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Our annual Best of Detroit issue is usually an entirely lighthearted affair β a chance to rejoice in the restaurants and bars, retailers, entertainment venues, and personalities that make this city such a dynamic place to live. While our readers poll results provide plenty of that this year, we also wanted to recognize greatness that could not be captured in a ballot.
And so, we devoted much of our June issue to the ways in which these worst of times have shown this region at its best.
Even as theyβve faced their own economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, metro Detroiters have given generously. These are some of the most interesting and successful efforts seen on crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. All numbers are as of May 5, and some campaigns have now been deactivated. To see the most recent numbers and give, visit and search for these or other campaigns that are meaningful to you.
We See You, Detroit!
$13,715
What itβs for: To buy tablets for Detroit-area hospitals so family members can visit via Zoom or Skype and monitor loved ones battling COVID-19.
Organizer: Michelle Groe, friend of an ER doctor at Sinai-Grace Hospital
Number of donors: 131
Sister Pie Staff Wages/Tips
$15,708
What itβs for: To pay furloughed employees of Sister Pie, a bakery in Detroit
Organizer: Owner Lisa Ludwinski
Number of donors: 325
Protect Detroit Healthcare Workers from COVID-19
$19,035
What itβs for: To acquire face shields and masks, as well as isolation gowns for Detroit-area hospitals, including Ascension St. John, Sinai-Grace, and Harper
Organizer: Jane Prophet and Rebekah Modrak, respectively associate dean and professor at U-Mβs Stamps School of Art & Design
Number of donors: 230
Meals for Heroes at Hospitals Across Michigan
$24,586
What itβs for: To provide daily meals to staff at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak
Organizer: Maverick and Jett Levy, niblings of Beaumont Royal Oak nurse
Number of donors: 309
Michigan Artist Relief Fund
$27,730
What itβs for: To bestow grants to musicians in Michigan who lost gigs and other work in the COVID-19 shutdown
Organizer: Spread the Music Foundation and Walk The Beat
Number of donors: 411
Fowler Family Ravaged by COVID-19
$33,935
What itβs for: To benefit the survivors of Gary and David Fowler, a father-and-son duo who both succumbed to COVID-19 after being refused tests and care
Organizer: Paris McCray, Garyβs daughter and Davidβs granddaughter
Number of donors: 711
Clean Water for Flint During the COVID-19 Crisis
$56,226
What itβs for: To buy boxed water for residents of Flint who still do not trust the public water supply
Organizer: Hill Harper, star of The Good Doctor
Number of donors: 1,600+
Support Ann Arborβs Hometown Fish Market
$59,725
What itβs for: To pay employees of Monahanβs Seafood, a restaurant in Ann Arbor
Organizer: Owner Michael Monahan
Number of donors: 774
Support Literati Bookstore
$125,986
What itβs for: To pay rent, utilities, and payroll at Literati, an independent bookstore in Ann Arborn Ann Arbor
Organizers: Owner Mike Gustafson and general manager Jack Anbenderer JackΜύ
Number of donors: 2,000+ (in two campaigns)
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