The Grosse Pointe Farms-based nonprofit Racing for Kids — run by CEO J. Patrick Wright and COO Debby Wright — was honored with the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce’s excellence in nonprofit activity award this year.

Photo by K. Michelle Moran

By: K. Michelle Moran | Grosse Pointe Times | Published March 3, 2020

During the Pointer of Distinction awards Jan. 30 at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce introduced its 2020 Board of Directors. Photo by K. Michelle Moran


GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Local business leaders and students were recognized for their contributions to the community during the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce’s 15th annual meeting and Pointer of Distinction Awards ceremony Jan. 30 at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms.

GPCC Executive Director Jennifer Palms Boettcher acknowledged the contributions of outgoing GPCC board members Dr. David Balle, Beverly Hall Burns and Ted Everingham. Everingham, an attorney and the GPCC’s most recent past board chair, was presented with a decorative candy jar filled with Snickers bars in recognition of what Boettcher said with a smile were his frequent visits to the GPCC offices to “offer sage advice” while also indulging in his favorite treat.

Everingham, who served as the board chair last year, said the GPCC kicked off its strategic plan in 2019 and has already accomplished two of the goals outlined in that plan.

“This has truly been a labor of love on my part,” said Everingham, who Boettcher said joined the board in 2007, served two three-year terms, rejoined the board in 2014 and served two more three-year terms.

His successor as GPCC board chair is Tomasine Marx, of St. Joseph Mercy Health System.

“I am honored to accept this gavel tonight,” Marx said. “We are working for you, and we are working for your community.”

For excellence in academics, athletics and community service, University Liggett School senior Maria Fields, Grosse Pointe South High School senior Claire Sheeren and Grosse Pointe North High School senior Andrew Spiteri were given Youth Achievement honors. All three students have grade-point averages above 4.0.

For excellence in nonprofit activity, Grosse Pointe Farms-based Racing for Kids was honored. Racing for Kids has brought professional race car drivers to visit children’s hospitals around the world. It’s run by spouses J. Patrick Wright, CEO, and Debby Wright, COO. J. Patrick Wright said they’ve made roughly 750 visits to about 37,000 sick kids since they started.

“We’ve developed a fundraising capacity along the way,” he said before the awards ceremony, noting that they’ve raised close to $7.5 million for children’s hospitals. “When we donate, we often ask hospitals what the need for them is.”

If the hospitals don’t identify a specific need, J. Patrick Wright said Racing for Kids will usually donate funds toward a hospital playroom, which offers computers, learning tools and more for youths while they’re undergoing treatment.

“It goes directly to the kids,” he said.

The annual local fundraiser Racing for Kids to the Hill — which follows a free street festival of the same name in Grosse Pointe Farms’ business district on Kercheval Avenue — has raised more than $1 million for local children’s hospitals and pediatric units, and 2020 will mark the event’s 14th year, J. Patrick Wright said.

“Each year, Racing for Kids to the Hill has attracted more guests (and) has raised more money,” Everingham said of the event, which drew more than 2,500 local residents in 2019 alone to the street fair. In 2017, Everingham said, Racing for Kids to the Hill began honoring young people who have shown “incredible strength” in the face of medical challenges with its Courageous Kids awards.

Jim Saros Real Estate Services, which recently opened its new building on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe City, was honored with the excellence in business award. Everingham said Jimmy Saros, the company’s vice president, is the third generation in the family-owned business; he joined the firm in 2016. Jim Saros Real Estate Services started as an insurance company in a one-room office on Detroit’s east side in 1937, and since 2017, the firm “has more than doubled in size and (experienced a) more than 38% increase in business,” Everingham said.

Jim Saros Real Estate Services President Jim Saros said his son, Jimmy Saros, is the reason they were being honored.

“He went off to college to the Ivy League, played (football) at Brown (University), made All-American, went to New York, worked at the largest investment firm in the country — and then he came home,” Jim Saros said of his son. “He’s just been amazing in everything he does.”

Accepting the award, Jimmy Saros thanked his father “for being a great mentor” and thanked Grosse Pointe City officials “for being great to work with.” After what he said was a “great 2019,” Jimmy Saros has a lot to look forward to in 2020 as well — he and his wife, Kelley Harrison Saros, are expecting their first child.

Mike LeFevre, of Grosse Pointe Shores, owner of Mike’s on the Water restaurant in St. Clair Shores, was given the community service award. Everingham said LeFevre has raised “thousands and thousands for charities,” including the Junior League of Detroit, the GPCC’s nonprofit Grosse Pointe Chamber Foundation, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, the Grosse Pointe Crisis Club, Kids on the Go, Lakeshore YMCA, Angels Support Animals and the Eastpointe Lions Club, among many others. LeFevre has hosted many fundraisers at his business as well to support the battle against cancer, Leader Dogs for the Blind and others, Everingham said.

LeFevre wasn’t able to attend the dinner because he was traveling, but sent a video message from the Nile River in Egypt. His mother, Mary Lou LeFevre, accepted the award on his behalf.

“I am so proud and honored to have a son like Michael,” she said.

A special honor was presented to Ellen Durand, a longtime Village business owner and former president of the Village Association, who was responsible for organizing many special events and activities during her more than 30-year tenure.

“We truly live in an amazing community filled with amazing people,” Everingham said.

During the event, Marx announced that this year, the GPCC will begin presenting the Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast. The 34th annual Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast — featuring keynote speaker Chris Lambert, founder and CEO of the Detroit nonprofit Life Remodeled — will take place at 7 a.m. May 7 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe Shores. Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased from the GPCC in person or online at www.grossepointe chamber.com.

GPCC officials reminded attendees to shop and dine locally.

“Please support your local businesses,” Everingham said. “They support us.”