Detroit nonprofit to host LOVE Gala: a tribute to Stevie Wonder
Urban Solutions Training and Development Corp. (USTAD), a Detroit-based nonprofit providing mentorship, wellness and education programs for young women and seniors, will host the LOVE Gala, a black-tie fundraiser honoring Stevie Wonder, on Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle, 3424 Woodward Ave.
The gala will serve as the culminating event of a full day of citywide programming recognizing Stevie Wonder’s birthday and the 10th anniversary of Stevie Wonder Avenue. Daytime events are expected to include a mayoral proclamation beginning at 10 a.m, followed by a community walk at 12 p.m., which celebrates Wonder’s legacy of love, peace and cultural impact.
Public is invited
The public is welcome to attend. “Stevie Wonder’s legacy is rooted in love, unity and service, and this event is our way of bringing those values to life here in Detroit,” said Dr. Sharon DuMas, founder and CEO of Urban Solutions Training and Development Corp.
“The LOVE Gala is a call to come together, uplift one another and invest in the future of our communities.”
The evening begins with a VIP reception at 6 p.m. followed by the gala at 7 p.m. The program will feature live performances by musician Alise King and Lisa McCall, former choreographer for Aretha Franklin, along with tributes from Motown artists and community leaders.
Riveting tributes planned
Tributes during the evening are expected from Dr. Sharon DuMas, Joan Belgrave, and Paul Riser, a Motown arranger known for classics including “My Girl.”
The event is also expected to draw notable attendees from Detroit’s music and civic communities, including Mayor Mary Sheffield, Motown Alumnae Founder Billy Wilson, members of The Contours, arranger McKinley Jackson, trumpeter Dwight Adams and vocalist Joe “Pep” Harris of The Undisputed Truth.
As part of the program, the inaugural Love Awards will honor Detroit community leaders for their compassion and service:
Sharlonda Buckman-Davis, Detroit Public Schools
Andrea Thomas, Detroit Public Schools counselor
Karra Thomas, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
Gail Perry-Mason, Money Matters for Youth
Shadora Ford, Destined for Greatness
Proceeds go to worthwhile causes
Proceeds from the event will support USTAD’s new initiative, the Wonder Peace Ambassadors, which provides courses on assessing and addressing mental health concerns among adolescents.
USTAD’s programming focuses on mentorship, wellness and education, sand serving young women and seniors across Detroit with resources that promote confidence, mental well-being and self-sufficiency.
Tickets are available in multiple tiers. General admission tickets are $75 and include access to the gala program, live entertainment and a commemorative book.
VIP tickets are $200 and include a seated dinner, private reception and meet-and-greet beginning at 6 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
