July 2019

It is often difficult to measure the “economic value that non-profits add to our society, simply because the end product of their organizational processes are not tangible products or services, but rather intangible outcomes. However, there is true economic value that non-profits add to our society, and, to mankind.”

In addition to our own non-profit mission, The Community House is also “home” to 12 other non-profit and supported groups in our area that are generously subsidized by The Community House.

In 2018 alone, The Community House provided critical support to these worthy organizations at a direct or lost opportunity cost approaching $1 million dollars. Funds that The Community House covered via its revenue generating opportunities and supplemented by generous donors via our annual fundraising initiatives. It is right. It is what our founders called upon us to do.

Should you be interested in supporting or volunteering for any of these great causes – know that you are needed, wanted and welcome. And remember for every dollar that you gift to The Community House – we split it 11 ways – talks about value and making a true and lasting difference.

Some of the groups who also call The Community House home include:

BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD NEWCOMERS CLUB:

For 70 years, the BBNC (Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club) has been an organization that has made it possible for women who are new to the area to meet, make wonderful friendships and to participate in activities and events throughout the year. Our members represent over 30 countries and they currently live in or around Oakland County.

BIRMINGHAM TEEN COUNCIL (BTC):

The mission of Birmingham Teen Council (BTC) is to bring together students from local schools and provide an opportunity for community service, as well as establish a source of teen leadership in the area by creating a safe environment where students can collaborate and form bonds.

SENIOR MEN’S CLUB:

An organization of active senior men (of sophistication) devoted to the promotion of fellowship, cultural interests and the rendering of community service.

STORYTELLERS GUILD:

To enrich the lives of children through the art and love of storytelling.

THE WOMEN’S CLUB:

The purpose shall be to provide fellowship, programs, and activities for the membership.

BIRMINGHAM LIONS CLUB:

Service To Others – Lions Clubs are recognized for their service to the blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” during the 1925 Lions Clubs International Convention.

ROTARY CLUB:

To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service, high ethical standards in business and professions.

SAVE THE DATE

2019 Birmingham House Tour

The Community House Foundation will host its 32nd Annual Birmingham House Tour, presented by Hall & Hunter Realtors on Thursday, September 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year’s tour offers six spectacular private residential homes, in a variety of design styles and architecture. Co-chairs “extraordinaire” for this year’s event are Rose and Brian Bolyard. Sponsors include Presenting Sponsors Hall & Hunter Realtors, MAISON Birmingham, Gorman’s Furniture, Bolyard Lumber and Detroit Home Magazine. Tickets are $42 in advance or $49 the day of the Tour.

2019 Movie Marathon at The Palladium Theatre

Community House Foundation will host its second Annual 18-hour Movie Marathon with the Emagine Palladium in Birmingham from 1 p.m. Friday, September 20, until 6 a.m. Saturday, September 21. This unique friend and fundraising event engages movie buffs of all ages via an 18-hour movie marathon (if you can stay awake that long!) just like a walkathon, gift pledges will benefit The Community House’s children's programs and services. For accumulative pledges of $100 (or more) per moviegoer, complimentary all you can eat/drink popcorn and soda, swag bag with goodies, dinner, lunch and breakfast will be included.

2019 Octoberfest – Beer, Burgerz and Brats

The first Annual Octoberfest 2019 will be held at the historic Community House on Friday, September 20 – Octoberfest 2019 Beer, Burgers and Brats will bring together Bell’s Octoberfest craft beer aficionados, Zim’s Vodka and German-inspired cuisine from area restaurants to celebrate on The Community House’s beautiful outdoor Terrace (weather permitting) all for the benefit of the 210,000 children and adults served by The Community House.

For more information about these and other Community House events, please call 248.644.5832 or visit communityhouse.com. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.