Dearborn Business Women To Be Honored at Spark of Hope Gala

Life Directions, Detroit’s peer to peer mentor organization, will host its 46th Annual Spark of Hope Tribute Gala, 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the GM Wintergarden in the Renaissance Center. Life Directions is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization supporting the youth in our communities.

“The money raised from the Spark of Hope gala will help Life Directions continue its work of inspiring and mentoring young students to become mindful and active members of the community,” said Jim Schmid, event chair and managing director, Resolutions Experts, PC. “Its programs work with young adults, parents, neighbors and elders to collaboratively advocate for the success of our youth.”

This year’s gala celebrates two amazing women who are role models for young people: Enrica Rugiero of Dearborn, owner, Roman Village-Antonio’s Cucina Italiana; and Kathleen McCann of Plymouth, executive chairman, United Road. Successful in the business of serving others, they have fashioned a legacy of compassion.

Kathleen McCann will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for her investment in removing the cause of violence by supporting our mission. While Enrica (Rita) Rugiera, whose elegance radiates the American Dream made possible by hard work, will receive the 2019 Guiding Light Award.

Through her years of executive leadership at the Rugiero Promise Foundation, Rita has actively participated in fundraising for, and support of, various organizations like the Antonio Rugiero Diabetes Fund, U-M Comprehensive Diabetes Center, the Detroit Italian Film Festival, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, “Breast Friends Forever” at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health System, the Veterans Outreach Project of Southeast Michigan, Life Directions and the Wayne County Goodfellows.

Her community stewardship also includes the implementation of community initiatives in her family of restaurants to raise awareness of important issues and to give back to those less fortunate. Some examples of these initiatives include supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen program which feeds hundreds annually.

With the generous support of sponsors including Lear Corporation, O’Brien Construction and others, guests attending the gala will enjoy dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment and the company of member students and like-minded philanthropic leaders.

Spark of Hope Tribute Gala, Saturday, May 18, 2019 6 pm

GM Wintergarden, Riverfront entrance of the GM Renaissance Center, Detroit

For tickets and sponsorships visit: LifeDirections.org or call 313-420-0310. Reservations begin at $250.

Life Directions has inspired over 85,000 students in Detroit alone through their unique approach. Because of Life Directions, youth stay in school, perform better academically, deepen their social emotional learning and take responsibility for their futures. The organization’s staff, in partnership with peer leaders, provide three interconnected programs that network the social capital of adolescents and the adults who support them: Peer Motivation Program supports high school students; Peer Mentor Program helps 8th prepare for high school; and The Neighborhood Enrichment Program inspires young adults ages 18 to 35 and adult volunteers in the community.