Food Donations Earn Free Admission to Arts, Beats & Eats

Make a canned good donation to any location in southeast Michigan this weekend and get free admission into Arts, Beats & Eats, the Labor Day weekend festival in downtown Royal Oak.

Citizens Bank, one of the official presenting sponsors for Arts, Beats & Eats, is partnering with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan in an effort to raise awareness of the hunger relief initiative. This is Citizens' second year hosting a canned foods drive in its lobby offices.

Every three cans of food donated earns a wristband good for two free days of festival admission.

“Last year we hit over 10,000 pounds of canned goods,” said Stephanie S. Griffin, assistant vice president of the downtown Royal Oak office, 800 S. Main St.  “This year our goal is 15,000!”

Lucy Beatty, of Oak Park, heard about the canned drive and dropped everything to bring in her canned goods. 

“A few weeks ago I volunteered for Gleaners. When I heard about this, I knew I had to take advantage of the offer and help out,” she said Thursday. Beatty brought in enough cans for two free wristbands and plans to attend Arts, Beats & Eats on Friday afternoon.

The food drive continues through next Friday.

Citizens Bank locations in Royal Oak

• - lobby open Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• - lobby open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
• - lobby open Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Find more locations at citizensbank.com

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