5th Annual Shimmer on the River celebrates and supports Detroit's riverfront transformation

Signature fundraiser for the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy on Thursday, September 18 will celebrate with “Hot Havana Nights” theme in the Grand Ballroom and new Open-Air Terrace at Cobo Center

DETROIT – Shimmer on the River, the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy’s popular fundraising event will take place Thursday, September 18 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight in the Grand Ballroom at Cobo Center. Hundreds of business and community leaders and young professionals will gather together for an eclectic and memorable evening on Detroit’s riverfront while raising funds to support the Conservancy’s continued transformation of Detroit’s riverfront into a beautiful, safe and accessible world-class gathering space for all.

Shimmer on the River was the first event to debut in the newly opened Grand Ballroom last year, and thanks to the support of presenting sponsor Strategic Staffing Solutions, the Conservancy will return to this spectacular space and transform it into a “Hot Havana Nights” theme, including the new open-air terrace overlooking the Detroit River. Guests will enjoy an evening of salsa dancing, cigar rollers, live music and gourmet Cuban cuisine. A VIP reception presented by Tooles Contracting Group, LLC will kick off the event from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

“The Detroit riverfront has become a beloved destination for all Detroiters and visitors to this region. We are proud to help serve and support the Conservancy in raising the important funds, which will allow for the continued development and ongoing maintenance of this community gem,” said Sarah McClure Honorary Co-Chair of Shimmer on the River, along with her husband, Charles “Chip” McClure.

“It is a privilege to once again be able to support the Conservancy as returning co-chairs of Shimmer on the River. Restoring public access to Detroit’s riverfront and providing a safe and beautiful resource for all to enjoy greatly improves the quality of life in our community,” said Roy Roberts, Honorary Co-Chair of Shimmer on the River, along with his wife Maureen Roberts.

During this year’s celebration, the Conservancy will present General Motors with the 2014 Shimmer Award for its longtime support, which spans more than decade. The company’s commitment was a key component to the formation of the Conservancy in 2003 and since that time has supported the Conservancy through the development and donation of GM Plaza as well as the funding and sponsorship for numerous events and programs, including GM River Days and the Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront program.

Tickets are now available for this spectacular evening and include: VIP, $350 each, allowing admission to cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m.; General Admission, $200 each, allowing admission at 6:30 p.m.; and Young Professional tickets for those 35 and under, $100 each, allowing admission at 6:30 p.m. All guests receive complimentary valet parking. Tickets for Shimmer on the River may be purchased by calling 313.566.8248 or online at www.ShimmerOnTheRiver.com.

About the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy
The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, Inc. was formed as a 501 (c) (3) with the mission of transforming Detroit’s international riverfront into a beautiful, exciting, safe, accessible world-class gathering place for all. The entire vision is 5.5 miles of riverfront property, from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park, just east of the Belle Isle Bridge, and will include the construction of a continuous RiverWalk along with plazas, pavilions and green spaces. The Conservancy is responsible for the improvement, operations, maintenance, security, programming and expansion of the Detroit international riverfront in perpetuity.