Tony Guerriero (left), Don Mack and Tim Schramm package a barbecued chicken dinner during the inaugural Dearborn BBQ Chicken Dinner On The Grill in 2020.
5 Dearborn charities to benefit from funds raised
DEARBORN — Five Dearborn charities will be offering chicken dinners for a suggested donation of $15 each during the third annual Dearborn BBQ Chicken Dinner On The Grill from 4 to 7:30 p.m. July 30.
Curbside drive-through service will be at 23000 Michigan Ave. in the former Kroger parking lot.
The group plans to sell over 1,000 chicken dinners to raise money for the Dearborn Firefighters & Burn Drive, Exchange Club of Dearborn, Fordson High School Varsity Alumni Club, Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, and the Dearborn Goodfellows. Dinners will include a half chicken, potatoes, and corn-on-the-cob.
The fundraiser has quickly become a community tradition.
“The last few years have been difficult for charities to raise funds because of the COVID pandemic,” said Dearborn Exchange Club member and Dearborn School Board member Pat D’Ambrosio. “This year, because of inflation, donations are down again.
“This event is very important for our community. Not only do you get a great meal at a good price, but you are also helping five charities. Everyone is welcome to pick up a hot chicken dinner. Just drive up, make your donation, and pull away with a great, hot dinner.”
Sponsorship signage is still available. Signs and banners will be prominently displayed at the event.
For more information call D’Ambrosio at 734-355-8114, or Kim Cross of FAMD at 313-268-0419.
Meet the organizations
The Exchange Club of Dearborn is part of the National Exchange Club organization. The Dearborn club was established in 1911 and is the oldest service organizations in the country. The club supports Americanism, community service and youth, and the prevention of child abuse. They provide $1,500 scholarships to the valedictorian of Dearborn’s three traditional high schools. The organization’s motto is “Unity for Service”.
Fordson High School Varsity Club supports the Dearborn Fordson High School student-athletes and teams with capital improvements to the facility, equipment, and most importantly scholarships at Henry Ford College. The FVC currently has an Endowed Scholarship Fund of over $150,000 and has provided scholarships to over 100 students.
The Dearborn Goodfellows mission for over the last 98 years has been to make sure no child goes without a Christmas. The organization’s impact on the community is much broader than helping children that are less fortunate during the holiday season and provides year-round assistance to children in need.
The Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive was founded in 1975 to raise funds for burned and sick kids and families in need. They also support several area organizations that do the same. They include: The Ronald McDonald House of Michigan, Penrickton School for Blind Children, University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center, The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, and Beaumont Center for Exceptional Families. We have several endowment funds that will ensure that our efforts support these care centers for years to come.
Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit operates the Dearborn Animal Shelter for the city of Dearborn. Each year they care for thousands of animals for the Dearborn Community. FAMD rescues, protects, and adopts thousands of animals each year while also inspiring the human-animal bond.