14th annual Cruisin’ to Drive Out Hunger raises thousands for Forgotten Harvest

BERKLEY, Mich. — The 14th annual Cruisin’ to Drive Out Hunger was held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at the Westborn Market, located at 27659 Woodward Avenue in Berkley, Mich.  This preview party benefits the Forgotten Harvest.  While no exact figure was announced, it’s safe to say that thousands of dollars were raised.

The Forgotten Harvest relieves hunger in the Detroit metropolitan area community and also prevents nutritious food waste.  They provide for emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless and domestic shelters, children’s homes, senior centers and group homes.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services was the major sponsor along with Lear Corporation, Sony, DTE Energy, MGM Grand Detroit,  just to name a few.  WOMC, 104.3 was the radio sponsor and the official radio station of the Woodward Dream Cruise.

IMG_1994Included was a “Tastefest” of metro Detroit’s best restaurants such as Taste of Soul which served rib tips and cornbread, Kona Grill which served tuna towers and key lime pie.  Also, Zoup served chicken pot pie soup and gazpacho.  Cake crumbs served cream puffs and bourbon cupcakes.  Palette served pork belly tacos.  Social Sushi served, yes you guessed it, sushi.  California Pizza Kitchen served salad and guacamole with chips, Vinsetta Garage served mac and cheese.  The Jamaican Pit served jerk chicken and rice.  Maggiano’s Little Italy served pesto pasta salad and braised beef bruschetta.  Treat Dreams served chocolate brownies and ice cream.  Five Star Cake Company served cupcakes.   There was also a fruit display table with shrimp and cheeses.  So, all in all, there was quite a selection of samplings for every tastebud.

Drinks were provided by Gypsy Vodka and a variety of beers from the Frankenmuth Brewing Company.  The music was provided by Detroit’s own Charles and Gwen Scales.  Gwen is a world renowned singer songwriter and Charles is a pianist/songwriter.  They played such tunes as “Stop in the name of love” by Diana Ross, “My Girl” by the Temptations and “Car Wash” by Rose Royce.

IMG_2025There was also a silent auction which included “Dine Detroit” gift certificates to the Rattlesnake Club, Roast Restaurant and the London Chop House.  There were tickets to the Celtic Thunder at the Fox Theatre.  Also a Saks Fifth Avenue beauty basket, a Made in Detroit basket, a wine lovers basket, a Bulova watch, a Detroit Lions Fan Package which included two tickets to a Lions game, two Lions hats, and a signed Joique Bell football.  There was also a Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience package which means you drive a Mercedes for a week along with a Mercedes gift basket of branded merchandise.  Another package included six bottles of wine.  One was a dinner and a movie which included two dinner gift cards for Iron Horse and Bistro 82 and two movie passes at Emagine Theatre.  There was also a Parade Company Studio tour for a group of ten people.  There was also Detroit Tigers tickets which included four tickets to a Tigers game vs. the Orioles on September 10.

So, I hear, the goal of this event reached their expectations.  However, at this writing, there is no exact figure.  Until we meet again next year…

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Yellow 1958 Chevy Nomad parked in front. (Gloria Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

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Attendees sampling some fruit at the 14th annual Cruisin’ to Drive Out Hunger. (Jerome Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

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The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 was on display. (Gloria Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

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An overview of the official charity event for the Woodward Dream Cruise benefiting Forgotten Harvest. (Jerome Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

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Palette served pork belly tacos with vegetables for attendees to sample. (Gloria Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

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Two miniature cars on the counter. (Gloria Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

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Live music was provided by Charles and Gwen Scales. (Jerome Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

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Attendees mingling at the 14th annual Cruisin’ to Drive Out Hunger. (Gloria Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

 

Stay tuned for our full gallery in the coming days…

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