Southgate Star February 2025

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State of the City Address

On January 30th, Mayor Joseph G. Kuspa delivered his annual State of the City address, painting a picture of a thriving Southgate built on sound financial principles, a steadfast commitment to public safety, and a forward-thinking approach to community development. His speech, peppered with historical references and local anecdotes, emphasized the interconnectedness of past decisions and present realities, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have propelled Southgate forward.

FINANCIAL PRUDENCE AND DEBT ELIMINATION: A LEGACY OF RESPONSIBLE GOVENANCE

Mayor Kuspa proudly announced that Southgate had once again earned an unmodified audit opinion from

Plante Moran, the highest mark of financial health and reporting. He stressed the City’s dedication to fiscal responsibility, noting a $400,000 increase in the unobligated fund balance in 2024, even while maintaining a balanced budget. However, the true testament to Southgate’s financial stewardship, according to the Mayor, lies in its dramatic debt reduction. At the start of Mayor Kuspa’s administration in 2009, the General Debt obligation of the City of Southgate was over $14,000,000. Today, it is down to $650,000. That is a 95% reduction in the City’s General Debt over that time period. “This,” Mayor Kuspa declared, “is a statistic I take a great deal of pride in.” He attributed this success to a commitment to strategic planning and responsible policies, not simply borrowing. This financial stability, he asserted, allows the City to address the

ADDRESS, PAGE 5

CUTENESS OVERLOAD

Jake and Miranda of Southgate share their home with these

guys: Jax (top-5yrs.) Bentley (left-7

& Gus (right-2 yrs.). Gus is the shy one & has a special relationship with “mom”. All like to play and relax on their cat-condo!

Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?

Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.

■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.

■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

Bananas become practice patients

The Anderson High School Pre-Med Club recently held an exciting handson workshop with two Physician Assistants and four PA students from the University of Detroit Mercy, a university known for its accelerated BA to PA program.

Students learned the basics of surgical suturing, using bananas as practice material, and got a firsthand look at a key skill in the medical field. This experience gave them a deeper understanding of what it takes to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant, a profession that’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Kudos to the Pre-Med Club for organizing such an engaging event that continues to inspire students to follow their dreams in medicine.

ADDRESS

Continued from page 1 community’s day-to-day needs more effectively.

PUBLIC SAFETY: A MULTIFACETED APPROACH TO COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Public safety remained a central theme of the Mayor’s address. He lauded the Southgate Police Department’s continuing to be ranked among the top 15% of Michigan law enforcement agencies, emphasizing their dedication to continuous training, including specialized instruction in crisis negotiation, defense tactics, and firearms safety. He also acknowledged their participation in regional task forces, such as the Downriver SWAT Team, the FBI Task Force, and the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency. These experiences bring valuable resources and expertise to the City.

Mayor Kuspa highlighted the department’s proactive approach to school safety, emphasizing the collaborative mock lockdown drills conducted with the fire department and the Southgate Community School District. He noted that Southgate was a local pioneer in this type of training, and that other Downriver communities are now following Southgate’s lead. Kuspa commended the police department’s community engagement efforts, from Little League opening days to holiday toy drives, “our officers are engaged with our community”.

He also announced the launch of the new “Citizens Public Safety Academy.” This is free 8-week course open to the public and offers an immersive program into our public safety departments. The focus of the academy is to obtain citizen input and, hopefully, foster greater understanding between residents and first responders. A new series of classes are scheduled for this fall. The Fire Department also earned praise for its exceptional service, exemplified by their impressive average response time of under four minutes. This is nearly 50% faster than the national average. He also acknowledged the department’s success in securing grants for new equip-

announced that Southgate’s IT Department had been recognized by the Michigan GMIS as the 2024 “Project of the Year” for its implementation of revolutionary multi-factor authentication. He also highlighted the City’s 2024 flawless cybersecurity record, with zero vulnerabilities detected by CISA, the federal cyber security agency, during their weekly audits.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY: BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

Mayor Kuspa detailed the City’s substantial investments in infrastructure, including over $2.5 million for road, water main, and sewer projects. He also celebrated the acquisition of several key grants, including a $900,000 EPA grant for pressure relief valves, which are projected to significantly reduce future water main breaks. A $1.6 million CDBG grant for sanitary sewer relining was also received. This will cover the cost of relining 1.5 miles of sewers and, more importantly, extend the lifespan of the critical pipes by 50 years. Another $500,000 CDBG grant will fund improvements to the front of City Hall, enhancing accessibility and creating dedicated handicap parking.

The Mayor acknowledged the vital role of the Department of Public Services, praising their tireless work, especially during a recent cold snap that led to multiple water main breaks. He also highlighted the City’s investment in new DPS vehicles, including dump and pick-up trucks, ensuring the department has the tools it needs to maintain Southgate’s infrastructure.

PARKS AND RECREATION: INVESTING IN QUALITY OF LIFE

Mayor Kuspa underscored the importance of parks and recreation in attracting and retaining residents, particularly millennial families. He detailed the $1.4 million invested in park improvements in 2024, including upgrades to Cobb Park, McCann Park, and Waverly Park, as well as, a roof replacement at the Ice Arena and Senior Center. Plans for

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining these investments, announcing the hiring of the City’s first full-time facilities coordinator. The City’s Recreation Master Plan was updated in 2024 by the Parks and Recreation Commission. This will serve as a guide for future improvements and enhance opportunities for state grants.

He highlighted the success of various recreational programs and facilities, including the ice arenas, Southgate Little League, the Senior Center, the Southwinds Golf Course, and the Veteran’s Memorial Library, which has seen a surge in both physical and digital visits.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A CITY ON THE RISE

The Mayor emphasized the strong economic activity in Southgate during 2024, citing over 2,600 permits being issued for property improvements. This represented a record $61 million in investments. He also announced the opening of 24 new businesses over the last year. Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about several upcoming projects, including the Snipes Apparel store, the Embers Coffee Shop, the HopCat restaurant, and the stateof-the-art Southgate Surgical Center.

The most anticipated development, according to the mayor, is the completion of the $46 million Bank Tower Apartment Project. That project represent the largest single private investment in Southgate’s history. This project will be complemented by a new 4-acre public park and pedestrian bridge over Trenton Road which was funded by a $5 million Wayne County ARPA grant.

A TRANSFORMATIVE GRANT: ADDRESSING A DECADE-LONG CHALLENGE

Mayor Kuspa concluded his address with a major announcement: a $22.8 million FEMA grant to assist with the construction of the Barberry Relief Sewer. This project, a decade in the making, aims to finally address the flooding issues that have plagued a large section of Southgate for years. He thanked the Michigan State Police who administer the grant, Hennessey Engineers for their design work and his executive staff for coordinating the grant application

After-address amusements: Mayor Kuspa, Rotary member Stephanie McNees, and student members from the Rotary’s Interact Club pose for a fun picture after discussing his remarks

This grant, combined with other funding, brings the total grant dollars secured in 2025 to over $36 million which exceeds the City’s annual general fund tax revenue. “The means”, Kuspa said, “that for every general tax dollar paid by our residents and businesses this year, the community will receive over $2 in benefits do to our successful efforts to attract these significant grants.”

Mayor Kuspa closed his address by reiterating his commitment to Southgate’s continued progress. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, sound management and forward-thinking. Kuspa concluded, “Together, we will continue to make Southgate a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Photo by Jim Jacek

2024 Southgate Business Awards

At the Mayor’s State of the City Address on January 30th, Southgate took the opportunity to recognize local businesses for their outstanding contributions and performance over the past year. This annual tradition shines a spotlight on those who have made a meaningful impact on the community and local economy. The awards were given out by City Council President Zoey Kuspa. The following businesses were honored. Congratulations!

2024 Community Engagement Award

Trentwood Farms, a family-owned grocery store, has become a true pillar of the Southgate community. Owned by Patrick Hughes and managed by Erica Stratton, the business has earned a reputation for its dedication to local causes and wide range of goods. Beyond offering high-quality products, Trentwood Farms is deeply involved in supporting local events, schools, and churches. Whether it’s providing goods for city celebrations, offering decor for Southgate’s annual HarvestFest at Market Center Park, or helping to sponsor community initiatives, they consistently go above and beyond. Trentwood Farms also helps local businesses showcase their products, further fostering a sense of community. With their unwavering support for Southgate, Trentwood Farms continues to play an integral role in the area’s social and cultural fabric.

2024 New Business of the Year

PayMore, which opened in July of 2024 in the Southgate Shopping Center, has quickly made a name for itself as an eco-conscious business specializing in buying, selling, and trading electronics. Under the leadership of COO Bobby Reedy, the store has already made an impact by providing customers with an easy, eco-friendly way to declutter and earn money in the process. In addition to offering cash for old tech, like phones, laptops, and video games, PayMore also provides free recycling services for devices that are no longer in use or of value. They ensure that every item is handled responsibly by securely wiping personal data from electronics, allowing customers to dispose of their old tech with peace of mind. PayMore’s focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction, combined with its partnershipbuilding efforts with local businesses to reduce e-waste, makes it a valuable addition to Southgate’s business community.

2024 Longevity Award

Gill Plumbing has proudly served the Southgate community for an astounding 68 years, cementing its place as a trusted name in plumbing, heating, and cooling services. Founded with a strong commitment to quality, the family-owned business has been under the ownership of Scott Little for the past few years, though former owner Jim Moore still plays an important role in the business today. Known for their professionalism and integrity, Gill Plumbing offers a wide range of services, including water heater installation, furnace repair, sump pump maintenance, and sewer cleaning, all performed by a team of licensed and certified professionals. Over the years, Gill Plumbing has grown from a local business to a trusted name not only in Southgate but also across the Downriver area.

2024 Most Improved Facade Award

Sam’s Club on Northline Road recently underwent a major transformation, completely renovating the exterior of their building. The facelift, which was completed at the end of 2024, included a striking new light grey exterior, accented with Sam’s Club’s signature blue, making the store more modern and inviting. The updates also featured a new illuminated sign, which not only adds to the store’s visual appeal but also improves visibility from afar. The clean, contemporary design is now a standout feature of the Southgate commercial landscape. Sam’s Club’s commitment to improving its facilities reflects the company’s dedication to both customer satisfaction and its role in Southgate’s commercial development.

2024 People’s Choice Award

Goodfellas Property Maintenance, owned by local resident Ben Patton, has made an incredible impact since opening in March 2023. Specializing in a wide range of services—including seasonal cleanups, masonry, landscape design, and mulch installation—Goodfellas has quickly built a reputation for its quality, reliability, and attention to detail. Ben and his team are passionate about revitalizing Southgate’s streetscapes, and their work has significantly improved the appearance of local properties and public spaces. Customers praise Goodfellas for its competitive pricing, efficient service, and the personalized touch they bring to each project. The company’s strong dedication to customer satisfaction and its consistent high-quality work has earned it widespread admiration from both residential and commercial clients. As a result, Goodfellas Property Maintenance is a well-deserved recipient of this award, recognized for its dedication to the community and commitment to excellence.

Photos by Jim Jacek

Titans storm to league wrestling title

On the strength of two individual championships and four runner-up finishes, the Southgate Anderson wrestling team topped the field at the recent Downriver League championship meet. And with that victory, the Titans wrapped up the 2024-25 league crown.

The Titans outscored meet runnerup Carlson 266.5-253.5 to secure the title. The rest of the league finished in this order: Wyandotte (193), Dearborn Edsel Ford (154.5), Allen Park (150.5), Trenton (150.5), Woodhaven (123), and Lincoln Park (79).

Leading the way for the Titans were 120-pounder Habibullah Majedi and 150-pound Sean King, each of whom won individual league titles.

Majedi started his day with a bye, then pinned Woodhaven’s Humza Iqbal in a minute. He then tech-fell Cole Scrinenti of Trenton 17-1. In the finals, Majedi scored a 5-3 decision over Carlson’s Tyler Kamm.

King’s day started with two quick pinfalls. He beat Taylor’s Sage Proud in 45 seconds and Allen Park’s Connor Collins in 53 seconds.

King then scored a 13-6 victory over Carlson’s Luke Guffey before claiming his gold medal by pinning Wyandotte’s Nolan Allman in 4:36.

Anderson got second-place efforts from Sean Wilhelm (106 pounds), Logan Randall (138), Conner Dell’Eva (175), and Jackson Sage (190).

Wilhelm won his first three matches quite handily before falling 10-5 in the finals to Edsel Ford’s Ahmed Alsaadi. Randall was dominant in his first three matches, scoring a tech fall and two pins, but he ran into a buzzsaw in the championship match and lost to Edsel’s Mohamed Aljabali by tech fall.

Dell’Eva pinned three opponents and received a bye on his way to the finals where he was pinned by Tahj Ferguson of Woodhaven.

Sage, a multiple-time state-meet

qualifier in his career, pinned Allen Park’s Sam Vukson, pinned Edsel’s Abbas Beydoun, and dominated Wyandotte’s Steve Andreone 7-0 to reach the finals. There, he lost a close, hard-fought match 4-2 to Carlson’s Zach Taylor.

Others placing in the meet for the Titans were Nate King, who was third at 144 pounds; Gabe Glenn at 132, and Cam Muszynski at 215 were each 4th; and Brett Quick (126), Cyrus Conner (157), and Chase Luevanos

(165) chipped in with fifth-place efforts.

The league meet called a halt to the regular season for the Titans, who now join the rest of the state’s wrestling teams in the two-level Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament.

The Titans hosted a three-team Division 2 team district tournament featuring Trenton and Riverview as the opposition on February 5th. That event was contested after the Southgate Star’s press deadline. District winners move on to regionals.

The individual state tournament, which also started after the Star’s press deadline, saw the Titans hit the road for the tournament hosted by Melvindale.

Other teams at Melvindale were the host school, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, Airport, Divine Child, Dearborn Heights Annapolis, Garden City, Carlson, Jefferson, New Boston Huron, Riverview, Romulus, Trenton, and Ypsilanti.

The top four finishers in each weight class will head to Chelsea High School for regionals against wrestlers from the Fowlerville districts.

Team regionals are February 12th. Individual regionals are February 15th.

The team state finals at the Wings Center in Kalamazoo are February 21st-22nd and the Individual state finals at Ford Field in Detroit are February 25th-March 1st.

Titans second at own cheer invitational

Southgate Anderson hosted an eight-team, twodivision competitive cheerleading invitational on January 30th, and when the shouting and cheering were done, the Titans had the second highest score among all the teams and they claimed second place in Division 2.

Division 1 had just two teams and saw Roseville ease past Wyandotte 656.36-645.7

In the equally competitive Division 2, Carleton Airport scored 790.08 – the highest score of the competition – and took the top trophy. Southgate was only a step behind as the Titans scored 786.46 to claim second place.

Rounding out the scoring were Swartz Creek (771.88), Trenton (717.72), Huron (670.42), and Ypsilanti-Lincoln (653.78).

Anderson found itself in second place after the first round and maintained that position throughout the competition. Anderson was down 3.62 points heading into the final round of action and there the Titans and the Jets produced the exact same score –319.5 – so the 3.62 margin held up for the Airport victory.

The Anderson junior varsity also won its division and Davidson won the middle school division.

Prior to hosting their own invitational, the Titans spent the first few weeks of 2025 attending some of the toughest competitions around. In the month of January, the team attended meets in Rochester, Rochester Stoney Creek, and at Carlson.

At the January 25th Rochester Invitational, the Titans were second in Division 2 behind Downriver League and state powerhouse Carlson. Carlson won with a score of 787.5. Southgate was second with 773.92.

Host Rochester won the Division 1 portion of the competition with a big score of 792.26 and Tri-County won the Division 3 title with a score of 751.12.

On January 17th, at the Carlson Cheer Classic in honor of Pat Christiansen, the results were similar to those from Rochester – Rochester won the Division 1 portion of the meet, Carlson won Division 2, and Southgate was second in Division 2.

This time around, Carlson had the highest score in the entire competition, winning with a blistering 795.26. Southgate’s runner-up score was 778.24. Rochester won Division 1 with a not-to-shabby 793.68.

The Titans started 2025 with a trip to one of the

toughest and most competitive competitions in the state – the 22nd Annual Cougar Spirit Invitational hosted by Stoney Creek High School.

Stoney Creek, Hartland, Allen Park, Carlson, and Southgate were just a few of the top teams at the 34team, three-division event.

Allen Park and Carlson, both teams in Southgate’s division, posted the highest scores in the entire meet. Allen Park won the title with a score of 788.96. Carlson was second with 785.58 and Southgate was third with 771.9.

Stoney Creek won Division 1 with a score of 783.12 and Grosse Ile won the Division 3 crown with a 774.18 score.

The Dowriver League cheer league meet was February 5th and it was contested after the Southgate Star’s press deadline.

The Titans will attend Michigan High School Athletic Association cheerleading districts on February 15th at Adrian High School. Joining the Titans there will be the host school, Airport, Chelsea, Dexter, Carlson, Huron, Jackson Northwest, Parma Western, Riverview, Tecumseh, Trenton, and Ypsilanti-Lincoln.

Success Is Closer Than You Think!

A determining factor in whether or not you achieve personal and professional success is having a partner or mentor that can help you achieve your goals. When Downriver Community Federal Credit Union says that their mission is to help you “accomplish great things”, they don’t just mean financial-related aspirations.

In March 2022, Downriver CU started the area’s only chapter of Toastmasters International right here in the Community Room of the credit union’s Southgate office. The purpose of this club is to help people gain the skills they need to succeed in every aspect of their lives. There are a variety of misconceptions about what a Toastmasters club is all about. The most common is that it’s only about giving speeches. Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to give speeches, but Toastmasters also focuses on listening, giving constructive feedback, leadership development, and conducting effective meetings.

The club is dues-based and is open to all adults in all

professions at any any level of speaking ability (or inability). Access to the Pathways program allows members to learn at their own pace and comfort level the skills that are important to them. Members and guests always find the environment to be supportive, encouraging, and motivating—a safe place to practice and improve the skills needed to enjoy unlimited personal growth.

Downriver Toastmasters is a hybrid club (attend either inperson or virtual) hosted by Downriver Community Federal Credit Union on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m. The club is part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization with a worldwide network of approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,000 clubs in 150 countries.

If you’d like to learn more about how Downriver Toastmasters can help “build a better you”, visit www. DownriverCU.com/Toastmasters or call Mark Tremper at 313-4600438.

Florida Keys Vacation!

Paradise just started as you walk through your own private courtyard, a bricked patio garden with relaxing furniture, then up just one flight of stairs, your private oasis awaits you…where you can unwind from a fun filled day. You can cook your fresh day’s catch in your fully equipped new kitchen with lots of natural light glistening off the solid surface countertops and the stunning stainless steel appliances and eat in comfort. Or go “out on the town” and relax in some of the best restaurants in the area where you are pampered as your fresh catch is being prepared to your specifications as you relax drinking a glass of wine watching the beautiful Florida Bay Sunset. The perfect end to a wonderful day in paradise.

Welcome to 901 Mariners Club!

We are glad to have you here!

Celebrating a century

On January 31st, Southgate resident Dorothy Skillman celebrated an incredible milestone—her 100th birthday. Dorothy moved to Southgate in 1950 with her late husband, Robert, where they raised 12 children. From the post-war era to the age of smartphones, Dorothy has witnessed some of modern history’s most defining moments while nurturing a large, loving family.

Born in Butler, Pennsylvania, Dorothy’s early years were filled with ambition. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, worked at Montgomery Wards, and later with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. She met Robert at a poker party, and they married in 1947. A dedicated mother, Dorothy was an active member of St. Pius Church, where she volunteered and taught religious education. Her homemade meals and baked treats became treasured family traditions.

Today, Dorothy’s legacy includes 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, with her family growing alongside the values she instilled. Living in the same Southgate home for 75 years, Dorothy’s life is a testament to love, faith, and the strength of family across a century of change.

Dorothy, with her daughter Karen, on her 100th birthday
Sherry Evans Publisher Will Evans Publisher Zoey Kuspa Editor-in-Chief Blair Temple Graphic Designer
Dave Gorgon Writer/Photos

Diamonds & Denim A night of impact and celebration for men’s health

In 2016, It’s In Your Jeans was founded by Cindy Gorno-Czarnik and Vonda Grant with a clear mission: to raise awareness and provide critical support for men’s health, particularly focusing on cancers such as colorectal, prostate, and testicular cancer. The idea for the nonprofit was born out of personal tragedy, both founders having experienced the devastating loss of loved ones to these diseases. Their shared goal was simple: to fill the gap in resources and knowledge surrounding men’s health, particularly when it came to early detection and preventive screenings.

For Cindy, the loss was her father, who passed away in 2009 from colon cancer. He had missed his colonoscopy by two years and was diagnosed at stage 4, too late for effective treatment. For Vonda, the tragedy struck with the loss of her nephew to testicular cancer at a young age. These losses sparked a shared frustration—too many men neglect regular doctor visits, and too often they suffer in silence when it comes to talking about their health.

Recognizing the need for change, It’s In Your Jeans was born with the dual mission of educating the community about men’s health and providing financial assistance for

those in need. The organization assists men in the Downriver area battling cancer by covering a variety of non-insurance expenses such as transportation, childcare, deductibles, medication, and integrative medicine. Additionally, It’s In Your Jeans funds educational programs and preventive screenings, aiming to reduce the number of late-stage cancer diagnoses by encouraging early detection and healthier habits.

In its years of operation, the nonprofit has raised and distributed nearly $260,000 to local men facing cancer, funding medical treatments, diagnostic equipment, acupuncture programs for cancer side effects, and screenings for uninsured or underinsured individuals. The organization partners with local hospitals, including Corewell Trenton and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, to further its mission of improving cancer care in the Downriver area.

On January 25th, 2025, It’s In Your Jeans Downriver held its 7th annual Diamonds & Denim fundraising event at Crystal Gardens. This year’s event was a true testament to the community’s dedication and the organization’s continuing success in its mission to support men battling cancer. The evening was filled with

programs.

The Diamonds & Denim event is one of the nonprofit’s signature fundraisers, providing an opportunity for community members, local businesses, and supporters to come together for a fun-filled evening while making a real difference in the lives of men affected by cancer. The event features a mix of elegant and casual attire, symbolizing the balance between the glamour of fundraising and the down-to-earth nature of the cause. Guests enjoyed dinner, live entertainment by Wisteria, a silent auction, and opportunities to learn more about the organization’s work.

The event also served as an important moment to honor individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting It’s In Your Jeans and its mission. This year, the organization proudly awarded Patricia Cook Anderson with the Distinguished Volunteer Award in recognition of her years of dedication and service to the organization. Patricia, who has also served as the board chair, has been a vital part of the nonprofit’s growth and success. Her hard work and passion for the cause have helped It’s In Your Jeans expand its reach and support even more men in the community.

As It’s In Your Jeans continues its journey, both Cindy and Vonda remain deeply committed to their mission. The funds raised at the Diamonds & Denim event will directly support ongoing initiatives, such as providing cancer screenings, funding educational programs, and offering financial aid for men dealing with the personal and medical expenses that accompany cancer treatment.

With a shared vision of a healthier community, Cindy, Vonda, and the dedicated team of volunteers and supporters are working toward a future where no man faces cancer alone. They aim to continue building awareness, providing vital resources, and ensuring that men in the Downriver community have the tools they need to fight cancer—and to survive it.

For more information about It’s In Your Jeans, or to find out how you can get involved as a volunteer, sponsor, or donor, visit the organization’s website or reach out for support at itsinyourjeansdownriver.org.

heartwarming moments, inspiring speeches, and generous donations, all while raising critical funds for the nonprofit’s
Photos by Jim Jacek

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