The following news and photos were provided by Cass Community Social Services.

The tradition of families helping families continued on Sunday, Dec. 2 as Cass Community Social Services hosted its 6^th Annual Christmas Parade Breakfast at the Royal Park Hotel. In the end, $21,000 in proceeds from the breakfast will benefit programs for homeless mothers and their children in Detroit. In addition, the funds raised will be used as a match for a $10,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Quality to research and develop Green Industry jobs for youth in Detroit.

Nearly 300 friends and their families from the Greater Rochester area gathered for breakfast before the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. While enjoying each other’s company and the festive atmosphere of Parade Day in Rochester, the families also raised much-needed money to help less fortunate families in Detroit. “It has become our family tradition”, said Sue Thomasson, Event Chair, speaking for many of the families. Some have been there from the very first year when there were only 60 in attendance.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett welcomed the families at the start of the event.

The Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus strolled throughout the event singing Christmas carols. Cass Board Member Tom Talbert introduced Cass Community Social Services Executive Director, the Rev. Faith Fowler, who spoke about the Cass programs and asked if the Rochester community could find it in their hearts to help Cass meet the $10,000 match for a DEQ grant for youth. By the end of the event, that goal was not just met, but surpassed by an additional $10,000!

“Feeling the Christmas spirit after Cass Community Social Services Brunch today. Faith Fowler made a compelling case for support to Cass and the Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus sang beautifully," said Amy Bouque.

“Great way to start the Christmas season off right supporting an extremely worthwhile organization with awesome people, Cass Community Social Services. Thanks to our friends and family that donated this year to help out those who are less fortunate,” said Jenny DeCuir.   

“What a wonderful morning in Rochester for a breakfast to benefit CCSS right before the holiday parade. So many people want to cross city and county borders to improve life for us all. What a wonderful event! Congrats Rev. Faith Fowler!” said Desiree Cooper.

The host committee for this year’s breakfast included Mayor Bryan and Corrin Barnett, Barb and Paul Cenko, Jenny and Perry Decuir, Dave and Judy de Steiger, Lori and Vern Pixley, Julia and Michael Webber, Jeff and Kim Russell, Mark and Patricia Botkin, Christine and Dale Hughes, Beth and Tom Talbert, Chris and Hal Weemhoff, Dan and Kathy Moore,  Cliff and Isabel Bath, and Event Chair, Sue Thomasson and her family.

The event is planned again for next year prior to the Rochester Christmas Parade.

Many Rochester area residents are actively involved in supporting Cass Community Social Services, including serving on the Board of Directors, volunteering for hands-on work projects at the site itself, as well as generously donating money and household items. Mom’s Place at Cass Community Social Services in Detroit provides transitional housing for homeless women and their children, including their teen-aged sons. Our community has helped to provide for them what most of us already have - a safe, warm and stable home this Christmas!

For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer, please contact Faith Fowler at (313) 883-2277 or visit our website at www.casscommunity.org.