Events

Jennifer Jackson has been involved in Hungry Howie's Pizza since she was 10, spending her summer vacations helping at stores and the corporate office. In 1998, she officially joined the company as a Fundraising Coordinator and has since held various roles, currently serving as the Vice President of Public Relations.

After the tragic loss of her sister, Dre, Jennifer founded The DRE Project to honor her memory. Over the past 4 years, the nonprofit has provided home-cooked meals and groceries to more than 1,000 needy families. Today, The DRE Project delivers 60 pounds of essential dry goods, a home-cooked meal, and a birthday box to individuals and families facing hardship across Metro Detroit. In 2025, they served over 600 new families and are on pace for the same in 2026. Jennifer currently leads the organization as the founder and President of the 501(c)(3) charity. Learn more about The DRE project at the website: https://thedreproject.org/

Jon Ganci is the Director of Michigan Advancement for Best Buddies in Michigan. His role is to oversee state operations and expand programs, including 1-1 Friendship Chapters, Job Opportunities, and leadership opportunities across the state. He has spent the last three years with Best Buddies and has worked in the nonprofit space for over a decade, primarily in Chicago and the Detroit Area. Jon is a Michigan State alum and lives in Ferndale.

Lydia Goff is the Lead Program Manager for Best Buddies in Michigan. Her role is to support current Friendship chapters across the state and work with teachers and advisers to establish new chapters, creating more inclusive environments in Michigan schools. While she has been in her role for less than a year, Lydia has been involved with Best Buddies since High School, serving as her school’s chapter president and later as president of the University of Michigan chapter. She is also a former member of the Best Buddies in Michigan advisory board.  She currently lives in Ann Arbor.

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities. Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families. Learn more at BestBuddies.org

Established in 1828, the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) is our state's oldest cultural organization, helping to connect Michigan’s past to its residents and organizations through programs, events, publications, awards, workshops, networking opportunities, and support for local history organizations.

HSM is a member-supported educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We receive no appropriated funds from the state of Michigan. While not a part of the state government, HSM is the official state historical society by law. We are not collection-based and have no exhibits or archives. We do not operate the state museum or archives housed at the Michigan Historical Center in downtown Lansing.

Learn More: https://www.hsmichigan.org/

The mission of the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is to preserve the legacy of the Packard Motor Car Company through the restoration and preservation of the Packard Proving Grounds, educating future generations about America’s automotive history. In 2002, the foundation took possession of the 14-acre site, which included the building complex and a section of the former test track.  The aircraft hangar was moved from the track infield onto this site. The preservation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of the former Proving Grounds is now the primary focus of the Foundation.

Roger Luksik has been involved in a labor of love, helping to preserve and expand the historic footprint of the Packard Proving Grounds located in Shelby Township. 

Colleen is the Revenue Development Manager at On My Own of Michigan, where she leads fundraising and engagement efforts to support individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving independent living. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit marketing and development, she brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role. As the parent of a young adult who has benefited from On My Own’s programs, she is deeply connected to the organization’s mission and impact. Since joining the team over a year ago, she has been instrumental in expanding community support and advancing inclusive opportunities for all. Website: https://onmyownofmi.org/

The First 10 Years of the Dream Cruise.

Caron Hall is the former Executive Director of the Woodward Dream Cruise.  She held the position from 1995 (first cruise) through 2004 (the 10th anniversary).  Caron grew up in Royal Oak, but went to grade school in Beverly Hills at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and high school at Marion in Bloomfield.  During her time with the Dream Cruise, she was the CFO of a medical distribution company and Controller for a gage manufacturer.  She is currently retired.

Courtney Morrow, Director of Development

Courtney Morrow is the Director of Development at United Community Family Services, where she leads growth strategy to support low-income families in Southeast Michigan. She has a B.A. in non-profit management from the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business and more than 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.  Additionally, Courtney is involved in her community as a CASA Volunteer in Wayne County and the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Courageous Kids, a local nonprofit providing coping support for terminally ill children and their families. She’s passionate about creating equitable access to resources and amplifying the voices of those she serves.

Chloe Halprin, Development Associate

Chloe Halprin received her B.A.s in English and Spanish with a minor in Sociology from the University of Michigan. Before joining United Community Family Services, she spent 2 years teaching English outside of the U.S., including as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Mexico. In her role as Development Associate, she cultivates relationships and resources that ensure the success of the organization's programs and services. She is passionate about advocating for the dignity and wellbeing of refugee and immigrant communities.

Amanda Herszog is a Trustee on the board of the Six Rivers Land Conservancy; she is a highly qualified environmental engineer specializing in water quality and stormwater management. Her diverse experience spans academia, government, and philanthropy. She currently serves on the Royal Oak City Commission.  

Six Rivers Land Conservancy is a private, nonprofit land conservation organization dedicated to sustaining the quality and character of the natural resources around us. We recognize and understand the value of an inviting landscape and a strong, vibrant natural resource base in our communities; it makes them vital and healthy places to live, attracting people and institutions that create prosperity. Six Rivers is supported through grants, donations, and sponsorships.

Dr. Herzog leverages her professional expertise to educate and engage local government and the public on various environmental issues, while also advocating for the interconnection between public health and environmental sustainability. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering, as well as both a Master’s and Doctorate in Environmental Engineering from Michigan State University. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys exploring nature with her two daughters and husband, participating in tap dancing classes, and cheering on the MSU Spartans. Learn more here: https://www.sixriversrlc.org/

Allen Einstein was a classroom teacher for over 32 years.  He has experience teaching regular education and special education at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  In 1999, he developed Project 2000, a self-contained program for at-risk 8th-grade boys.  After he retired from his teaching career in 2010, he utilized his knowledge and experience in the field of educational consulting.  In 2016, he created The Einstein Method, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Currently in its ninth year, TEM has made 85 Professional Development presentations to over 3,800 educators. The mission of The Einstein Method is to provide innovative and engaging programs that assist educators, parents, and community members working with youth in our collective effort to improve education, benefiting us all.

Learn more about The Einstein Method here: https://theeinsteinmethod.org/

Chief Grewe began his career with the City of Birmingham in 1999 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. Throughout his time with the Birmingham Police Department, he has held various positions as he advanced through the ranks. His previous roles include department armorer, firearms and use of force instructor, field training coordinator, investigations, and road patrol supervisor. In addition to his extensive training in leadership, he earned a master’s in Public Safety Administration from the University of Virginia, is a member of the Executive Boards for the Oakland County and Southeast Michigan Chiefs of Police Associations.  He was recently awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Ferris State University.

A favorite guest, Simon Mourani, will present on DTE Community Engagement initiatives. DTE Energy strives to be the best-operated energy company in North America and a force for growth and prosperity in the communities where we live and serve. Living this vision means sharing credible stories about the dynamic changes in energy, as well as news about innovation and economic development throughout the State of Michigan and the communities we serve around the United States. We are committed to reducing power outages by 30% while cutting outage time in half by 2029. Learn about how we’re working to improve reliability in your area with our Power Improvements Map.

Darin Weiss serves as CEO at Grace Centers of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit in Pontiac helping individuals recover from addiction, abuse and homelessness. Pastor Weiss has many years of experience working in the substance abuse field, and he is working to expand the services that Grace Centers of Hope provides to the community. Darin also serves as a pastor at Grace Gospel Fellowship church in Pontiac.

Dr Barry A. Franklin, is Director (Emeritus) of the Preventive Cardiology/Cardiac Rehabilitation, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak and Professor of Internal Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.  He has served as president of the American Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention as well as the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr Franklin has over 700 publications, including 105 book chapters and 27 books. Currently, he has formal editorial appointments with 16 scientific/clinical journals. He has served as a visiting professor in Italy and China in recent years, and has given approximately 1,200 state, national, and international presentations.

Michigan Saves is a non-profit financing program targeting homes, businesses, and public institutions. Mr. O’Grady coordinates with businesses, homeowners, utility companies, trade associations, financial partners, and other key stakeholders to implement and promote Michigan Saves statewide. He also handles recruitment and training of over 1100 skilled contractors statewide, offering confidential and impartial guidance through the process. He leads the quality assurance of energy projects to maintain the highest standards of workmanship and customer service that is expected of the contractors. 

Walking Lightly's founder, Tessa Benziger, is a social worker and mother of three who has always been sustainably-minded.  She couldn't find low-waste home and body goods conveniently in her community, so in 2019 she decided to create the solution in Walking Lightly, Metro Detroit's first zero waste refillery.

Business meeting and Endowment Fund review.

Maxwell McColl is an ambitious and energetic individual who embraces life to the fullest. Known for his compassion, charisma, and drive, Maxwell has excelled in his career while cherishing meaningful time with friends and family. Passionate about outdoor adventures and giving back to his community, he continues to be a source of positivity and encouragement to those around him. Maxwell McColl’s life took a devastating turn when a dirt bike accident left him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The crash caused a brain bleed, lung damage, and multiple broken bones, leading to over 30 extensive surgeries. This life-altering event marked the beginning of a grueling recovery journey that required intense physical therapy, emotional resilience, and unwavering determination to regain his independence. Beyond his healing, Maxwell became increasingly focused on the systemic challenges that TBI survivors face. He recognized that there was a significant gap in the support available for individuals affected by brain injuries, particularly in terms of access to rehabilitation services, therapy, and assistive technology. His journey had made him aware of how overwhelming and isolating recovery could be without the proper resources, and he was determined to change that for others.

Learn more here: https://mcmbraininjuryfoundation.org/about-me/

Eric B. Larson has more than 35 years of experience in the field of real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing. Since 2014, Larson has served as CEO of The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders who develop and support programs to enhance Downtown Detroit. He is founder of Larson Realty Group, a privately owned company engaged in real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing.Eric B. Larson has more than 35 years of experience in the field of real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing. Since 2014, Larson has served as CEO of The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders who develop and support programs to enhance Downtown Detroit. He is founder of Larson Realty Group, a privately owned company engaged in real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing.

Jessica is a Firefighter/Paramedic with 11 years of experience in the fire service, including the past 7 years with the city of Birmingham. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Community Risk Reduction, where she leads initiatives focused on outreach, education, and safety awareness. She is passionate about building strong connections with the community, and is dedicated to reducing risk and improving public safety. Outside of duty, she enjoys spending time with her family, discovering great food, and golfing.

Rossana leads a boutique travel company based in the United States and Chile that specializes in slow, immersive journeys designed to disconnect to connect with nature, culture, and local landscapes. Drawing on her Mapuche heritage, experience traveling to over 30 countries, and expertise in botany and health, she personally guides small-group experiences that highlight Chile’s diverse ecosystems, traditions, and natural beauty, offering mindful adventures that allow participants to explore the world at a deeper, more intentional pace.

Sister Marie of the Cross is a nun of the Fraternite Notre Dame at the service of the poor and needy families in Detroit, MI, other cities in the USA, in France, Haiti, Madagascar and Niger. Fraternite Notre Dame is a religious order founded by the Most Rev. Bishop Jean Marie to help the poorest of the poor. Our religious nuns, priests and brothers want to be instruments of peace and unity, through their vocation and to serve all those who suffer in their heart or in their body. Sister Marie of the Cross is also a member of the Rotary Club of New York #6