Detroit – Franklin Wright Settlements will honor three outstanding community leaders who have stepped up and gone above and beyond the call of duty to help those in need during the devastating coronavirus pandemic. The trio will be honored during a virtual Spirit of Giving Awards to be held on December 18, 2020 at 10 am. The three honorees include:
Kirk Mayes, president and CEO, Forgotten Harvest
Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed.D., President and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Dr. Ronald S. Taylor, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging
Throughout the coronavirus crisis each of these organizations continuously reached out to Franklin Wright – who remained on the frontlines of the pandemic – to make sure the organization had adequate levels of food and funding for other life necessities to extend their reach into the community and meet the increased need caused by COVID 19.
While others sheltered, the staff at Franklin Wright loaded up vans packed with food, blankets and other life necessities to visit homes, seniors and even ventured under viaducts to do what they could to bring a little relief to the lives of the homeless, families and children.
“I applaud these organizations for their commitment to helping those in need and their unrelenting support of Franklin Wright and its efforts,” said Monique Marks, president and CEO of Franklin Wright. “Without their support, it would have been so much more difficult to find the necessary resources to help the community.”
Marks also recognizes her staff who risk their own personal safety to help those in crisis.
“I can’t thank my staff enough for their dedication and continued service to the community,” said Marks. “Calls come in through our hot line every day and they take immediate action to secure resources to help people who are without food and shelter. They personally deliver emergency food to families and seniors. Or, climb under viaducts to help mothers with their children who have nowhere else to go. It’s never-ending and getting worse everyday with the on-going pandemic.”
Franklin Wright is needed today now more than ever. COVID-19 has left so many more families in need of the organization’s help. Funds raised from Spirit of Giving must continue despite the current environment and need to host a virtual event.
Marks urges everyone to join the Franklin Wright Spirit of Giving Awards by becoming a sponsor, or by purchasing a ticket to support its mission. For more information, please visit www.franklinwright.org/spirt-of-giving.
Franklin Wright Settlements is a leading Detroit neighborhood human services organization that helps individuals, families, groups and the community with basic life, family and social needs. The organization focuses on the prevention, treatment and betterment of social problems through advocacy, programs, projects, activities, services and facilities. Its programs are designed to recognize the ongoing basic needs of the community.
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