional, college, city, high school and sandlot players and teams from as early as possible and into the future.” Congratulations to all!

A group of girls gathered for a night of fun, food, fashion and pampering to help families in need. Attendees enjoyed a fashion show, wine tasting, Painting with Carla, makeovers, mani-pedis, facials, line dancing, massage, a goody bag and more. Proceeds will directly support patients and families who utilize The Hospitality House at McLaren – a home-away-from-home for patients and their caregivers who travel to Flint for healthcare.The Hospitality House asks guests for a small donation to cover the cost of each stay; however, one in four guests require financial assistance. This fundraiser helps cover accommodations for those in need, as well as providing food, toiletries and other items.