Byron Suggs and Jason Appling, co-founders of Cool Smart Inc. (Photo credit: Porsha Mitchell for Steed Media Service)
Tux & Chucks 2015 did not disappoint. The charity fundraising event is becoming a staple event in Detroit for the holiday season thanks to founders Jason Appling and Byron Suggs. Together, they co-founded Cool Smart Inc. (www.coolsmart.org), whose mission is to “connect individuals to nonprofit organizations in the community by educating younger generations on the importance of philanthropy and increasing awareness of philanthropic initiatives in metropolitan areas”.
These cool and smart guys, both native Detroiters, earned bachelor’s degrees from Michigan State University. They are young, qualified, and forward thinking entrepreneurs who enjoy giving back to their community. These polished and professional young men have a vision to give back by developing innovative environments that increase participation within communities by connecting people and philanthropic initiatives.
Now in its fifth year, their signature fundraiser, Tux & Chucks (www.TuxandChucks.org), not only proves to be an impressive charity gala but it also serves as a platform to honor several other nonprofit organizations. This year they honored several organizations that included Mittens for Detroit, Rhonda Walker Foundation and Kicks 4 Kids Foundation. Each organization was presented with a $2,500 check for their respective organizations. The presentations were made by Suggs and Appling during the gala at the MGM Grand Detroit.
These young philanthropists are truly setting the bar high and giving “cool” and “smart” a different meaning. As they like to define it, “cool” means “fashionable” and “smart” is “philanthropy, charity and community.” We think they’re getting it right.
Check out photos from the 2015 Tux & Chucks ‘hot’ or ‘not’ gallery
See how Tux & Chucks brought out some of Detroit’s hottest couples
112’s Slim rocked the mic at Tux and Chucks. Get the exclusive details here
Photos credit: Porsha Mitchell for Steed Media Service
