DEARBORN, Mich. – Dearborn’s annual Homecoming festival takes place August 3-5 at Ford Field Park, and even though it is in its 33rd year, many people may be surprised to learn that the event has always been a major fundraiser for Dearborn nonprofit groups.
The Exchange Club of Dearborn is one of three dozen nonprofit groups that raise money to support good causes in Dearborn during Homecoming, which this year is Aug. 3-5.
That’s good to keep in mind. Because when you are buying pierogis, Italian sausages, hot dogs, lemonade, walking tacos, waffle fries or other treats, you are also supporting nonprofit causes that strengthen the community.
More than 30 nonprofit groups participate in Homecoming, with more than 20 involved directly in fundraising.
In fact, all the food and beverage booths outside of the carnival area are exclusively organized and staffed by Dearborn-based nonprofit groups, and the money raised in the booths goes back to the community through worthwhile causes.
Lions Club members smiling at their booth – during the 2010 Dearborn Homecoming Festival.
Combined, these groups raise about $70,000 each year for the Dearborn community and beyond.
Among the worthwhile efforts are: supporting veterans in need, rescuing abandoned animals, providing scholarships, assisting people who are visually impaired, supporting youth sports programs, supplementing funds for high school activities, helping children injured by burns, giving a boost to unemployed families and supporting cultural arts.
The city now teams up with the Dearborn Community Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural arts and recreation, in an effort to emphasize Homecoming’s charitable aspects.
The Dearborn-based nonprofit groups involved in Homecoming are as follows:
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), American Legion Post 364, Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns.
Also, the Dearborn Exchange Club, and the Dearborn Federation of Teachers, Dearborn Historical Museum, Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive, the Dearborn High Athletic Booster Club, Dearborn Lions Club, Dearborn Outer Drive Kiwanis Club, Dearborn Rotary Club, Edsel Ford High Athletic Booster Club and the Fordson Varsity Alumni Club.
Also, Father O’Kelley Knights of Columbus, Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter, Friends of the Dearborn Library, Italian American Fraternal Club of Dearborn and the Michigan-Dearborn Alumni Legacy Foundation.
Also, the Polish League of American Veterans Post 75, The Going Green Foundation, VFW Post 2107 Men’s Auxiliary and the Henry Ford Community College’s radio station WHFR.
Religious institutions also take part: Fairlane Alliance Church, Guardian Lutheran School, St. Clement Orthodox Church, The American Moslem Society and Warrendale Community Church.
New this year is the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
For more information on Homecoming, visit www.cityofdearborn.org.