Paint the Town Red- Greater Milan Area Community Foundation 7th annual gala

The Greater Milan Area Community Foundation is excited to announce the 7th annual gala.  This fundraiser is the largest fundraising event for the foundation, yielding over $30,000 last year with 215 guests.  According to the event Chairman, Michael Armitage, one of the several changes this year will be a new theme, "we want to keep this event fresh and fun."  He indicates this year's theme will be "Paint the Town Red," and will encourage attendees to bring out their favorite red attire.

In this economy with increased need for local services and programs, the foundation needs your help to support as many of these worthwhile programs as possible.  This year alone, the foundation has given nearly $25,000 in grants to non-profits in the Milan area, along with scholarships $13,000 to graduating seniors at Milan High School.  Grants issued in 2012 include support for programs such as “Your Spot” for youth, Milan Veterans Wall of Honor, and the Milan Area Historical Society, among many others.  A complete list of grants can be found at www.gmacfmichigan.org. The foundation also administers scholarships for graduating seniors at Milan High School.

The 2013 event will feature a live auction, silent auction, dinner, dance, cash bar, and live music.  We are excited to welcome back WDIV-TV's Andrew Humphrey as our emcee.  For the first time, this year’s event will be held at the The Kensington Courts in Ann Arbor.  “This facility has a great reputation for hosting First Class events, and allows the foundation to decrease cost and labor with staff and supplies on-site.” according to GMACF President Chris Wetzler.  This year promises to once again have exciting auction items.

We need your help to make this year’s event an even greater success.  Corporate sponsorships are currently available.  We are also seeking donations for the auctions, both live and silent.  The GMACF appreciates all of our sponsors and donors, and they will receive recognition for their support.  General tickets are also now available. For more information on donations, sponsorships, or tickets for the event please contact Michael Armitage at 734-474-1574. This is also the first year you can purchase them online at www.gmacfmichign.org. You may also email the committee at ltw@gmacfmichigan.org. Tickets include the admittance, meal, Hors d'oeuvres, and complementary wine.

The concept of a community foundation was first discussed in 2003 when three longtime residents discovered they had a common vision. Soon they recruited a volunteer exploratory committee from the community to look at the feasibility of establishing such a charity. After months of discussion the committee decided unanimously to move forward with the project and a search for an existing partner began. In February 2005, during a meeting in Milan’s historic Old Fire Barn, an affiliate agreement with the Community Foundation of Monroe County was signed and the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation became a reality. Since then, over $150,000 has been distributed into the Milan Community through grants and $50,000 in scholarships.