Motor City Casino’s Sound Board Theater was filled with STARS May 22 for our annual fundraiser ‘A Night of Detroit Stars’ to benefit Covenant House Michigan. The amazing Detroit Youth Choir took the stage along with a host of incredible performers. Thanks to the community’s support, this event helped us raise $355,000 to fuel our ongoing efforts to end youth homelessness in our community.

In addition to exhilarating performances from Detroit stars, guests enjoyed a strolling dinner, cocktails, a “Keys to the City” raffle, dessert reception, and entertainment including stilt walkers. The high energy Gabriel Brass Band marched through the theater to kick the evening off with fanfare and flare. Additional performers included Detroit Sound Machine, Dewight Braxton, Jr., Dames Brown, Nanette Lashay, Ben Sharkey, Kira Slovacek, Raye Williams, LSO Dance Studio, and more.
“Tonight we not only gather to celebrate the magic of Detroit stars but also to honor the unwavering spirt of hope and resilience that defines Covenant House Michigan and the incredible young people we serve,” said CHMI CEO Meagan Dunn. “As we immerse ourselves in the enchanting melodies and captivating performances, let us also remember the powerful impact our collective support has on transforming the lives of homeless and and at-risk youth.

CHMI’s own Carolyn Allen, assistant program manager for Covenant House in Grand Rapids, brought her gospel soul to the stage this year for a special performance honoring our longtime team member and friend Cynthia Adams, CHMI’s former associate executive director who retired after nearly 27 years.
A group of Covenant House residents also sang and danced in a special performance that had the crowd cheering. We also shared some moving personal reflections from CHMI residents like Christopher, who talked about the life-changing support they’ve received.
Click this video to watch.
The evening also included a special presentation honoring The Gathering Church with The Lizzy Award for their relentless support of our mission. Since 1983, the image of Lizzy, first portrayed on Covenant House International’s Annual Report, has served as the moving and iconic depiction of our youth, striving to find safety, sanctuary, and hope.
Pastors Gerald and Lynn Johnson were presented with a Lizzy statuette for their volunteer work, providing monthly meals to our youth since 2019, hosting Bingo nights, launching the Community Refrigerator (which contains donated food for our Street Outreach team), in-kind contributions, a weekly bible study, and more.
“Our work would not be possible without the generosity and compassion of individuals like you who believe in our mission and stand with us in solidarity,” said Dunn. “Your presence here tonight and your continued support serve as a beacon of hope for countless young people striving to overcome adversity and build better lives.”