Tom-Tom Party >

by Megan Swoyer
photography by Jerry Zolynsky

Nearly 700 supporters of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan showed up on a cold February night for a “Tom Meets Tommy” fundraiser at the Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn. After ogling a spiffy Crossfire in the lobby and purchasing raffle tickets for plasma-screen televisions, attendees watched DaimlerChrysler Corporation president Tom LaSorda present a humanitarian award to Tommy Lasorda, Major League Baseball hall-of-famer. And what would a metro Detroit sports gathering be without our own Ernie? Famed Tigers baseball announcer Ernie Harwell provided master-of-ceremonies duties. Several attendees in wheelchairs reminded partygoers of the benefits of the Rehabilitation Institute, which has been helping victims of spinal cord and brain injuries, stroke and other conditions for more than 50 years. The event raised $375,000. For more information, visit www.rimrehab.org.

by Megan Swoyer
photography by Linda Radin

The 15,000-20,000 victims who’ve become debilitated by a landmine each year can find support through the Washington, D.C.-based Landmine Survivors Network (LSN). Recently, Mitch and Daniela Henderson of Birmingham hosted a LSN dinner fundraiser at the Community House in Birmingham, after Mitch Henderson met Jerry White (LSN co-founder) through the MBA program at U-M. After Henderson’s inspirational introduction of White, a landmine survivor, White said, “Human will can triumph over suffering and hardship, and
that’s what LSN is all about.” For more information, visit www.landminesurvivors.org