August 2021

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: 2021 BATES STREET SOCIETY DINNER –

FIRST IN-PERSON GATHERING

Started in 2015, the Bates Street Society was created to help recognize donors who make significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. New members are acknowledged annually at The Bates Street Society Dinner, an extraordinary evening hosted by The Community House Association and Foundation Board of Directors. 

This year The Community House Foundation will be inducting 10 new members into the Bates Street Society. Members of the Bates Street Society include individuals, corporations, and foundations that have given extraordinary treasure, $25,000 or more cumulatively, and donors who make an irrevocable legacy gift of $25,000 or more to The Community House. Each year we gather to recognize, honor, and induct these extraordinary donors and volunteers in a public way at the Bates Street Society Dinner.

The Bates Street Society Dinner also recognizes TCH/TCHF’s annual Pillars of Vibrancy in Business, Education, Culture, Wellness and Philanthropy. 

2021 Pillars of Vibrancy Honorees include: ​

Honorable Dave Bing — Business & Culture; Dominic DiMarco — Education; Barry Franklin, Ph.D. — Wellness; Lila Lazarus — Wellness & Education; Duane Mezwa, M.D. — Wellness & Education; Rabbi Daniel B. Syme — Culture; Linda Schlesinger-Wagner — Business & Philanthropy; S. Evan Weiner — Business & Philanthropy; Jessie Beld Elliott and Ed Welburn — Business & Philanthropy.

Impacted by COVID-19, the Bates Street Society Dinner has been moved to Saturday, September 11, 2021. It will be The Community House’s first in-house gathering since the start of COVID in 2020. To help lead this extraordinary gathering, Huel Perkins, iconic broadcast journalist and American news anchor, will once again assume the role of master of ceremonies. Live entertainment by renowned Jazz saxophonist Jeff Ponders II. Seating is limited, tickets (reservations) on sale now.

Our gratitude and special thanks to founding sponsor, PNC Wealth Management and to Beaumont Health, Huntington, Oakland University, Metalbuilt, Edw. C. Levy Co., Financial Credit Union, Cranbrook Educational Community, Deroy & Devereaux, Michael Willoughby & Associates, SlipNOT, Emerson-Prew, Helping Hand Nursing Service, Inc. and Hall & Hunter Realtors for their sponsorship of the 2021 Bates Street Society Dinner as well. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available. For more information contact Christopher Smude, Vice President, The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org. 

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers have been involved in the every-day life of The Community House for over 98 years. They give the “House” a face, a voice, helping hands, and a heart. 

Even though our doors remain partially closed, much work continues behind the scenes. The Community House invites you to consider joining our esteemed volunteer team - and by doing so, you can be assured that your precious donation of time and talent will be greatly appreciated and will positively impact the lives of those we serve. 

For more information about volunteering at The Community House, please visit our website at communityhouse.com to download a volunteer application or call Kathie Ninneman at 248.594.6403.

For reservations, sponsorships or more information about booking gathering and meeting space for spring and summer 2021 and beyond, please go to communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832.

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