Monday, 1/18 will be marked as a day to remember at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Genesis House III. Due to the partnership between Art Van Furniture, the daytime drama “Days of our Lives” and local NBC affiliate WDIV Channel 4, trucks arrived with barrels of toiletries as well as 50 mattress sets, bed frames, night stands and dressers compliments of Art Van Furniture.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness extended by Art Van Furniture, ‘Days of our Lives’, and the caring citizens of Metro Detroit. The beautiful dressers, nightstands and beds donated not only have brightened up the shelter rooms, but more importantly the hearts of the women and children staying there,” said Marci Fitch from Detroit Rescue Mission. “It truly gives them hope to know so many care about them.”
“We realize there is a great need right now,” said Gary Van Elslander, President of Art Van Furniture. “You can’t help but be touched by the appreciative women and children. We are pleased we were able to help and offer a good night’s sleep.”
Art Van Furniture stores collected donations and hosted personal appearances, photo opportunities and autograph sessions with cast members Shawn Christian (“Dr. Daniel Jonas”) and Nadia Bjorlin (“Chloe Lane”) of “Days of our Lives.” The actors became involved in the cause during an earlier visit to Detroit, when they toured the facility and participated in a food donation drive for DRMM.
“The love and support we got from Detroit was amazing – all to benefit this very important cause,” stated Christian and Bjorlin. “We hope to come back soon and do more!” More than one thousand people came out for the events, and Shawn and Nadia warmly greeted every person who visited with them, and were genuinely grateful for the huge turnout.
To say “thank you” for the participation of Metro Detroiters, the producers of “Days of our Lives” and WDIV are awarding a trip to Los Angeles and a special tour of the set through a drawing of all entries received during the event.
RBR-TVBR observation: We’ve seen numerous media properties in the Detroit metro area step up to the plate with charity events. This is another example of outreach on the most basic level – shelter, clothing, food, etc. And, another example of how the media and local advertisers can come together to help – really help – their community without self-promotion in mind. Detroit has been hit VERY hard in this recession/depression, so we hope to see more of this type of outreach soon.
