It’s November and you know what that means? Thanksgiving. No, it is time for the annual charity event ‘Tux & Chucks’. What is ‘Tux & Chucks’?
‘Tux & Chucks’ is a fundraising event to benefit local Detroit based grassroot charities. This year’s annual event will take place, Saturday November 15, 2014 at the Garden Theatre in Midtown Detroit.
Detroit has become a hub for young entrepreneurs to come and make their business visions come true and although founders Jason Appling and Byron Suggs initial thought when developing ‘Tux & Chucks’ was a way to celebrate their birthdays and give back, the social entrepreneur energy that is now embedded in Detroit has taken root to create something much bigger than just your everyday weekend party.
Appling, a 33-year-old GM Information Security Analyst and Byron Suggs, a 32-year-old, Quicken Loans Underwriter may pose as your typical young professionals by day, but after they punch out from their daytime careers they punch in at their non-profit organization called Cool Smart, Inc. “The Cool means “Fashionable” and the Smart goes with “Philanthropy, Charity, & Community” Appling, said.
So why Tux & Chucks? Why not, Tux & Adidas? “It’s Cool. People love to dress up for a nice event. Byron and I really enjoy Chuck Taylor gym shoes, combined we have over 30 pairs.” Appling continued.
The vision for ‘Tux & Chucks’ according to Appling came about after his co-founder’s Byron wedding. “Byron and his groomsmen wore tuxedos and Chuck Taylor’s gym shoes in his wedding, he loved it so much he wanted to incorporate it as the theme of our birthday celebration. I came up with the idea of ‘Tux & Chucks’, so in 2011, ‘Tux & Chucks’ was launched.”
Although the annual event caters to urban professionals and the elite socialite, according to the founders, it’s a party with a purpose. Tux & Chuck’s mission is to assist non-profit organizations with financial support to thrive within the Detroit Metropolitan community.” Appling said.
The annual event proceeds are given to different local charities each year. This year’s four beneficiaries organizations are Detroit Young Professionals, Networkingout LLC, Kids Kicking Cancer and The Detroit Jazz Festival.
The philanthropic efforts of Tux and Chucks will not stop in just Detroit, according to Appling, “In 2016, we want to have the event in Chicago. Then the ultimate goal is to have the Tux & Chucks Fundraising events in every major city in the U.S.. We want to be able to impact not only our own community in Metropolitan Detroit but communities across the nation.”
Tickets are still available. To purchase, donate or for more information visit: https://www.tuxandchucks.org/
For more information on the 2014 charities CLICK HERE
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