Fifty-Second BUF Gala Salutes Original Motown Temptation Legend Otis Williams During its Celebration of Uplifting Young People for a Better Chance for

DETROIT - Nov. 20, 2022 - PRLog -- For the fifty-second consecutive year, BUF of Michigan (BUF) is using a Gala Celebration to support its programming to impact the youth in Southeast Michigan.  Over the last five years BUF has concentrated its resources to uplifting youth with programs and activities with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based initiatives.  Reaching over 1,000 students annually is made possible by the generosity of large and small donors who desire to contribute to uplifting young people with positive programs that make a life changing difference.

Two major awards will be given to individuals that BUF recognizes as superior role models for young people to emulate their character and work ethic. This year's Image Award Recipient is Otis William, Founder, and baritone singer of The Temptations and only surviving original member.  'Honoring Otis Williams is amazing when you consider he started performing as a teenager in the 1950 and is still doing what he loves," said Kenneth Donaldson, president and CEO, BUF of Michigan.

In addition, BUF's most prestigious award named in honor of Founder Brenda L. Rayford, will be awarded to Dr. William F. Pickard, Chairman of Global Automotive Alliance for his unwavering commitment to educating our youth. 'Dr. Pickard has been a major supporter of BUF since its early days and continues to be a pillar to the organization," Donaldson added.

The program will be held the Motor City Casino Sound Room on Friday, November 25, at 6:00 p.m. and will feature a live stream at 7:30 p.m.  A special performance will be given by the Detroit Youth Choir.  Live stream on bufmi.org and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube.

Mistress of Ceremonies is Glenda Lewis, anchor WXYZ Channel 7.  The After Glow will be hosted by Chuck Bennett, Michigan Style Guru.

2022 Gala Co-Chairs:

Terrence Wilson, global director, innovation, Magna International
Denise Steele, vice president, community engagement manager, JP Morgan Chase
Latrice McClendon, Detroit market executive & community president for Detroit, Huntington Bank
Stanford Wilkinson, founder & executive director, DEFY
Sharon Johnson, executive director of operations-human resources, Piston Group

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BUF is committed to implementing impactful youth empowerment programs through strategic collaborative partnerships for the underserved, underrepresented in the community.

https://youtu.be/ltdF5GeM9Aw