The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation is holding its fifth annual “Puttin’ on the Ritz" Gala, on Friday, November 17, 2017, at Villa Penna in Sterling Heights.
This annual community-wide gala began in 2013 to recognize exemplary leaders in Macomb County who demonstrate outstanding civic leadership and community support. With the passing of long-time Sterling Heights Mayor Richard J. Notte, the annual Gala named its annual award in his honor.
This year’s Ritz Gala is honoring Congressman Sander Levin, as he receives the third annual Richard J. Notte Civic Service Leadership Award, for all he has done to help strengthen Macomb County, during his 35 years as Representative for Michigan’s 9th Congressional District, through his leadership on economic growth, business and tax reform, human services, health care, anti-drug efforts, energy and the environment.
Honorary Chairs are Mark A. Hackel, Macomb County Executive; Michael C. Taylor, Mayor of Sterling Heights; and Barbara W. Rossmann, President and CEO, Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals. The evening features a sit-down dinner, premium bar, live entertainment, a silent auction and more.
"The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation was established in 1991 to improve the cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for Sterling Heights area residents,” said Karl G. Oskoian, the Foundation’s executive director. Our annual Ritz Gala was introduced to the community in 2013 to recognize extraordinary community leaders and to encourage the emergence of new community leaders.”
The first Ritz Gala, in November 2013, honored Mayor Richard J. Notte for his 20 years of mayoral service and raised funds to support the Richard J. Notte Public Service Scholarship Endowment, managed by the Foundation. The 2014 Ritz Gala honored the men and women of Macomb County’s defense industry, the County’s military veterans, and established an endowment fund to ensure an ongoing Veteran’s Day Ceremony in the City.
The 2015 Ritz Gala honored Mark A. Hackel with the inaugural Richard J. Notte Civic Service Leadership Award for all he has done to strengthen Macomb County. Barbara W. Rossmann, President and CEO, Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals, received the 2016 Notte Award for her leadership in bringing world-class health care to Macomb County.
For more information about the Ritz Gala or the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation, please contact Executive Director, Karl G. Oskoian or the City of Sterling Heights Community Relations department at 586 446-2476 or visit www.sterlingheightscommunityfoundation.org.
About the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation
The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation, established in 1991, is celebrating its 26th year as a certified 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization improving the quality of life of Sterling Heights area residents through cultural, educational and recreational activities. The Foundation sponsors programs and projects that reach every member of the Sterling Heights area community and has contributed more than $1.2 million to organizations and activities that support its mission.
Examples of the Foundation’s contributions include: public library support, senior activity center contributions, art sculptures, city park picnic shelters, the city trolley, city park play centers, sponsorship of Sterlingfest, the annual Dodge Park run, Teenfest, contributions totaling more than $200,000 to dozens of organizations addressing smoking cessation programs and programs helping area seniors, 390 scholarships totaling over $340,000 to area students pursuing a college education, restoration of the historic Upton House, the city center brick paver program, construction of Rotary Park, Nature Center enhancements, Dodge Park concerts, and hosting a series of City Summits to discuss the future of the city with residents.
The Foundation also manages 24 donor advised permanent endowment funds which may receive charitable donations. Contributions may also be made to the foundation’s general endowment fund to support the Foundation mission.
For more information on the Sterling Heights Community Foundation, please visit its website at sterlingheightscommunityfoundation.org.