Seven CMF members commit to $1 million fund to support Detroit Youth Choir
Coming off of their second-place run on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) returned home recently to acclaim and admiration from their city.
Coming off of their second-place run on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) returned home recently to acclaim and admiration from their city.
Hundreds crowded into Campus Martius in downtown Detroit to welcome the DYC home. Greeted by the Detroit Lions cheerleaders and mascot, and the Mumford High School Drumline, the choir performed “Champion” by Carrie Underwood, which they sang during their run on the show.
The performance was part of a larger homecoming event for the DYC, which included leaders from across the city. Unbeknownst to the choir, the celebration included the announcement of a $1 million fund to recognize their accomplishments.
Wendy Lewis Jackson, Detroit Program managing director, The Kresge Foundation and Tonya Allen, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation announced the fund.
“We’re here today because a group of philanthropies and businesses in this city wanted to come together to show our appreciation, love and pride for all of you,” Lewis Jackson said. “Together, we established a fund that will ensure there is support for the Detroit Youth Choir now and into the future.”
“At The Skillman Foundation, we believe every young person in this city deserves the opportunity to show their genius,” Allen said. “And didn’t the Detroit Youth Choir show genius? We were so grateful that America loved you the way that we love you. It was great to see America and the world champion you. We love the support; we love the accolades; and we love the love that they gave to you. But ain’t no love like a Detroit love!”
Seven CMF members committed to support the fund, including: The Skillman Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Ballmer Group, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), the DTE Energy Foundation and the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, as well as Bank of America, Huntington Bank and Dakkota Integrated Systems.
CFSEM will manage the fund, which will support DYC in perpetuity. DYC will receive funds to further its mission of youth development through performing arts, mentorship and skill-building.
In addition to the fund, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan awarded the DYC with the key to the city, making them the youngest-ever recipients of the honor.
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