September 2018

“If you give a man a fish, he will be hungry tomorrow. If you teach a man to fish, he will be richer forever.” – Maimonides

Throughout our 95-year history, The Community House has clearly demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Birmingham, and to the region. Not only does the venerable Community House meet its mission each year to “impact lives through exceptional educational, social and outreach experiences,” but TCH also offers a “home” to fourteen other non-profit or supported groups; providing bricks and mortar, discounted food and services, a platform from which they too can conduct their important business and deliver on their missions.

Over the years, The Community House has been taught “to fish.” Our enduring legacy has been, and remains still today, to utilize the gifts entrusted to us by others to seek self-sufficiency. It remains a work in progress. The demands for our programs, services, and yes too, our charity – exceeds our precious resources. Yet we persevere.

While not blessed by municipal support, tax dollars or any form of long-term, sustained, outside funding – The Community House has had to learn “to fish.” To take the kind and generous support entrusted to us by others – and learn to become self-sufficient. Each day we strive to be the best stewards of what has been given to us by maximizing our returns and by creating critical fundraising initiatives to fill in the gaps.

A successful fall event season can make all the difference. Please join us at one or more of our signature fundraising events of the year. “If you give a man a fish, he will be hungry tomorrow. If you teach a man to fish, he will be richer forever.”

Birmingham House Tour 2018

The Community House Foundation will host the 31st annual Birmingham House Tour, presented exclusively by Hall & Hunter Realtors from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 13th. This year’s tour offers seven spectacular private residential homes, featuring a diversity of extraordinary architecture and interior design. Super co-chairs for this year’s event are Rose and Brian Bolyard. Sponsors to date include Hall & Hunter Realtors, Gorman’s Furniture, Ethan Allen, Bolyard Lumber, Mercantile Bank, Sterling Development, Prime Lending, Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union and Detroit Home Magazine. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 the day of the tour. For ticket information, contact 248-644-5832 or purchase tickets online at communityhouse.com.

Movie Marathon 2018

The Community House Foundation and the new Birmingham Teen Council are thrilled to present the first annual TCH 18-hour Movie Marathon, beginning Friday, September 14. Join us for 18-hours of non-stop movie watching at the Emagine Palladium Theatre in downtown Birmingham, featuring unlimited soda and popcorn, dinner, a midnight snack and a continental breakfast the next morning. Movie Marathon begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 14, and ends at 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 15. Registrants will create their own personal fundraising page and ask family and friends to help to raise a minimum of $100 to participate. Sponsors of this year’s event include Emagine Entertainment, V2Soft, Inc., Papa Romano’s, Chipotle, Target, Costco and The Community House. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For details on how to register and create your own fundraising page, visit communityhouse.com.

SIP Food & Wine Classic 2018

The third annual SIP Food & Wine Classic, a unique event celebrating exceptional pairings of extraordinary cuisine and fine wines, kicks off on Friday, September 21st. SIP engages the Michigan restaurant and wine community where exceptional area chefs and sommeliers team up to provide food and wine perfection. Participating restaurants include Joe Muer Seafood - Bloomfield Hills, Cameron’s Steakhouse Birmingham, Eddie Merlot’s - Bloomfield Hills, Hazel, Ravines & Downtown - Birmingham (new!), Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Birmingham, Vinotecca Wine Bar and Restaurant- Birmingham and The Community House - Birmingham. Honorary Wine Director for SIP 2018 is Vinotecca Wine Bar and Restaurant. This event serves as a signature fundraiser for The Community House Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization under the umbrella of The Community House. In addition to delicious food and wine small plates stations, a wine-centric silent and live auction will give SIP attendees an opportunity to bid on exciting experiences, wine lots, baskets and more. This year’s supporting sponsors are Emerson-Prew Insurance, Birmingham Shopping District, Tiffany Florist and In-House Valet. Patron Tickets $295, General Tickets $195, and Young Adult Tickets $95 (21 to 30 years of age).

For more information about these events or other experiences at The Community House, call 248.644.5832 or visit us online at communityhouse.com .

William D. Seklar, President & CEO, The Community House and The Community House Foundation.