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Children Trust Michigan Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event raises about $750,000 for local child abuse prevention programs statewide
May 15, 2024
More than 600 attendees attend annual event benefitting children
LANSING, Mich. – The 22nd annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event held May 14 by Children Trust Michigan (CTM) at the Michigan State University Breslin Center earned about $750,000 for programs around the state to prevent child abuse and neglect.
A crowd of more than 600 people attended the event, raising money to expand prevention programs in all 83 Michigan counties. Guests with winning bids went home with a variety of prized items, including the Ultimate Lions Pride Package (four tickets to the Thanksgiving Parade and four tickets to the Nov. 28, 2024 Lions game on the 50-yard line); four-day, three-night getaway to Jackson Hole, Wyoming including an open-air, safari-style tour of the Grand Teton National Park and whitewater rafting tickets; VIP tickets to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City as well as VIP tours of FDNY, NYPD and Port Authority Police; and tickets to the Justin Timberlake Forget Tomorrow World Tour show in Grand Rapids.
Funds from the auction pay for programs such as parent support and education, fatherhood programs, family resource centers and adverse childhood experiences prevention. All private donations and state funding are eligible to be multiplied through Children Trust Michigan federal funding. CTM is a nonprofit housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The auction event is named after the late Pam Posthumus, a long-time advocate for child safety and well-being. She was appointed to what was then known as the Children’s Trust Fund board of directors in 1997 and became its chair in 2002.
Honorary co-chairpersons for this year’s event were Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, and Jason Griffin, director of state government affairs, Hemlock Semiconductor, LLC. Joining them were Legislative co-chairs Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, House Speaker Joe Tate, Senate Republic Leader Aric Nesbitt, House Republican Leader Matt Hall and House Republican Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus, son of the auction’s namesake.
Child abuse prevention is an important priority for MDHHS and funds from the auction help connect families to resources through 11 Family Resource Centers which are community-based centers where families can access various supports aimed at strengthening family stability and preventing child abuse and neglect.
“Last year, our department launched the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda and one important pillar of that agenda is prevention,” said Hertel. “CTM’s efforts, including support for Family Resource Centers, are an integral part of that ongoing strategy. In 2023, more than 13,000 Michigan families were served by these resource centers, gaining access to food and nutrition services, connecting with housing assistance, engaging in parenting and early childhood development programs and so much more.”
“With the generosity of our sponsors, donors and attendees who believe in the critical work being done in every one of the 83 counties, the event was a tremendous success,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “Each dollar raised for the auction will be leveraged to increase the federal monies received in the future. Last night, we raised more than $30,000 within five minutes to support the needs of Family Resource Centers and the families they serve."
Children Trust Michigan presented Dr. N. Debra Simms with the 2024 Champion for Children Award. She was recognized for her notable career as a child abuse pediatrician and her contributions beyond her medical practice as she actively seeks innovative solutions to protect children from abuse.
The event was made possible by the support of sponsors, including Cinnaire, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, DTE Foundation, Gallagher, Jackson Life Insurance, Michigan's Prisoner Benefit Fund and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
To learn more about Children Trust Michigan, its efforts to end child abuse and where its programs and services can be found near your community, visit ChildrenTrustMichigan.org. Individuals who wish to support child abuse prevention programs across Michigan can also make donations at ChildrenTrustMichigan.org.
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About Children Trust Michigan
Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, Children Trust Michigan is the state’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Children Trust Michigan serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
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