Child Safe Michigan will bring supporters, community leaders and advocates together in downtown Detroit on Friday, Aug. 7, for its annual fundraising gala benefiting foster care, adoption and mentoring services for children across Southeast Michigan.
The event, scheduled from 6-10 p.m. at The Department at Hudson’s, serves as the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Child Safe Michigan is an affiliate of Judson Center, the Farmington Hills-based human services organization that has served children and families in Michigan for more than a century through programs focused on behavioral health, autism services, disability support, integrated health careand child welfare.
Funds raised during the gala will support Child Safe Michigan’s work with children who have experienced abuse or neglect, helping provide foster care, adoption services and mentoring programs designed to connect young people with safe, stable and supportive environments.
“This is Child Safe’s biggest event of the year, and the proceeds directly support at-risk children in foster care,” said Judson Center President & CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “As an affiliate of Judson Center, Child Safe Michigan shares the same mission of providing comprehensive services that enable children to heal, grow, and thrive. Gala guests can be assured they are making a huge difference in the lives of the children and families served through the agency. It’s also a fun evening filled with good food, entertainment, and networking opportunities.”
Michigan Chronicle has previously highlighted Judson Center’s longstanding commitment to strengthening children and families through community partnerships and family-centered services. Child Safe Michigan’s programs help recruit and support foster and adoptive families while providing mentoring opportunities that encourage positive relationships and long-term stability for youth navigating difficult circumstances.
The evening’s program will feature dinner, cocktails, interactive giving opportunities, a live auction and an afterglow celebration with live entertainment. Organizers are encouraging guests to wear elevated cocktail attire paired with stylish sneakers, creating a modern dress code that blends formal fashion with personal expression. Complimentary valet parking will be available for attendees.
Leading this year’s event are Gala Co-Chairs Carly Dietz, co-chair of the Child Safe Michigan Board of Directors and chief executive officer of Dietz Property Group, and Theresa Evens, investor relations manager at Dietz Property Group. Dietz Property Group is serving as the gala’s presenting sponsor.
Community support plays a central role in sustaining Child Safe Michigan’s services throughout the year. Proceeds from the gala help expand resources for foster families, support children awaiting permanent homes through adoption and strengthen mentoring initiatives that provide encouragement and guidance to young people.
The annual gala also offers an opportunity for business leaders, philanthropists and residents to connect with the organization’s mission while investing in programs that serve vulnerable children and families throughout Southeast Michigan.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Child Safe Michigan Gala are available through Child Safe Michigan’s website at www.childsafemichigan.org/gala.
