Jeff Daniels Performs, Local Media Bartend at United Way's Salute to Champions Party, Feb. 1

Jeff Daniels Performs, Local Media Bartend at United Way's Salute to Champions Party, Feb. 1

Sponsored by DaimlerChrysler at the Historic Firehouse

United Way for Southeastern Michigan will roll out the red carpet at its Salute to Champions, Heroes of Our Community event, on Wednesday, Feb. 1. It will take place from 6 - 10 p.m. at the historic Firehouse, located at 250 West Larned, in downtown Detroit. This special party, sponsored by DaimlerChrysler, will recognize and thank United Way's Tocqueville Society members -- those who contribute $10,000 or more annually to United Way to benefit our community.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050414/DETH033LOGO )

The evening will be highlighted by guest celebrities and sports figures. Actor Jeff Daniels, whose voice was heard on United Way's 2005 Torch Drive public service announcements, will perform at the event. Other celebrities include NBA Hall of Famer, Detroit Pistons star Dave Bing; NFL Hall of Famer and Detroit Lions Alumni Lem Barney; Detroit's own hockey great and NHL Hall of Famer Gordie Howe; and former Detroit Red Wing Joey Kocur.

Local media representatives will serve as celebrity bartenders throughout the evening, including WJBK FOX 2's Deena Centofanti, Monica Gayle, Huel Perkins and Charles Pugh; WDIV Local 4's Karen Drew, Steve Garagiola, and Paula Tutman; WJR's Frank Beckmann; WKQI's Mojo in the Morning team, Mojo, Spike, Sara and Kyra; WNIC's Chris Edmonds; WDFN Sports Radio's Jamie, Stoney and Wojo; Detroit Free Press Publisher David Hunke; and Crain's Detroit Business Publisher Mary Kramer.

Richard E. Dauch, co-founder, chairman and CEO, American Axle & Manufacturing, served as chair of United Way for Southeastern Michigan's 2005 Tocqueville Society, which currently has 310 members. Dauch will also serve as general chair of United Way's 2006 Torch Drive campaign, which will kick off this fall. The Torch Drive and Tocqueville Society contributions help fund more than 340 programs and services at approximately 150 health and human service organizations throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

"When we talk about the heroes in our community, we're not only referring to those who excel in sports, the entertainment industry or business," said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "Next week, when the world is focused on championship football, let's remember and thank our community champions -- those who generously and unselfishly contribute their resources and time to help others."

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self- sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at http://www.uwsem.org/ .

MEDIA CONTACTS: Patricia A. Ellis, +1-313-226-9484 or pager, +1-313-840-1948, or Megan Bracket, +1-313-226-9409 or pager, +1-313-840-4321, both of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

PRNewswire -- Jan. 23

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050414/DETH033LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Web site: http://www.uwcs.org/
http://www.uwsem.org/

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