Judson Center’s “A Night to Embrace” Gala Raises More Than $457,000 for its Life-Changing Services
Event kicked off “Where Care Is An Art” Campaign & Centennial Challenge
Linda Forte, Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster, Barbara Bickers & Honorary Gala Chair Michael Bickers
Farmington Hills, MI – As Judson Center prepares to mark its 100th anniversary next year, the non-profit human services agency announced the kickoff of its “Where Care is an Art” awareness campaign and Centennial Challenge at its annual “A Night to Embrace” fundraising gala on November 3 at The Henry in Dearborn.
The event raised $457,330 for Judson Center’s life-changing services in autism, mental and behavioral health, primary healthcare, disabilities, foster care, adoption, and mentoring.
A highlight of the evening was the reveal of a short video for the agency’s new “Where Care is an Art” campaign, which shines a creative light on Judson Center’s unwavering care for its consumers.
“We are very excited about this fresh and innovative approach to showing the passion, commitment and impact of Judson Center in Southeast Michigan over the past 100 years,” said Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “This collaboration with Doner Detroit paired talented local artists with Judson Center clients
Judson Center Board Member Steve Ebben and Child Safe Michigan Board Chair Keith Pomeroy
to produce pieces of art that illustrate the clients’ journey from facing challenges to receiving care at our facilities and finally, the positive outcomes. The stories are ideal for this holiday season of caring.”
Additionally, Judson Center launched a Centennial Challenge at the gala, which asks supporters to invite 10 friends to donate $10 in honor of the agency’s 10 decades of care. Both the “Where Care is an Art” video and the donation challenge can be found at www.judsoncenter.org.
The 431 guests at A Night to Embrace were treated to a gourmet dinner, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, a raffle for a Florida getaway, entertainment by Dal Bouey Productions, and dancing. The presenting sponsor for this year’s event was PNC Bank. Michael Bickers, executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank in Detroit and Southeast Michigan, served as the gala chair. CBS News Detroit Anchor Sandra Ali was the emcee for the evening. Gala planning committee co-chairs were Judson Center Board Members Janelle Morck and Olivia McLaughlin.
Next year’s “A Night to Embrace” Gala is scheduled for November 1st at The Henry.
Ryan & Susan Weisberg, Gala Emcee Sandra Ali, Laura & Victor You
Judson Center Board Members and Gala Planning Committee Co-Chairs Janelle Morck and Olivia McLaughlin introducing the Centennial Challenge
About Judson Center
Judson Center, trusted by Michigan families for nearly 100 years, is a non-profit human services agency providing expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, and developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being, and maximum potential. Judson Center also offers integrated primary healthcare for all through Judson Center Health in Warren and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of more than 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. Judson Center has offices in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. Headquarters are located at 30301 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3277. Learn more about Judson Center at www.judsoncenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Daphne Hughes, Hughes Creative, LLC
248.417.4309, [email protected]
Scott Trudell, Chief Development Officer, Judson Center
313.283.1055, [email protected]