Volunteers gathering up weekend food back packs to distribute during the block party. (Chrysler Facebook Photo)

Chrysler Group and United Way SE Michigan Host “Food, Friends and Fun Block Party”

DETROIT - Sunny skies broke through the rain clouds just in time to welcome nearly 140 children to the Diehl’s Boys and Girls Club in Detroit for a free meal and plenty of games and activities at the Chrysler Group’s Food, Friends and Fun Block Party on Friday, Aug. 10.

The block party was the second of five taking place in August as a part of the Chrysler Group’s pledge to end childhood hunger in southeast Michigan. The block parties, sponsored in conjunction with United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the United Auto Workers, are designed to remind parents about the free, nutritious summer meals that are available to children, 18 and under, across the Detroit metro area.

“When the United Way educated us on the issue of childhood hunger we knew we needed to get involved,” Scott Garberding, Senior Vice President – Manufacturing/World Class Manufacturing, said. “At the block party, the kids are not only taking away healthy food, but they also get to have a little extra fun.”

In addition to a free lunch, Friday’s block party featured clowns, face painting, live entertainment from radio station 105.9 Kiss FM, basketball tournaments, ice cream and special guest, Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper. Kids spent the afternoon outside bouncing between activities, winning prizes and having fun with their friends.

When parents arrived to pick up their children, they received a free weekend backpack stuffed with sliced peaches, cut green beans, beef ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, raisin bran cereal and shelf stable milk—enough food for about six meals to bridge the hunger gap during the weekends when summer food service programs are not available.


L-R: UAW Co-Director of the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center Keith Mickens, Debry the Clown, Sr VP of Human Resources Nancy Rae and Sr VP of Manufacturing Scott Garberding take a brief break during the Aug. 10, 2012, block party with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, where volunteers helped served meals and treats to area children. (Chrysler Facebook Photo)

“We decided in our partnership with the United Way to focus on basic needs,” Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President—Human Resources, said. “The statistics on childhood hunger are startling. With the overwhelming support and volunteerism of our employees, we are tackling the issue head on.”

Earlier this summer, Chrysler Group employee volunteers packed 12,000 backpacks for children who are at risk for hunger or malnutrition this summer. The backpacks are being distributed at the block parties and select summer food sites.

According to the United Way, 250,000 students in greater Detroit were eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches during the 2010-2011 school year, yet less than 15 percent of those children received a free summer meal due to transportation barriers and a lack of awareness of food programs. The United Way aims to increase participation in this summer’s meal programs by two percent, which equals 150,000 more meals served this year across metro Detroit.


The Detroit Pistons' mascot, Hooper, playing his own brand of basketball it up during the block party. (Chrysler Facebook Photo)

The three remaining block parties will be held in Lincoln Park, Eastpointe and Waterford, Mich. between Aug. 14 and 17.

“It’s important for kids to have a smile on their face,” Leven Weiss, Senior Manager—Civic and Community Relations, said. “But that’s hard when they have an empty stomach. The Chrysler Group and the United Way can take pride in making sure these young people are fed so they can grow up strong.”

As a former beneficiary of the United Way, Weiss was especially proud of the overwhelming response from employee volunteers.

“I aligned myself with the auto industry because of the memories I have of the support and contributions they made when I was growing up,” Weiss said. “As community leaders we have to remember that a chain is no stronger than its weakest link. By providing meals and getting kids in motion we can give them the opportunity to be strong and, as a result, the community will be strong as well.”