Society: Horatio Williams Foundation thanks donors
Five years ago, Horatio Williams of Grosse Pointe paid for a busload of Detroit kids to go to Cedar Point. They were at-risk, inner city children who showed promise after being mentored personally by Williams during the summer.
On Aug.4, now under the auspices of a foundation bearing his name, Williams and an impressive list of sponsors hosted five busloads of kids ranging in ages from 2 to 20.
“These are kids who oftentimes never have a chance to leave a three- or four-block radius in their whole lives,” Williams explained. “Sometimes kids just need to be shown some love and appreciation. And I can’t thank enough the people who helped make this one bigger and better than ever.”
To show his appreciation, the Horatio Williams Foundation hosted a lavish outdoor bash on the deck of the Roostertail on Aug. 6.
About 150 guests were greeted with a glass of wine at the gate before walking the pier that leads to the white, Miami-inspired deck, which was decorated with flowing silk teal ribbons.
Guests enjoyed a huge buffet table with offerings that included shots of gazpacho and vichyssoise, grilled petite Australian lamb chops, mini turkey burgers with fresh avocado, and seared ahi tuna over fettuccine seaweed salad.
At one corner of the deck, photographer Larry Garcia erected a display board with photos of the kids at Cedar Point and a list of the sponsors. Among the 100-plus contributors were corporate sponsors such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, MGM Grand Detroit, St. John Health Systems, the Marshall Mathers Foundation and HAP.
Personal contributions were made by Peter and Danialle Karmanos, Linda Dresner, David Clapper, Norman Yatooma, Art Van Elslander, Peter Ahee, Renee Godin and Barbara Gucfa, to mention a few.
“We’re looking to double the number of buses next year,” Williams added. “And with the support of people like this. I’m sure it can be done.”
Established in 2005, the Horatio Williams Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of underserved inner city youths in the area of sports and education.
