Sixty years ago, following an appeal from the Optimist Club and Sylvester J. Christie, a local business leader, I accepted the position as Executive Director at the Club. Throughout the decades our Club has been a leader in youth development – deeply committed to serving kids. The Club’s impact has been heart warming as tens of thousands of youth found a second home at the Club. The Club has been able to make a positive difference in the lives of so many because of the tremendous number of caring supporters who believe in investing in our youth.

Seventeen years ago, I was honored to accept the position as the Club’s Director. Now some 37 years after I was hired by Jack and Don Reid, I’m reminded daily of how important the Club is and has been to so many. Club members including Jim Hoff, our Club’s first Member of the Year, Kyle Heythaler, Andrea Affeld, Adam Harris, Tony Caruso, John Grzywack, Dr. Gary Kline, Megan Mueller, Randy Mickhail, Raenette Richards, Matt Lovelace, Jenni Reese, Shawn DuFresne, Alora Allen, Jesse Friedman, Myka Vernon, Yousif and Rita Maizy reflect the powerful impact the Club has had for so many youth.

Our Club now serves four locations in two counties and we anticipate that will continue to grow in the years ahead. One key value we share is the importance of honoring the generous support of donors and past generations who have built our Club. The Board of Trustees’ bold decision to reach more youth through partnerships, driven by donors seeking to deliver impact throughout the Southeastern Michigan region, now as Metro Detroit Youth Clubs, honors and continues the mission started in 1958.

Responding locally with programs and opportunities that meet this generation’s needs has been at the core of our Club’s success. Now as, Metro Detroit Youth Clubs, we will continue to embrace serving today’s youth in innovative ways thanks to tremendous support from individuals just like you. In the weeks ahead, you will learn more about exciting, powerful and positive partnerships that are being formed to bring incredible opportunities to our Club members.

We ask you to join us in making a difference that will last well beyond our individual days. In fact, your support has always shaped the future and we can confidently say that will be the case for years to come. Please visit www.miclubs.org to learn more about how you can make a difference today.

As ever,
Brett Tillander & Jack Salter