Urban League of Detroit to Celebrate Local Youth at 55th Annual Guild Gala

Detroit - The Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan (ULDSEM) will hold its 55th Annual Guild Gala Luncheon on Saturday, December 5, 2020. This annual event recognizes individuals with Community Service awards and celebrates the accomplishments of youth in the community with our "Do the Right Thing" recognition. This year's Gala will be held virtually beginning at 12:30 p.m. Individuals or interested companies can visit https://www.deturbanleague.org/guild-gala purchase tickets and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

The Guild Gala is organized by the League's largest volunteer auxiliary and is an opportunity for us to acknowledge youth who exhibit positive actions and behaviors in the community, as they are worthy of recognition for their actions. We will be recognizing over 100 exceptional youth, for "Doing the Right Thing". The League will also honor Mr. Anthony T. White, Artistic Director for the Detroit Youth Concert Choir and Performing Arts Company, with our Community Service Award. As the world now knows, Mr. White has dedicated his time and talent to empowering the youth of Detroit through music and performance, most notably leading the Detroit Youth Choir to the finale of "America's Got Talent," along with many other opportunities that have showcased the amazing youth in our community.

"We are extremely pleased to host this annual gala where we are able to reinforce positive youth behavior through the "Do the Right Thing" recognitions and honor adults for their significant work in the community", said N. Charles Anderson, President/CEO of the organization. We are fortunate to have a volunteer auxiliary like our Guild lead by Ms. Dorothy Cocroft, to assist in our efforts to raise critical revenue to support our programs while helping us to honor individuals who do great things in the community, noted Mr. Anderson.

Tickets to attend the Gala start at $50 for adults and $25 for youth. Admission includes the Virtual Guild Gala Experience, a virtual gift bag, membership to the Urban League of Detroit, and registration to the College Club (for youth). Event sponsors can receive multiple registrations and branding recognition among other benefits.

Proceeds from the Guild Gala directly support the Urban League's education and workplace development programs such as the College Club-Project Ready program, which increases educational opportunities for youth pursuing post- secondary degrees by providing scholarship information and support to over 150 students each year, while also providing enrichment activities such as leadership development, life skills, and financial literacy training. The League's Workforce Career Development program provides essential job search resources and support that are especially needed to assist the countless individuals who have been displaced by the pandemic.

Since 1916, the Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan has been building bridges in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan communities to enable African Americans and other persons of color to achieve their fullest potential. An affiliate of the National Urban League, ULDSEM has anticipated and responded to the changing needs of the metropolitan Detroit community through programs assisting with employment counseling and placement; women, infant, and children health and nutrition; youth academic and life-skills training; and the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions of the disadvantaged in the community.