By Evelyn Cairns
Members of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber will gather Jan. 10 for the chamber’s 10th Annual Member Tribute recognizing individuals and businesses with awards for their outstanding contributions to the Downriver area and the chamber.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Downriver Italian American Hall, 646 Biddle (north of Goddard Road), in Wyandotte.
A highlight of the event will be the passing of the gavel of office by past chamber chairman Jerry Griffith of MBT Downriver to the new chairman, Greg Genter of Harvest Partners Financial.
Among the awards to be bestowed are Corporate Citizen, Image, Community Service and Greening Downriver. In addition, the Ambassador of the Year 2012 will be named.
Tickets are $15 per person. Reservations are being accepted at the chamber office, 734-284-6000.
Charity preview tickets on sale
One of the social events of 2013, the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview, will take place Jan. 18 with a goal of raising more than $3 million for local children’s organizations.
The black-tie glittering event, scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. at Cobo Center, has raised nearly $40 million in the last 10 years, according to an Auto Show spokesman.
Beneficiaries will include the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, the March of Dimes Metro Detroit, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
Tickets are $300, with $290 tax-deductible. For tickets, go to www.charitypreview.com or telephone 888-838-7500.
The public show will begin Jan. 19 and continue through Jan. 27. Tickets are $12, adults, and $6, seniors and children (no charge for children under 6 accompanied by a parent or guardian).
Save the date . . .
Jan. 10 — Lecture by Martha Raddatz, ABC News senior foreign affairs correspondent, in the Downriver Town Hall series; 11 a.m. at Crystal Gardens, 16703 Fort St., Southgate; doors will open at 10 a.m.; for information about tickets and a luncheon following the talk, call 734-783-9224.
Jan. 10 — Opening reception for an exhibit by photographer Michael Sarnacki featuring the Sri Lanka Kandy Celebration; 6 p.m. at the James R. DeSana Arts & Cultural Center, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte; no admission charge; Sarnacki will lecture and sign his newest book of photographs of the celebration at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at the center.
Jan. 12 — Family event; Ibex Puppetry’s Musical Garden & Endangered Special Parade; by Heather Henson and Ibex Puppetry; 2 and 4 p.m. at the Detroit Institute of Arts; puppets will interact with spectators; the show will feature kites, flags, costumed dancers and musicians as well; there is no admission charge for Wayne County residents.
Feb. 9 — Trenton Rotary Club’s Sixth Annual Winter Beach Blast; 6 p.m. at Crystal Gardens, 16703 Fort St.; buffet dinner, open bar, auctions, games drawings, live entertainment and dancing; for tickets, $40 in advance or $45 at the door; call Valerie Dzagulones, 734-671-2531.
Feb. 13 – March 10 — Award-winning musical, “The Lion King,” featuring the music of Elton John and Tim Rice; at the Detroit Opera House; tickets start at $25; for more information, call 313-872-1000 or go to www.broadwayindetroit.com.
Feb. 16 — Backstage Pass 4, fundraiser for the Southern Great Lakes Symphony; at the James R. DeSana Center for Arts & Culture, in Wyandotte.