Arts & Entertainment

Arts, Beats & Eats Raises $337,092.45 for Local Charities (w/video)

Many Royal Oak organizations benefited from the Labor Day weekend festival.

presented checks totaling $337,092.45 to more than 60 charitable and cultural organizations at Pronto's in downtown Royal Oak today.

Event producer Jon Witz handed out checks to the Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County, Royal Oak Animal Shelter, Royal Oak Women’s Club, Royal Oak High School's Model United Nations club, Royal Oak Historical Society and many other Royal Oak groups and religious organizations.

This year, 390,000 people visited Ford Arts, Beats & Eats, Witz said.

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"The reviews we've had from our patrons on our Facebook and in our email have been some of the best we've ever had," said Witz. "We've heard a few to the contrary, but they are far outweighed by the tremendous applause and positive reviews that we had."

According to the Michigan Tourism Spending and Economic Impact Model (MITEIM), preliminary figures indicate the festival brought in approximately $35,100,000, including an estimated $13,801,500 spent at bars, restaurants and retail establishments.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This festival and all the events that are associated with it are giving money right back into the community that we call home. That makes it extra special," said Mike O'Brien, Detroit Regional Sales Manager for Ford and Lincoln. Ford has been the title sponsor for three consecutive years.

Mayor Jim Ellison thanked the citizens of Royal Oak for embracing the event and working to make it better each year. It's not always an easy job, Ellison said.

"With regards to Royal Oak-based charities, I am happy to announce more than $116,400 went to community organization that make a home or serve us here in Royal Oak," the mayor said.

Monies awarded

Gate proceeds of $140,250 went to 15 participating organizations:

  • American Red Cross
  • Autism Alliance
  • Autism Speaks
  • Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County
  • The Children's Center
  • Children's Miracle Network / Hope Center
  • Detroit Public Television
  • Detroit Rescue Mission
  • Forgotten Harvest
  • Gleaners Community Food Bank
  • JARC
  • Jewish Federation
  • March of Dimes
  • The Rainbow Connection
  • Volunteers of America Michigan

Proceeds from Beverage sales of $81,000 went to 27 participating charitable and cultural groups:

  • Aids Walk Detroit
  • Almost Home
  • Alpine Blind Skiers
  • Blessing In A Backpack
  • COTS
  • Independent Opp of Michigan
  • Ivy House
  • Leukemia Foundation
  • Milford Huron Valley Lions Club
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • National Transplant Fund
  • Pixie Prints
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Polish Women Alliance
  • ROHS Model United Nations
  • Royal Oak Football Team, Inc.
  • Royal Oak Jaycees
  • Royal Oak Lion's Club
  • Royal Oak Women's Club
  • Shrine Catholic
  • Sierra Club
  • South Oakland Shelter
  • St. Mary's Church
  • St. Paul’s Church
  • Starlites Parent Club
  • World Vision
  • YMCA

Ten charitable groups will receive a share of $30,971 from Arts Du Jour:

  • Arthritis Foundation
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of South Oakland
  • Forgotten Harvest
  • Gleaners Community Food Bank
  • Michigan Pet Fund Alliance
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Rainbow Connection
  • Rose Hill Center
  • South Oakland Shelter
  • Arts, Beats & Eats Foundation

Three churches will share $10,750 from festival parking donations:

  • First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak
  • Royal Oak First United Methodist
  • St. Mary's Church

Eleven groups shared an additional $51,789.60:

  • Children's Miracle Network
  • Beaumont Hospital
  • Royal Oak Restaurant Association
  • Royal Oak Association of Retailers
  • Royal Oak Historical Society
  • Adopt A Watt
  • Boys and Girls Club of SE Michigan
  • St. Paul's Recycling Program
  • Water Works Theatre Company
  • Roots Foundation
  • Karmanos Cancer Institute

The City of Royal Oak paid $8,500 in donations to nonprofit organizations that supported parking operations.

Source: Arts, Beats & Eats


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