Photo credit: Raquelle Harris for Steed Media Service
The fifth annual Tux & Chucks charity fundraiser was definitely a night to remember. This year’s event took place on Nov. 27, 2015, otherwise known as Black Friday. There was no shopping at this event though, instead hundreds of Detroiters came out to support a phenomenal cause. Put on by the nonprofit, Cool Smart Inc., the purpose of Tux & Chucks is to raise funds for charities in the metro Detroit area. This year’s recipients were Kicks 4 Kids, Mittens for Detroit, and the Rhonda Walker Foundation; each organization fulfills a different area of need. Although Cool Smart’s mission is one of humility, their event was anything but humble. Representing the company’s slogan, “We put the fun in fundraising,” Tux & Chucks event planners made sure that the attendees had an absolute ball as they ate, drank, posed and pranced. There was a diverse mix of men and women.
Get a glimpse at some of the hot and not so hot fashions here.
Held at the spacious and opulent MGM Grand Detroit, the atmosphere at Tux & Chucks was elegant and welcoming. With this being the holiday season, attendees were surrounded by beautiful and intricate holiday-themed decor, including huge wreaths and Christmas trees. As guests entered the long hallway leading to the ballroom, they were greeted by one of two stations at which they could take one complimentary photo in front of the Tux & Chucks backdrop. The tables were adorned with decorative chiffon, bows, red roses, and tealight candles. The foyer outside the ballroom held one of four open bars along with the second photo station. The ballroom featured the dance floor of course, along with a Cadillac truck on either side of the room, two VIP areas, the food buffet, two bars and a selfie station. While the buffet offered some tasty options such as nachos, beef wellington and spinach dip, the wait staff continuously circulated with mini quesadillas and chicken satay hors d’oeuvres. Later on in the night, guests were served a Detroit mainstay of coney dogs and chili fries.
Across from the ballroom was the karaoke lounge; it had an intimate and laid-back vibe with a bar, white leather benches, and a display of the delectable Garrett’s popcorn. While DJ M.I.X. and DJ Kutz moved the crowd with old- and new-school music in the ballroom, DJ Bryan had ladies singing about their “Hotline Bling” on the karaoke mic. Each of this year’s recipients displayed their respective charity’s information in the long hallway, allowing guests to stop by at their leisure.The recipients were presented with a $2,500 donation from Cool Smart Inc. along with a surprise matching donation from MGM Grand’s Touching Communities, Touching Lives.
One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by Slim from 112. After he ripped the stage, rolling out was granted an exclusive interview.
Of course, an event of this caliber had a swag bag. Select guests were treated to a candle from the Sweet Candle Co., white chocolate dipped Oreos from Yum Delish, discount tickets to see the Detroit Pistons play, an Avion tequila shot glass and a $10 discount to Snapsuits, the company that provided the tuxes worn by Cool Smart founders, Byron Suggs and Jason Appling.
Check out pics from the event below, they may leave you wishing that you were there and possibly making plans to attend next year.
Photos credit: Porsha Mitchell for Steed Media Service except where noted otherwise.
