So on the evening of December 5, 2009 Mercy Street held its 1st annual Chair-ity Ball, this time to benefit Veteran's Haven and the Michigan Veterans Foundation, agencies that provide transitional stability, skills, resources and care for homeless veterans. Detroit's Tangent Gallery hosted this auction event, and HOUR Detroit, Haven, Mudgie's Deli, Westchester Barber Shop, and the Plymouth Coffee Bean Company were our sponsors.

(Image of actual auction invitation)

     Artists from Michigan and across the country volunteered to transform their share of 100 ordinary chairs into one-of-a-kind functional and abstract art (online view and biographies are available) for Metro Detroit homes, studios and gift-giving. Our goal was for their creative effort to provide thousands in needed funds for both agencies. Sports memorabilia and a veterans memorial sculpture by Colleen K. Sanders were also offered for auction.

 Sculptor Colleen K. Sanders admires chairs by fellow artists.

     There were several ways that members of the community were able to help. Some chose to adopt-a-chair (a mere $17 helped cover material costs for chairs), while others contributed as sponsors, donors or underwriters.

     Guests had a great time and look forward to the 2nd annual event which is slated for the weekend following Veterans Day, 2010. A number of people in the Metro Detroit community called to express disappointment at having missed the event, and interest in attending the following year.

     We thank our 2009 sponsors (listed below).  And we wish to express heartfelt thanks to the publications and radio stations which believed that news of the 1st Annual Chair-ity Ball was worth sharing with the community.

SPONSORS:

Westchester Barber Shop
where Rob L'Heureux's chair was on view
580 Forest Avenue
Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 455-1146
Westchester Barber Shop is committed to the grooming needs of men. We strive to create a relaxing, friendly and comfortable atmosphere while offering the finest quality service.

HAVEN
City - Country - Cottage
where one of DeboraGrace's chairs was on view
863 Penniman, Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 454-6562
Interior home furnishings and accessories plus unique gift items for the home. Interior design services also available.

Plymouth Coffee Bean Company
where Gregory Grenon's chair was on view
884 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 454-0178
www.plymouthcoffeebean.com
Voted Detroit's Best coffee house by the Detroit Free Press, AOL City Sites and Hour Magazine

Corktown
where Cindy Jacob's chair was on view
1300 Porter St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-2000
www.mudgiesdeli.com
Artisan sandwich shop in Detroit's historic Corktown neighborhood, serving only the freshest, highest-quality food.
We use local products whenever possible, and we roast our own meats in house. Our soups are always fresh, our coffee is outstanding and WiFi is free. Come down and get some.



UNDERWRITERS:
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Dempsey
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Fawcett