This year’s November Double Your Donation Day telethon, hosted on FOX 2 Detroit, was an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when we come together. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we took another significant step toward ending hunger in Southeast Michigan.
Throughout the day, we were joined by incredible friends and partners who share our vision, including Ford Philanthropy, The Detroit Lions Foundation, The Pope Francis Center, and the Rocket Community Fund. Their support, along with yours, made the day unforgettable.
Highlights from the Day
Ford Philanthropy Brings Early Morning Energy
We kicked off the telethon with Amy Andrews from FOX 2 interviewing Eric Davis, Director of Social Mobility at Ford Philanthropy. Eric shared how Ford and Gleaners are working hand-in-hand to build a hunger-free Michigan
Community Impact in Action
Justin Kimpson, Senior Director of the Ford Community Center-East, spoke about their work on Detroit’s east side. The center, located at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy, provides essential resources to local families, including a Gleaners mobile drive-up distribution.
A Tasty Pumpkin Dip Demo
FOX 2 viewers were treated to a delightful cooking demonstration from Paloma Cortes, Program Specialist for Gleaners’ Nutrition Education team, and her 7-year-old son and sous-chef, Lorenzo. Together, they made homemade Pumpkin Dip.
A Lions-Sized Surprise
The Detroit Lions Foundation brought the excitement during the 9 o’clock hour. Roary, the Lions’ mascot, joined Roxanne Caine, Vice President of the Foundation, to announce a special matching opportunity: donations were tripled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., up to $10,000!
Partnerships Feeding the Community
We were thrilled to welcome Chef Shawn Clayborne and Billy Kangas from the Pope Francis Center, who shared how our partnership provides ~400 meals daily to Detroiters experiencing homelessness. Chef Shawn shared that she plans to use Gleaners-supplied collard greens for this year’s Thanksgiving meal.
Rocket Community Fund Steps Up
Bryan Beran-Miceli shared how Rocket’s volunteer efforts and annual Virtual Food Drive align with their mission to ensure safe, stable housing—a key factor in food security.
Breaking Down Stigma
The day wrapped with Jamie Haddon, a social worker at Neil E. Reid High School in Macomb, sharing the transformative impact of their school mobile food distribution. Jamie shared a heartfelt message about how partnerships like ours are helping families overcome the stigma often associated with hunger.
Thank You!
This incredible day wouldn’t have been possible without:
- The dozens of volunteers who powered our phonebank.
- The hundreds of donors who gave generously.
- Our match sponsors, Ford Philanthropy and The Detroit Lions Foundation, for amplifying every gift.
Together, we’re building a brighter future for our neighbors. Thank you for being part of this impactful day!
