Detroit is gearing up for another round of Prom Remodeled, a creative and lively fundraising event designed to boost support for the city’s communities.
At the forefront of the much-anticipated Prom Remodeled event is Life Remodeled, a beacon of real action in the often talked-about revitalization of Detroit neighborhoods. The organization operates on a simple yet powerful belief: Detroiters are immensely talented but significantly underserved in terms of opportunities. Under the dynamic leadership of founder and CEO Chris Lambert, Life Remodeled has been transforming this belief into action by repurposing vacant properties into vibrant community hubs. These hubs are filled with leading nonprofit organizations that offer essential services from youth programs and workforce development to comprehensive human services, positively impacting tens of thousands annually.
“We are absolutely convinced, Detroiters have all the talent they need, but many don’t have access to all the opportunities they deserve,” said Lambert. “That’s what drives the work that we do, but it also drives the way that we do our work, and specifically this fundraiser that we created.”
Lambert’s story is one of unwavering faith and profound transformation. From giving up his college lifestyle for spiritual studies, to moving overseas to assist a Liberian village, Chris has consistently proven naysayers wrong by following his calling with fierce determination. His journey continued as he moved to Metro Detroit, where he started a church and later established Life Remodeled in 2010. The organization, which began by revitalizing neighborhoods block by block, now focuses on converting old school buildings into centers that foster self and community growth.
“We fill these buildings with the best and brightest nonprofits who are doing three things,” Lambert said. “They’re either doing youth programs, health and wellness services, or workforce development. And then we help those nonprofits collaborate to make more impact together than they could ever make alone.”
Lambert’s global experiences and the wisdom he’s gathered along the way deeply influence Life Remodeled’s work. Living in Detroit with his family, he brings humility and leadership to an organization that has become a pivotal part of the community. Together with their partners, they’re making measurable impacts:
- Improving Detroit students’ performance to meet or exceed grade levels in math and reading.
- Ensuring families have access to vital health and wellness services.
- Helping community members secure better jobs and achieve economic independence.
Life Remodeled is more than just an organization; it’s a movement powered by a community that believes in transformation, spearheaded by a leader who dares to make the impossible possible. Join them at Prom Remodeled to experience a night of celebration and contribute to a cause that’s reshaping lives and neighborhoods in Detroit.
What is Prom Remodeled?
As the spring calendar pages turn, excitement builds for one of Detroit’s unique charitable events, Prom Remodeled. Scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, this event invites adults to step back into the magic of their high school prom, but with a twist that combines nostalgia with a powerful cause.
“When we were dreaming up what kind of fundraiser could be the most effective fundraiser that would help us achieve our mission of repurposing schools in Detroit, we thought of one thing more than anything, and that is prom,” shared Lambert. “We were thinking along the lines of what could we do in our school building that would make sense for a fundraising event? So, we started thinking back to our high school experiences and out of all those experiences, there was no more event that was more iconic and more emotionally invoking than a prom.”
Held at the repurposed Durfee Middle School, now known as the Durfee Innovation Society, Prom Remodeled is not just an evening of glamour and celebration. It is a night dedicated to reliving cherished memories or rewriting past experiences, all in the aid of supporting the vital community work of Life Remodeled. This nonprofit has been transforming Detroit’s landscape for 13 years.
The event promises an unforgettable night with a star-studded lineup featuring performances by icons such as Tone Loc, Rob Base, and Treach from Naughty by Nature. Attendees are encouraged to dress their best for a chance to win the titles of Prom King or Queen as they enjoy strolling hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a walk down a red carpet.
More than just a party, Prom Remodeled is a fundraiser with profound community impact. Last year, it raised over half a million dollars for neighborhood revitalization projects. This year, the goal is to top $665,000, with proceeds aimed to further develop new projects like Anchor Detroit, a forthcoming community opportunity hub.
As anticipation grows, the event is expected to draw around 1,200 guests, reflecting the community’s support and enthusiasm. Those interested can get a sneak peek of the excitement by watching the newly released promo video, offering a glimpse of what the night has in store.
“We knew that the nostalgia effect of reliving prom or redoing prom, or for some, doing prom for the very first time would be a meaningful experience,” Lambert said. “So, we created a fundraising event that is very, very different than the average nonprofit fundraising event. This will not be a sit-down dinner with a bunch of speeches. This is a party.”
Prom Remodeled isn’t just a chance to dance the night away; it’s an opportunity to contribute to a legacy of improvement and empowerment in Detroit. Whether you’re reliving the best night of your high school life or correcting a less than perfect memory, Prom Remodeled offers a unique way to make a difference while making memories. Join the celebration and be part of shaping a better future for the Detroit community.
