Belle Isle Conservancy Raises $200,000 at 9th Annual Polish the Jewel Legacy Luncheon

DETROIT - Oct. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- On Wednesday, September 25, 2013, the Belle Isle Conservancy (BIC) hosted its 9^th annual Polish the Jewel Belle Isle Legacy Luncheon at Belle Isle Casino. More than 400 guests helped to raise over $200,000 in support of the Conservancy’s mission. Attendees donning chic chapeaus bid on an array of silent auction items and enjoyed Belle Isle Park’s sunny September sky.

Mistress of Ceremonies, WJBK Anchor Monica Gayle, opened the afternoon’s program followed by BIC Chair Sarah Earley, who affirmed the Park’s value in terms of public health, education, community, environment, and economics.

BIC President Michele Hodges was thrilled to report on both the Conservancy’s and Park’s progress over the past year. Highlights include:

• A $1M roof restoration to the historic horse stables

• The one-year anniversary of the Belle Isle Aquarium’s re-opening

• Over 4,500 volunteers per year assist with planting trees, removing debris and eradicating invasive species

• New events are taking place on the Island, like the Orion Music Festival and Belle Isle Summer Saturdays

• Funds were raised for bronze restoration on the Levi Barbour Memorial Fountain’s Leaping Gazelle and Children’s Temperance Fountain while fundraising continues to replace Pewabic Tile to the James Scott Fountain

• State Historic Preservation Office grants were secured for improvements to the Aquarium and Nancy Brown Peace Memorial Carillon

• The BIC now publishes quarterly newsletters detailing Belle Isle Park news and improvements

“The generosity of more than 400 attendees enabled the Conservancy to raise in excess of $200,000, which will be used to protect, preserve, restore and enhance the jewel we all know as Belle Isle Park,” said Michele Hodges, BIC President. “Our hat is off to these remarkably generous supporters.”

Luncheon Chair Sheila Cockrel closed the program by announcing the luncheon’s fundraising total and encouraged guests to attend next year’s 10^th annual Polish the Jewel luncheon. The 2013 Polish the Jewel luncheon was sponsored and supported by DTE Energy Foundation, Strategic Staffing Solutions and Quicken Loans/Rock Ventures.

About Belle Isle Conservancy

The mission of the Belle Isle Conservancy is to protect, preserve, restore and enhance the natural environment, historic structures and unique character of Belle Isle as a public park for the enjoyment of all – now and forever. For more information about BIC, visit: www.belleisleconservancy.org