Good Music, Great Sneakers, Lasting Impact

For many families, the holiday season begins with excitement. It also begins with added strain on already stretched budgets.

As the costs of necessities like housing, groceries, transportation and child care rise, parents face difficult decisions about what they can afford. For some, holiday gifts are the first thing to fall off the list.

For over 30 years, Labor of Love – United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s annual holiday giving program – has helped ease the burden, ensuring children across Washtenaw and Wayne counties experience the joy of the season despite their family’s circumstances.

That mission took center stage at this year’s Sneaker Ball, where labor leaders, union members and supporters gathered to celebrate three decades of impact and raise critical funds to bring more smiles to local children during Labor of Love and beyond.

“Tonight is about making sure our young people are able to have a happy holiday filled with love,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president & CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “That’s really essential, especially in the times we find ourselves in now.”

Last year, Labor of Love provided gifts to 86 children across Wayne and Washtenaw counties – a record number. From bikes and helmets to dolls and accessories, each gift delivered a powerful message of community support.

A SHARED COMMITMENT

Held at the Detroit Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center, the annual Sneaker Ball event in support of Labor of Love, honors the longstanding partnership between United Way and labor, which is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening communities and supporting local families.

United Way Board Member and Business Agent for IBEW Local 58 Byron Osbern took home the Best Male Sneaker trophy for his colorful Nikes and shared a powerful message about his mission on the board.

“As a first-year board member, I look forward to being a valuable voice, helping to build stronger partnerships between labor, business, and the community while ensuring that every child has access to opportunities that help them thrive,” said Byron.

More than 85 years ago, labor and business leaders pioneered the nation’s first workplace giving campaigns, creating a model for collective action that still continues to this day.

Labor contributions currently make up about 40% of our workplace fundraising – enabling us to help families keep food on the table, keep the lights on, access free summer learning programs and so much more.

And labor’s commitment to working families goes well beyond donations. Over the past year, nearly 347 union members have logged over 3,861 volunteer hours on multiple projects, including food distribution and reading to youth.

SNEAKERS STEAL THE SHOW

After reflecting on 30 years of impact, Sneaker Ball guests enjoyed delicious food, photo booths, lively music and VIP experiences while showing off an enviable array of fun footwear.

Best Female Sneaker award went to Melvina Lewis, a longtime United Way donor and volunteer for her towering black and white platform Gucci sneakers. While they didn’t win, Genevieve Taylor’s custom United Way Converse sneakers garnered applause and cheers throughout the night.

Julianne Phillips saw a post about Sneaker Ball on Facebook and knew she had to sign up – despite her affinity for high heels.

“This seemed like a fun event and it really is,” said Julianne who first donated in United Way when she joined DTE in 1980. She continues to give annually as a retiree. “This is a great cause and a wonderful way to give back.”

Leah Gordon, Community Relations Director for the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters shared that she has experienced the impact of United Way’s work firsthand.

“I’ve leaned on United Way in countless ways over the years,” Leah said. “Two years ago, when one of our apprentices’ mom passed away, United Way stepped in to help the families with Christmas gifts through Labor of Love.”

Leah’s story is proof positive of the difference we can make when we lock arms for a good cause. Through Sneaker Ball and Labor of Love, we’re showing families across the region the ongoing legacy of United Way and labor.

Want to help? Make a donation today to support Labor of Love.