Farmington Hills, MI – Judson Center raised over $500,000 at its “A Night to Embrace” Centennial Gala on November 1 at The Henry in Dearborn. The funds benefit the human service agency’s life-changing programs in autism, behavioral and primary healthcare, disability services, foster care, adoption, and mentoring.
“This was a milestone anniversary for Judson Center, and we had an extraordinary evening,” said Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “We are very excited about raising more than a half million dollars to help us continue to provide unwavering care for children, adults and families. It means a lot to me to lead an organization that has sustained itself for 100 years. Now our focus shifts to the next 100 years and positioning Judson Center for the future.”
Gala guests received an update on Judson Center’s Centennial Capital Campaign, which has raised more than $6.5 million of the $8.3 million needed for the first phase of construction at its Royal Oak campus on 13 Mile and Greenfield Roads. The agency began in 1924 as the Detroit Baptist Children’s Home at this location.
“We are planning a major expansion and renovation of the buildings on the campus, which will enable us to expand services to more than 1,000 additional children, adults, and families,” said Centennial Capital Campaign Co-Chair Tricia Ruby of Ruby + Associates.
Three awards conveying the inspiration behind Judson Center’s “Where Care Is An Art” centennial awareness campaign were presented at the event.
Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), received the agency’s Art of Care Award in recognition of her longtime efforts to improve the health and lives of Michigan residents.
“Elizabeth has been a huge supporter of Judson Center’s mission,” said Hardy-Foster. “We are so grateful to have her as an advocate for our programs and services. MDHHS is a great partner for the work we do in the community, and we appreciate the collaboration and support from the department that help us transform thousands of lives.”
Hertel was named director of MDHHS in January 2021. Under her leadership, the top priorities of the department are ensuring all kids have a safe and stable place to call home and families are equipped with the tools and skills they need to thrive. This is done through key initiatives such as the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda and continuing efforts to increase access to behavioral health services for Michigan residents.
Judson Center Board Chair Kevin Johns was presented with the agency’s Art of Service Award, and former Judson Center CEO (from 1979-2004) Mounir “Monty” Sharobeem received the Art of Compassion Award.
Judson Center’s Centennial Gala was presented by PNC Bank and chaired by Michael Bickers, executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank in Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Bickers was presented with a special award for presiding over the event.
CBS News Detroit Anchor Sandra Ali and retired FOX 2 Detroit Anchor Huel Perkins emceed the evening. Judson Center Board Members Janelle Morck and Olivia McLaughlin co-chaired the gala planning committee.
More than 500 guests were treated to a gourmet dinner, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, a raffle for a one-carat diamond, entertainment by Dal Bouey Productions, and dancing.
About Judson Center
Judson Center, trusted by Michigan families for 100 years, is a non-profit human service agency providing expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, and developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being, and maximum potential. Judson Center also offers integrated primary healthcare for all through Judson Center Health in Warren and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of more than 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. Judson Center has offices in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. As part of our centennial celebration, Judson Center has launched the “Where Care Is An Art” awareness campaign, which uses artwork to illustrate the inspirational and emotional stories of our clients. Judson Center’s headquarters are located at 30301 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3277. Learn more at www.judsoncenter.org.
Gala Emcees Huel Perkins & Sandra Ali with Auctioneer Chris Aslanian
Gala Chair Michael Bickers
Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster (center) with Judson Center & Child Safe Michigan Board Members
Demetrius Starling & David Knezek of MDHHS, Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster, MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel & Meghan Groen of MDHHS
Dal Bouey Productions perform in The Henry Ballroom
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Daphne Hughes, Hughes Creative, LLC
248.417.4309, daphne@hughescreativellc.com
Scott Trudell, Chief Development Officer, Judson Center
313.283.1055, Scott_Trudell@JudsonCenter.org