Multiple Fundraisers Compete for Time, Dollars This Weekend

This week, as I was preparing our Grab and Go Planner and Get Out weekend event guides, I noticed something.

There are an incredible number of fundraisers taking place this weekend. Upon reflection, it's understandable. Money is tight everywhere.

When I spoke with Nancy A. Russo, executive director of the Livingston County United Way, she wasn't particularly surprised. It seems as though it's a trend that is likely to continue, given the fact that, as she said, "there are a lot of organizations that are hurting for donations because so many people are unemployed."

All of the fundraisers are for worthy causes; it's a pity that they are competing with each other for your time, attention and money.

Prom Fashion Show

One such event, sponsored by The Clothing Cove in downtown Milford tonight, crosses community lines. It's a fundraiser featured in this week. Rachel Horsley, store manager, explained, "The fashion show is to support the senior all-night party." Models are Hartland High School seniors. These "students get to have fun while supporting local businesses.

"Basically, we did it to support other businesses in town while supporting a local school," Horsley added.

Events kick off with a preshow, including refreshments at The Clothing Cove at 6 p.m.; at 8 p.m., the fashion show itself takes place across and down the street and in the loft at Amber Lights Photography. The Clothing Cove's dresses are featured; Gina's Bridal is supplying the tuxes.

Cost to attend is $5; limited tickets are available, so advance purchase is suggested; call The Clothing Cove at 866-685-2500.

Red Wings Alumni Hockey Night

Down the road a bit, in the Brighton Area, is the scene of a Red Wings Alumni and The Well Church All-Stars Hockey Benefit supporting the Promise Village Home for Children in Davison and Shop With a Cop of Livingston County. The game takes place at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Scott DesAutel of Hartland, a member of the church, said "it's a very fun day." Tickets are on sale for $10 general admission, even at the door. The VIP tickets, priced at $25, which include a meet and greet meal and dinner with the Red Wings Alumni, are going fast. There are only about 30 left. He expects the VIP tickets will sell out. Purchase tickets at www.thewellmi.com or call DesAutel at 248-515-3864.

The money goes to two good causes, he said. Promise Village provides individualized and specialized help to abused, neglected and troubled children. Shop with a Cop of Livingston County, which was cofounded by the Brighton City Police and Livingston County Sheriff's departments, raises funds to help less fortunate children purchase gifts for their families at the Howell Wal-Mart, DesAutel added. 

 Other fundraisers this weekend: 

• Saturday at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Howell, benefitting the Humane Society of Livingston County. It features dinner, premium bar, live music, dancing and auctions. Cost is $85 for a single ticket, $160 for couples or $750 for a table of 10.
• : 7 p.m. tonight at . See young, talented students—including Cats & the Fiddler—perform to benefit Brighton's Bridge alternative high school. Cost is $12 for adults and $7 for students.
• 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Kids and families can support Ore Creek Middle School during Hartland’s Challenge Day, an annual anti-bullying event. Adults pay $15 (full dinner); there’s an $8 limited children’s menu. Contact Rachelle Seguin at rachelleseguin14@gmail.com for tickets.
• SALUTE TO THE STARS MARDI GRAS: This event, which raises money for the Livingston Catholic Charities is Saturday from 6:30-9:30 p.m at in Brighton.
• at in Hartland starts runs Friday through Sunday to raise money for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, but your fees or tickets had to be handled in advance. I suppose you could watch the bowling and cheer on your favorites, though.

I don't really have a solution for financial woes plaguing the organizations, but every little bit helps. I hope that you'll consider supporting one of these events in your communities this weekend.

Editor's note: Seebaldt is the calendar editor for Brighton and Hartland patches.