Support the Detroit Riverfront Through the #BeingApartTogether Fundraiser

Hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the virtual event will feature a historical tour and live music
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detroit riverfront
Photograph courtesy of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is inviting its supporters to enjoy live local music and a dip into riverfront history during its upcoming #BeingApartTogether fundraiser. Taking place virtually on Oct. 16, the event will support the nonprofit’s mission and celebrate the role the Detroit Riverfront plays in the community.

For an in-depth dive into the history of the riverfront, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is partnering with tour operator Detroit Experience Factory. The company will discuss the history of the riverfront during a virtual tour of the area at 4:30 p.m. at detroitriverfront.org.

Following the digital tour, guests can hop onto Facebook at 6:00 p.m. for performances by local musicians on the riverfront. Featured artists include musical fusion group In Transit, R&B and soul artist Al Bettis, electronic-rhythmist Juuni, and music group New World Soul.

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy 
Image courtesy of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

While the virtual events are free, donations are being accepted. With a $250 donation, patrons will receive a box curated by Detroit gift shop City Bird that includes a riverfront-inspired throw blanket, a #BeingApartTogether kite, an enamel camping mug, a riverfront knit cap, a DIY kaleidoscope kit, a watercolor postcard set, and more Detroit-themed gifts. Sponsorships of the event are still available as well.

The conservancy, which is responsible for construction, operation, maintenance, security, and programming for the public spaces across the riverfront, saw a rise in attendance to both the Detroit Riverfront and Dequindre Cut this year. This growth has led to an increase in security, cleaning, and maintenance costs, and the #BeingApartTogether fundraiser will help the nonprofit maintain the spaces.

“#BeingApartTogether will play a critical role in keeping the Riverwalk and the Dequindre Cut clean, safe, and accessible destinations for all,” says Cassie Brenske, chief development officer for the conservancy. “The need for financial support from the community [is] more essential than ever.”

Shimmer on the River and Soirée on the Greenway are the conservancy’s two largest annual fundraisers, but they were postponed this year to ensure safety during the pandemic. As a result, the nonprofit shifted to virtual offerings such as coloring books, storytelling, and yoga, Brenske says. #BeingApartTogether is the conservancy’s latest digital event.