I have to admit, I don't know her very well. Her daughter-in-law is a fellow board member at the College for Creative Studies, but sadly, I have met Gretchen Valade only a couple of times. The first was at her jazz club in Grosse Pointe, the Dirty Dog. It has become a well-known jazz hangout for music aficionados.

Her civic pride in sponsoring music — particularly jazz — is breathtaking.

Gretchen has been the primary sponsor and benefactor of the Detroit Jazz Festival held over Labor Day weekend.

We certainly need more folks who are willing to step up to the plate and not just to sponsor an event but get deeply involved in the program and execution.