Ford, Lear, Magna, WDIV-Local 4 lead sponsors of two virtual events
DETROIT — As Focus: HOPE has adjusted operations to continue serving metro Detroit through the pandemic and social unrest, the organization has also found new ways to celebrate the generous support of the community in 2020. This year, Focus: HOPE’s two signature events – Heroes for HOPE and Eleanor’s March 4 HOPE – will be completely virtual, with the culminating celebrations taking place this weekend as part of the Virtual Weekend of HOPE, led by Honorary Chair Dave Bing.
Heroes for HOPE, recognizing corporate and community leaders dedicated to social justice, will be held virtually Friday, October 9 at 7:00am. The 2020 event, presented by Ford Motor Company & Lear, will honor Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO; Detroit Pistons Coach Dwane Casey; United Way for Southeastern Michigan; and Jim Tobin, Executive Vice President, Magna International. The keynote presentation will be a conversation between Jim Farley & WDIV-Local 4 anchor Devin Scillian.
For over 45 years, Eleanor’s March 4 HOPE, presented by Magna and WDIV-Local 4, has brought together people of every background to walk the streets of Detroit in support of social justice issues important to them, and of Focus: HOPE’s mission of promoting a metropolitan community where everyone can truly live in freedom, harmony, trust, and affection. This year’s March – focusing on Equitable Economy, Equitable Health, and Equitable Justice – is being held virtually, culminating with an online celebration October 11 at 1:00pm.
The Weekend of HOPE is made possible by sponsorship support from community-minded companies and individuals. “Serving the communities where we live and work is essential to the success of our business,” said Lear President and CEO Ray Scott. “We are proud to partner with Focus: HOPE for more than 20 years, reflecting Lear’s commitment to social justice and taking action by listening, learning and leading.”
Focus: HOPE CEO Portia Roberson said, “It is our hope that, by bringing community members together through the Weekend of HOPE, we will be able to celebrate, reflect, and move forward together through action to support real change in Southeast Michigan and beyond.”
People of all communities, ages, cultures, and backgrounds who want to participate in building a better future for all are invited & encouraged to attend these free virtual events. For more information and to register for the virtual events, please visit www.focushope.edu/weekend.
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About Focus: HOPE
Focus: HOPE is a nationally recognized civil and human rights organization founded in 1968 with a mission to eliminate racism, poverty and injustice through intelligent and practical action. After more than half a century, Focus: HOPE continues to advance its mission through core program areas of early learning, youth development, workforce training, and food justice, and by pursuing racial equity and advocating for systems change. For more information, visit www.focushope.edu.
