Warm Embrace Of Judson Center’s Virtual Gala Reflects Strength Of Donor Support For This Nearly 100-Year-Old Human Service Agency

Press release from the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce:

Farmington Hills, Mich. — The embrace is virtual, but the love is real as Judson Center tallies exceptional support from donors and friends for its Night to Embrace gala on October 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. With TCF Bank as the title sponsor, and TCF Vice Chairman David Provost as the gala chair, the generous support of the virtual event is critical for continuing the human service agency’s mission to support Michigan children and families – and individuals in crisis. Amid a pandemic, Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster looks at the annual event – that brought 650 people together in 2019 – in a new light.

“Our creative team has done an outstanding job of developing a virtual event that mixes new concepts like delivered gourmet meals and ‘quarantini’ drinks with traditions like a fast-moving live auction,” Hardy-Foster said. “But there’s no denying a different energy in gearing up for a virtual event rather than an in-person event of hundreds where we really could embrace and celebrate the Judson Center mission and successes. That’s why this year, the generous support from sponsors and donors tells me that a gala is the icing on the cake – it’s the commitment to the mission by longstanding supporters –and a few new donors, too—that truly makes the celebration, whether up close or at a distance.”

Depending on the level of participation, sponsorship and ticket packages include gourmet meals delivered to the home (within a 50-mile radius of Troy, Michigan), quarantine cocktail kits, and the chance to win a $1,000 Visa gift card. A complete list of sponsor packages and the opportunity to purchase virtual ads for the program can be viewed here. Auction items can be viewed here.

For more information about A Night to Embrace or available sponsorships, please visit https://www.judsoncenter.org/events/judson-centers-gala/ or contact Nick Papadas at nick_papadas@judsoncenter.org or 248.554.6361 or Katie Groves at Katie_Groves@judsoncenter.org or 248.554.6435. A video promoting the gala can be viewed here.

A Night to Embrace Virtual Gala:

• When: Saturday, October 17, 2020
• Program: Remarks by Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster; message of gratitude from event chair David Provost, Vice Chairman, TCF Bank, and auction, dedicated giving and grand prize winner announcement
• Tickets: starting at $300
• Order: https://www.judsoncenter.org/events/judson-centers-gala/

Beginning as an adoption agency in 1924, Judson Center is now a multi-county human service agency that provides child and family services including foster care and adoption in tandem with its affiliate, Child Safe Michigan, autism programs, behavioral health services, employment services for persons with disabilities, and primary care for all ages through Judson Center Health.

Earlier this month, Judson Center announced a partnership with The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division to provide behavioral health and drug addiction treatment and post-treatment services and onsite primary care (through Judson Center Health), to individuals at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Macomb facility in Clinton Township, part of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Harbor Light System, which also has locations in Detroit and Monroe. Harbor Light offers an entire continuum of substance abuse treatment services, including in-patient medication assisted detoxification, 14- to 90-day residential treatment, outpatient treatment, case management, peer recovery services, legal aid, and pastoral care.

This press release was produced by the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.