More than 1.5 million people experienced homelessness in America last year. How will you answer the call? The nonprofit organization, Mack and Third, assists the homeless by gathering food and raising funds for local homeless shelters and food banks. The aim is to bring attention to the plight of the homeless and encourage volunteerism and generosity.
“Kem Live @ Mack & Third: A Call to Service,” produced by Project Producers LLC, was an all-day event with free health screenings, food and merchandise vendors. Donations of canned goods were exchanged for five hours of live entertainment. Opening acts, local broadcasters and comedian hosts were warmly received at this massive charity event. A tribute to another Motown recording legend and humanitarian, Michael Jackson was another stimulating addition to the occasion. Radio stations 105.9 KISS-FM and Hot 102.7, along with a large chorus line of young Detroiters, paid homage to the late King of Pop with a rendition of his greatest hits.
The “sea of humanity” at Cass Park overflowed, as Detroiters recited songs of love, reflected on current economic trials, and rejoiced in the spiritual sentiment expressed by the twice Grammy-nominated artist. Despite recent alarming headlines, citizens and sponsors displayed a contradictory report of unity and culture within the city. After a soulful performance, Motown recording artist Kem acknowledged Detroit’s sense of community and determination to rebuild a city that is not lost.
Once a resident at Detroit‘s Rescue Mission Ministries, Kem shares “growing up, [I sought] something outside of myself. Drugs and alcohol allowed me to escape my circumstances. But, that type of life is not sustainable. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. God brought people into my life to show me a better way to live.” His third and largest charity event of this kind, Kem served “a message and a meal” to more than 500 of Detroit’s homeless, collected nearly 40,000 canned goods, and entertained 20,000 people. “Knowing my background and desire to give back to the community, my manager, Toya Hankins [came up] with the idea. [In] 2009, [it was our first time] and it’s great to be doing it again in 2011.”
Proceeds will benefit organizations such as Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, L.I.F.T. Women’s Resource Center, Salvation Army, Sobriety House, Transformation Detroit, and many others. The event was an exciting follow-up to Mack and Third’s “Clean Up Day” on Saturday, Aug. 27.
–megan mccolla
Visit www.mackandthird.org or text ‘mackandthird’ to 80802, to answer your “call to service.”
