Community Corner
WXYZ Anchor Fills in for L. Brooks Patterson
Soon to be retired newsanchor, Diana Lewis, will be the honorary chairman for Rainbow Connection for injured county executive.
ROCHESTER, Mich. – WXYZ-TV anchor Diana Lewis joins the festivities as Honorary Chair of the Rainbow Connection’s Walk for Kids on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Detroit Zoo.
Lewis, a star of Detroit television for more than 35 years, announced in late July that Oct. 3 would be her final day of anchoring Channel 7 Action News. She is serving as Honorary Chair, as The Rainbow Connection’s Founder, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, recuperates from a car accident.
“We are thrilled that Diana Lewis agreed to join us as Honorary Chair,” said Mary Grace McCarter, executive director of The Rainbow Connection. “Ms. Lewis will lead the way alongside our Ambassador Family – Wish Child Blake Jackson, his sister Kathleen and parents John and Kelly.”
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Blake, 11, received his wish to go to Disney World with his family when he was just 3 years old. He recently celebrated 10 years of being cancer free.
“The Rainbow Connection is so much more that the wish,” said John Jackson. “They provide all kinds of support services, parties and picnics for the families, even college scholarships. It’s very caring and personal, like a family.”
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Joining Lewis at the 10th annual walk will be fellow Channel 7 anchor and reporter Dave LewAllen, who will emcee the event. Among his many community activities, LewAllen serves on the The Rainbow Connection Board of Directors and is committed to making dreams come true for Michigan kids.
This family friendly stroll through the zoo includes a Walk for Kids t-shirt, continental breakfast, raffle prizes donated by Platinum sponsors Walmart and Sam’s Club, and all-day entry to the zoo for all participants. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 8:30 a.m. P
Participants may walk individually or build a team of walkers. Registration is $25 per walker or $50 per family. More than 1,200 walkers raised $133,000 at last year’s Detroit Zoo Walk. For more information visit www.rainbowconnection.org/walkforkids or call 248-601-9474.
Founded in 1985 by L. Brooks Patterson, The Rainbow Connection is a non-profit charity making dreams come true for Michigan children with life threatening illnesses. It also provides support services to the families and an ongoing relationship with the families of these children long after the dream has been fulfilled.
Press Release courtesy of Phil Frame of StarrConstand Public Relations.
