June 2023

House Happenings For Spring/Summer 2023

Friends and Supporters:

If the venerable Community House is to remain a beacon in an ever-changing world, our vision must be clear – we must reach a place where The Community House is not forced to make tough choices on essential community programming and services – educationally and socially – based solely upon our ability to charge others. As a 100-year-old nonprofit, charitable organization, it is not in our DNA to turn others away based upon their ability to pay or based solely upon the profitability of the program or service. Too often, it is those that need us most that can afford our services least. It is vital that we grow our mission-directed scholarship funds and operating endowment so that no one is ever again turned away because of their ability to pay.

As you may remember, The Community House Association established The Community House Foundation several years ago. Its primary purpose is to raise awareness and to secure philanthropic funds to supplementally support The Community House, its quality programs, and services. Since its founding, the foundation has been focused on the revitalization of the Community House’s Estate & Planned Giving Program and Major Gifts. Estate and planned giving and major gifts have been identified as areas essential to The Community House’s long-term sustainability and financial health.

Now that we have humbly turned the page on our first century of service in 2023, we are seeking legacy and estate gifts to accelerate and give critical momentum and credibility to The Community House, our future space and facility needs, and our important work and mission – commensurate to The Community House’s laser-focused efforts to reach self-reliance and sustainability via its philanthropic efforts, stewardship, program capacity and ongoing fiscal excellence. It is a pain-less way to help endow The Community House after you are gone. It does not take from your current assets, but underpins our charitable organization and directly impacts those we serve – in your name – well into the future.

Contrary to what some may believe, we are solely independent and always have been (since 1923), we receive no tax dollars, no steady support – solely relying on our own revenue generating efforts and the kindness of others – like you – to survive and grow. Self-reliance before we seek the kindness of others is the proper and expected way to operate a truly nonprofit, 501(c)3, charitable organization. Some ask if self-reliance drifts from our nonprofit status. It does not. Foundations expect it. Corporations expect it. Private donors expect it. Our leadership expects it. Those entities regularly ask if we have truly done all we can to be sustainable ourselves – before we seek the support and kindness of others. Rest assure we do.

Some also might believe that we drift occasionally from our mission, we do not. “From business to philanthropy, from education to recreation,” these words are imbedded in our mission. These are the words we live by. These are the words we hold sacred.

For more information about The Community House Foundation or its Legacy and Planned Giving opportunities, please contact Mr. Christopher Smude, Vice President, The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org or call 248.644.5832.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

The Community House’s “Classical Brunch Series” is returning to TCH in partnership with our dear friends at 90.9 WRCJ. This up close and personal three-part concert series will be held on June 11th, October 15th, and November 19th, and will feature outstanding classical music performed by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and friends! A lovely brunch begins at 11:45 a.m. (each concert) followed by the performance at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are $55 per concert, $150 for the series. Audience members will enjoy printed musical notes in the program book for each concert prepared by a professional musicologist. For reservations and ticket information, please visit our website, communityhouse.com. Early reservations are encouraged.

GRADUATIONS ARE BACK

Attention all graduates – Experience the ultimate thrill when you host your graduation extravaganza at The Community House. We go above and beyond to ensure your graduate feels like a superstar, with every meticulous detail designed to dazzle and astound.

Whether you prefer an intimate gathering or a colossal fiesta, our versatile space can accommodate anywhere from 10 to a whopping 200 people, providing the perfect backdrop for your epic graduation saga. And let's not forget our outdoor tented terrace, where the party spills into the open air, adding a touch of magic to your celebration.

Brace yourself for an unparalleled culinary journey crafted by our renowned, award-winning culinary team. From exquisitely plated, upscale delicacies that will tantalize even the most refined palate, to mouthwatering family-style favorites that evoke nostalgic memories, our chefs will take you on an epicurean odyssey that will leave you craving for more. Let us do all the work.

So, don't settle for ordinary. Choose The Community House and embark on an extraordinary journey that will redefine what it means to celebrate graduation. Prepare to be amazed, astonished, and absolutely blown away by an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your memories. Book now and receive a special gift from us: A pearl arch of balloons with your school colors. Contact our Hospitality Team today at events@communityhouse.com or 248.644.5832.

SUMMER/FALL REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!

The Community House Early Childhood Center is now enrolling. Our award-winning program believes that early childhood programming is the foundation of a child’s educational career. The Community House provides an engaging learning environment that empowers students to be active participants in their learning. Through the use of the nationally recognized Highscope curriculum, students in our program learn through discovery and hands on experiences. Teachers encourage student input and foster opportunities for students to create a plan, execute and then self-reflect on the outcomes. Our students have increased learning comprehension and the ability to think critically. While enrollments are limited, we still have spaces available for the summer and fall. For a tour or to secure your child’s space for summer or fall 2023, please contact our Early Childhood Center Director, Sarah Schuster at 248.594.6411 or sschuster@communityhouse.com.

SAVE THE DATES

The iconic Birmingham House Tour now in its 34th year, presented by The Agency Hall & Hunter real estate firm, will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, and will feature some of the most exquisite and unique homes in our area, thanks to the hospitality of the homeowners who open their homes for our guests’ enjoyment. The homes vary in size and highlight a wide range of interior design styles and architecture. Docents will be on hand in each of the homes to share interesting information (i.e. special collections, latest design trends used in the home, and in many cases talk about the rich history of the home’s interior and exterior.)

The tour is self-guided so guests can begin at any one of the featured homes, then break mid-day for a drop-in delicious buffet lunch at The Community House prepared by our award-winning Corporate Executive Chef Ryan Friedrich and his culinary team, before returning to the tour.

A day to treat yourself and your friends to a day filled with pure enjoyment. For more information and to purchase tour and lunch tickets, please visit The Community House website at communityhousefoundation.org.

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE “SPRING” ANNUAL FUND

The 2023 “SPRING” Annual Fund Drive is upon us. Given COVID, it is hard to overestimate how important our quarterly annual fund appeals are to the operations at the historic Community House. For the last three years (and counting) we have found ourselves, like so many charities, continuing to navigate through a perfect storm – COVID, supply chain issues, inflation, wage pressures, a faltering economy.

By making a 2023 Early Summer Annual Fund Drive tax-deductible gift to The Community House, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization now, your gift will ensure that we continue to navigate through these challenges so that we may remain the important educational, philanthropic and community resource that thousands of individuals have relied upon for 100 years. To make an early summer 2023 Annual Fund gift now, you can send your donation in by mail at: TCH 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009; give online at communityhouse.com/donate or by calling The Community House Foundation at 248-594-6417. Hope really does spring eternal.

William D. Seklar is Officer, President & CEO of The Community House Association, and Board Chair, President & CEO of The Community House Foundation.