In 2014 we partied coast to coast and in-between. From NYC to LA to Chicago, Detroit and DC we witnessed that Detroit pride knows no boundaries. The enthusiasm of our guests and host committees reinforces the concept that the Detroit community isn't defined by city limits or geographical boundaries. The coolest part? By coming together, we not only stay connected but  raise money that makes a positive difference for this generation's youth.

Our year kicked off in New York City in April at the "3rd Annual Show Your Love for Detroit" event sponsored by Shinola at the Bowery Hotel. Festive crowds showed up to dance the night away and we had both record breaking attendance and auction sales. 

The proceeds from this event supported the Detroit Achievement Academy's Bus Route, the Alternatives for Girls "Adventure Club", a new reading program at Horizons Upward Bound, and a new class at Racquet Up Detroit. You can see more details on these grants here.

Over the summer BARD supported 12 youth from Child Safe Michigan on a weeklong summer camp experience. This program was created to give their youth a cultural and educational perspective of Detroit by showing them the city's top attractions. They visited the Henry Ford Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles Wright Museum of African American History, the Motown Museum, the River Walk, the Detroit Zoo, Tiger's game and played volleyball at Campus Martius… just to name a few!

Our next stop was in late September in LA where 125 guests gathered at Alchemy Works to socialize over drinks, appetizers and a fantastic array of Shinola products. In early September we met the folks from Detroit Creativity Project at Crain's "Detroit Homecoming". This introduction facilitated a relationship and through funds raised at our LA event, we were able to help 20 new students become empowered and inspired by the art of improvisation. Improv teaches critical thinking skills, innovation, confidence, problem solving and adaptability. 

Early November took us to Chicago where an unbelievable host committee threw our "3rd Annual Motown Throwdown" at the Chop Shop in Wicker Park. Chicago gained some serious momentum and this year was our most well attended event yet. Spirits were high, dance floor full and guests brought it home at the silent auction.

End of November and we were back the party that started it all, "The 8th Annual Gobble Wobble". The evening lived up to it's reputation for being a rowdy Friday after Thanksgiving bash. The festive crowd, mixed, mingled and danced until 2 am to beats by the Dan Rafferty Band. 

We welcomed the holidays in December with our first event in Washington, DC. Shinola generously hosted us at their new location in Logan Circle. The hip DC fashion blog, Necessary & Proper, cohosted this event with us and the chic crowd enthusiastically surveyed the American made goods while sipping on cocktails and reconnecting with old friends. 

2014 took us across the country in search of a good time to raise money to support awesome organizations. In every city and at every event we were invigorated by the enthusiasm and spirit of our guests. You guys are downright fun! We look forward to inspiring projects and more lively parties in 2015. In the meantime, THANK YOU for all your do for us. Together we are contributing to making Detroit a positive place for this generation.

Remember when we told you guys to drink up at Techweek Detroit because the alcohol proceeds were benefitting BARD? Well, because of their generous nature (and your thirst!) we are able to form a new partnership with Child Safe Michigan! We will be sponsoring youth in their foster care program to attend a variety of cultural events over the summer. We're talking a Tigers game, Zoo visit and checking out some of our city's great museums! THANKS, Techweek!!!!

The inagural Techweek Detroit gathered 75+ speakers with 100+ sponsors and thousands of attendees to celebrate all things tech. From start-ups to large, established companies, Techweek pairs visionaries with entrepreneurs to facilitate the continued the cycle of innovation.  Techweek Detroit was a massive success and added to the momentum of Detroit's comeback movement!!!

Our April event, “Show Your Love for Detroit” presented by Shinola, at The Bowery Hotel in New York City was a phenomenal success. We had unprecedented crowds that helped break our previous fund raising records. Together we raised over $48,000, which we will grant to four Detroit non-profits. Because of your support and extraordinary enthusiasm we are able to fund efforts that make a fantastic impact on youth in the Detroit community.  All proceeds from ticket and auction sales will benefit the following organizations:

Detroit Achievement Academy: BUS ROUTE. We are proud to support the daily bus route that brings 25 students from two neighborhoods with failing schools to live & learn within the inspired walls of the Detroit Achievement Academy.
Alternatives for Girls: ADVENTURE CLUB. Last year our support for Adventure Club took the girls whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania and on a service trip to Costa Rica. We cannot wait to see what experiences are in store for the 2014-2015 year.
Horizons Upward Bound: READING NEW HORIZONS. A summer program for 180 high school students from Detroit and Pontiac, aimed at encouraging and improving the development of reading proficiency to provide the commitment and skills required to pursue a college education.
Racquet Up Detroit: The New Class.  We are ecstatic that one of our favorite programs is doubling in size to provide the foundation of athletics & academics to even more Detroit youth. With an equal emphasis on academics and squash, students' lives are changed by access to tutoring and mentoring, as well as community service, college visits, and summer enrichment opportunities.

We are invigorated by our New York-based following and look forward to bringing you more high-quality events in the future. 

Last Thursday, February 27th, we gathered with our partner organizations, sponsors, volunteers, friends and BARD supporters to commemorate over $100,000 in grants made to Detroit nonprofits in 2013. We want to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate this achievement and kick off 2014!!!  We are excited to see what is in store for 2014!!  If you haven't done so already, please check out our giving page to see where your money went in 2013. 

Thanks to all of our supporters who made 2013 a banner year for Born and Raised Detroit Foundation. We granted over $100,000 to worthy nonprofits in Detroit.  At a time in which our city has needed our support the most, you made an enormous change for the better.

1. Detroit Achievement Academy

Providing Bus Transportation to Kindergarten and First Graders

Detroit Achievement Academy is a new Charter School that will be opening this fall in Northwest Detroit. By embracing Expeditionary Learning, DAA will teach subjects through the lens of a broader topic, so students will be learning in the context of the community and the world in which they live. Brightmoor, one of Detroit’s most impoverished neighborhoods, is only two miles away, but due to transportation issues, these children have no way of getting to this awesome new school. By providing bus transportation, we are able to transport these children to a school where they will be able to learn, thrive and forge a new educational path.

We hope that this donation will be the start of a mutually beneficial and strong partnership with DAA. 

2. Summer in the City

Building a Community Garden

Summer in the City is a volunteer organization that focuses on creating summer service activities in Detroit focused around the three P’s: Paint, Plant & Play.  BARD's grant will provide the opportunity to create a community garden near SITC's headquarters in Southwest Detroit. This garden will be a work-space for a dozen high school volunteers each week, and a learning space and food source for 40 campers from Latino Mission Society and local community neighbors.

3. Racquet Up Detroit

Send Students To Summer Camp!

Summer break. You know the drill. Long idle days. Not for the Racquet Up kids!  Because of your support we were able to provide funding to send the RU students to summer squash, art, recreation and academic camps. The best part? The students get to choose which camp they would like to attend!

4.  Beyond Basics

30 Kids Reading at Grade Level in 6 Weeks

Beyond Basics is committed to raising children’s proficiency scores in disadvantaged neighborhoods by getting children reading at grade level or above in only 6 weeks.  Because of your support we were able to provide tutor support to help 30 children accomplish this goal. By teaching a child to read, you not only are expanding their horizons but preparing them for a productive future.

5. Work of Art

Art Supplies to a Classroom for a Year

Work of Art receives requests from teachers looking to integrate art education into their classroom curriculum. Due to budgetary and programming cuts, decreased funding for arts is a widespread issue in the school system. By funding art supplies to a classroom, students have an additional outlet to better understand academic subjects, and also build critical thinking and communication skills. Increased funding to the arts give students access to a well-rounded learning experience within the classroom.

6. Detroit Swims

Teach 30 Kids to Swim

Michigan is fondly referred to at the “Great Lakes State” as we have countless bodies of water and awesome recreational waterfronts. Sadly, many children in Detroit are not able to take advantage of one of Michigan's best assets because they do not know how to swim. The drowning rate of children in Detroit is three times greater than that of children in a rural setting. Because of your support, we are able to provide swimming lessons for 30 children.  This life skill will allow them to be able to enjoy our many gorgeous lakes and rivers and keep them safe.


THANK YOU!!!!!!

In the beginning of March we decided we needed to put out the call to YOU, our followers, to tell US about your favorite non-profits in Detroit. We were curious about what would happen if we put out an open solicitation to tell us what $10,000 would do for your organization.  We were blown away by the response. The enthusiasm and dedication behind each organization illuminated the diversity of positivity that is happening to make Detroit an awesome place. When we started Born & Raised Detroit, we knew that Detroiters have a certain type of gritty passion.  It’s one of the reasons we decided it’s in our fiber to host events across the country to benefit Detroit. Because here or anywhere, Detroiters have a unique alliance to give back to their community.

When the submission process closed we were thrilled to have 27 diverse, exciting, new & seasoned causes to research. Over the next week we read every detailed grant proposal (and we mean detailed!) and narrowed it down to 10 organizations we wanted to get to know better. It took a lot of Little Ceasers, passionate discussion and ultimately tough decisions, but we finally felt confident in scheduling 10 follow-up meetings. For the next two weeks we met with directors, founders and board members of these organizations. We visited facilities and, in some cases, met with the youth that our grant would be benefitting. Needless to say, the whole experience was both eye-opening and inspiring. The following week we announced the Top 5, and on Tuesday, April 9th, we gave away $35,000 dollars at a casual reception at Green Dot Stables.

The recipients are as follows:

1. Ruth Ellis Center, located in Highland Park, is one of only 4 youth social services facilities in the ENTIRE country that serves the needs of runaway, thrown away, at-risk and homeless LGBTQ youth. Specifically, their $10,000 grant request was to support the Second Stories Drop-In Center. The Center is open three days a week  (initially the Center was open for 7 days a week) and for many of these kids this is the only time they will be able to get a hot meal, safe shelter, a warm shower, or have access to other necessities.They serve about 50-60 kids on a given evening.

2. Alternatives for Girls, located in Southwest Detroit, requested funding for their Adventure Club, a previously successful program that had been eliminated in recent years due to budget cuts. AFG provides opportunities for girls to get out of their neighborhoods to participate in activities that teach team building, challenge their own personal barriers and open their eyes to new experiences. The Adventure Club consists of 6 outdoor excursions and 24 hours of educational workshops that can consist of anything from healthy eating to yoga. At the Green Dot Stables reception, they informed us the girls are already in the throes of planning their first 3 day camping trip!!  Also, if you know of anyone who might have an interesting 2 hour workshop topic, let us know.  We would love to share some educational insight from our networks with this program! This $10,000 grant funds the entire Adventure Club.

3. Horizons Upward Bound requested a $10,000 grant to pilot a new Detroit location focusing on a math & science for high achieving students. Since the 1960′s Cranbrook Schools has provided the physical location for this academic program that serves about 180 high school kids from Detroit Public Schools that are operating at a 0% proficiency level. HUB is a 6 week summer program with 24 Saturdays throughout the school year, focusing on improving ACT scores up to the national averages of 21.  Not only does this program give the kids a place to go during the summer and on the weekends, it also focuses on career & college counseling. The new Detroit Campus will begin with 30 students who will participate in the 6 week summer program & 24 Saturdays. The total budget for this project is $15,000.

4. Beyond Basics uses a phonics teaching aid to get  kids reading at grade level in 6 weeks. Instead of falling farther behind in school, these kids are given the tools to learn to read and excel moving forward. A “Beyond Basics” school also has access to arts & crafts, speakers from the community (including DSO performances!) and book binding facilities where kids can turn their stories into actual books. We decided to also donate $5,000 to get 18 kids reading at grade level. It was something we just couldn’t turn down!

So, in the end, we ended up donating $35,000 to 4 amazing Detroit-based non-profits. These organizations could not be more excited to partner with BARD and each other. During our reception at Green Dot Stables, we observed the many synergies available when you get like-minded people all together in one room. For instance, Horizons-Upward Bound is already in talks with Alternative’s for Girls to start an ACT prep course at the AFG facilities.  The most exciting thing is that because of the work of so many Detroiters, all over the country, we can start to see how this Born & Raised Detroit network has the ability to create and connect positivity in Detroit.

THANK YOU!!!!!

Racquet Up Detroit celebrated the new year with a trip to Boston to compete in the Urban Team Nationals, January 18-21. The team format, one of the only team tournaments on the Racquet Up schedule, provided for an exciting weekend of great competition.

Racquet Up Detroit’s 5-player girls squad and 5-player boys squad competed admirably in this year’s tournament held at Harvard University and SquashBusters. With a few students “aging up”, RU players competed in the Under 15 age division. The boys team, consisting of Kevin, J’aMonte’, Zion, Erric, and Trevone, finished 7th overall out of 13 teams, after a 3-2 victory in the 7/8 playoff against Baltimore’s SquashWise. The boys team finished the tournament with a 2-2 mark. Kevin brought his “A” game and recorded three victories on the weekend, losing only one match to SquashBusters’ #1 player.

The girls team, comprised of Armani, Starnisha, Elexia, Eriona, and Tramara, finished 8th out of 12 teams in the Girls Under 15 division. The girls finished the weekend with a 1-3 record. Most impressive, however, is that every Racquet Up Detroit player recorded at least one victory over the course of the weekend—no small feat in a national championship tournament featuring 400 players from 11 cities.

After the tournament, Racquet Up Detroit explored the streets of Boston in full black and yellow. They rode the subway, flagged taxis, hopped on buses, and ran down sidewalks to visit stores, eat out, and snag souvenirs.


Some trip highlights:

- A college tour of prestigious Harvard University

-Visiting New England Aquarium to get acquainted with stingrays and jellyfish

-Climbing atop the Prudential Center-Boston’s best view

-Going to SquashBusters Center at Northeastern University, the birthplace of urban squash  

Thank you to all who support Born and Raised Detroit for helping to make this trip a possibility

As we close the books on Born and Raised Detroit’s first year, we thought it was important to reflect on the tremendous organizations we’ve been able to partner with thanks to your generous support. We also wanted share our goals and vision for the Foundation heading into the new year.

In 2012, we hosted four events in three cities; raising over $80,000 for Born and Raised Detroit Foundation.

In addition to hosting four fundraising events this year, we feel very fortunate to have partnered withseven Detroit based nonprofits that are all making a lasting impact on the future of Detroit.

We’d like to take this opportunity to showcase some of the amazing work that your support has made possible.

Racquet Up Detroit
Racquet Up Detroit is an after school and weekend program that offers school tutoring and scholastic support, while teaching an amazing group of kids the competitive and focused game of squash.

Born and Raised Detroit partnered with Racquet Up to send 10 dedicated students to New York City. Highlights of the trip included competing on a national level against similar programs from Boston, Washington, DC and New York, visiting university campuses and soaking up the culture of NYC.


Summer in the City
Summer in the City has brought together a diverse group of young people to invest their energy in Detroit by volunteering over the summer months.   Summer in the City programs address the immediate needs of city neighborhoods and foster a regional mindset.

Born and Raised Detroit partnered with Summer in the City by providing summer scholarships to The Glazer Summer Academy.  This program offers  students and volunteers the best of both worlds: all the fun of Summer in the City — arts, sports and field trips — integrated with dynamic academics for deserving students.

Work of Art
The Work of Art was founded to address the widespread issue of a lack of funding for art education in classrooms today.  Work of Art provides  the supplies necessary to integrate art education back into their existing classroom curriculum.

Born and Raised Detroit sponsored a classroom in Detroit, providing art supplies for an entire academic school year.

Camp Casey
Camp Casey is a grassroots, nonprofit horseback riding and outreach program for children with cancer.

Born and Raised Detroit sponsored four Horsey House Calls for children and families in the metro-Detroit area.  The Horsey House Calls are often a surprise where the Camp Casey staffers will bring a horse, an arts-and-crafts project and food for a two hour visit in the child’s own backyard.

Midnight Golf Program
The Midnight Golf Program (MGP) is a 30 week empowerment and mentoring experience that teaches life skills including financial literacy, college preparation, community activism, as well as learning to play golf.

Born and Raised Detroit sponsored three students for this year’s 2012 Road Trip to Success where they visited colleges and universities across the country.

Detroit Swims
Detroit Swims is working to ensure that Detroit’s 120,000 young residents will eventually receive YMCA swim lessons before the 5th grade.   The pilot, started by YMCA lifeguards, focuses on early swim instruction techniques that allow a child to become proficient in swim strokes and water safety within only an 8 lesson program. The swim program takes children from a “fear of water,” to early safety skills, to basic swim strokes, to accomplished swimmers in a manner of weeks.

Born and Raised Detroit partnered with Detroit Swims by providing the funding necessary for 30 children to benefit from the 8 lesson program.

oalition of Temporary Shelter (COTS)
COTS is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, as well as comprehensive support services for the homeless and at-risk population. COTS’’ mission is to alleviate homelessness by providing an array of services which enable people to achieve self-sufficiency and obtain quality affordable housing.

Born and Raised Detroit Partnered with COTS by sponsoring a family this holiday season.



2013 will be another exciting year for Born and Raised Detroit.  We plan to host fundraising events in Detroit, New York and Chicago.  Additionally, for the first time, we will be hosting an event in Denver.  Therefore, we’d love to hear from all of you Denver Detroiters if you’re interested in getting involved.

From all of us at Born and Raised Detroit, we cannot thank you enough for your continued support.  We look forward to another eventful year.

Wishing you a happy holiday and healthy new year.

The Born and Raised Detroit Board

Greg DeMars * Lauren Freund * Kristin Holmes * Parker Lynch * Julie MacMillan * Anne Strickland * Scott Strickland * Patrick Thornton * Liz Vollman

Born and Raised Detroit is excited to announce its latest grant. We are proud to support Detroit
Swims, an urban swimming initiative run by the Boll Family YMCA and promoted by 4-time
Olympic medalist Peter Vanderkaay.

Detroit Swims has established a goal to raise more than $100,000 annually. This will ensure that
Detroit’s 120,000 young residents will eventually receive YMCA swim lessons before the 5th
grade. The pilot, started by YMCA life guards, focuses on early swim instruction techniques
that allow a child to become proficient in swim strokes and water safety within only an 8 lesson
program. The swim program takes children from a “fear of water,” to early safety skills, to basic
swim strokes, to accomplished swimmers in a manner of weeks. And it only takes $65 to teach
one child to swim!

Our grant to Detroit Swims came about in a unique way. Unbeknownst to us, two separate
couples getting married this summer chose to support Born and Raised Detroit in lieu of the
traditional wedding favor. These significant donations were a total surprise to us and demonstrate
how much people care about strengthening the metro Detroit community.

Last week, we has the pleasure to visit a Detroit Swims after school lesson.  It was an absolute blast. Next time, we are bringing our suits!