Foundation receives donation from the Arts, Beats and Eats festival

In an October 14 ceremony, the Royal Oak Civic Foundation received a $4,000 contribution from the Arts, Beats and Eats festival, part of the more than $400,000 the event donates to charities. The event has raised over $8.2 million since 1998. Trustee Sharlan Douglas accepted the check on behalf of the foundation.

“Arts, Beats and Eats is an incredible four days in Labor Day weekend,” said Royal Oak Mayor Mike Fournier. “And today, to me, personally, I think this is one of the most exciting days,” he said. “We get recognition for so many non-profits, all the hard-working people and volunteers at these non-profits. And to see the community, give back to the community, is really inspiring.”

The foundation’s annual fundraiser is a preview of the Labor Day weekend festival. Following is a retrospective from board Chair Tom McGannon.

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Thank You for Making the 2025 Arts, Beats & Eats on Fifth Preview Party Unforgettable

As the summer winds down and we reflect on the incredible moments shared at this year’s Arts, Beats & Eats on Fifth, we are filled with gratitude. Thursday, August 21, 2025, marked our third event with a record-breaking celebration — the highest attendance and fundraising in the history of the preview event with more than $22,000 raised to support Royal Oak programs.

To our honored guests, sponsors, and supporters: Your energy, enthusiasm, and generosity brought the event to life. Whether you were networking with Royal Oak civic leaders during the welcome reception, sampling the culinary creations during the evening, listening to the beats, or cheering during the grant awards presentation, your presence made this night truly special.  A sincere thank you to our presenting sponsors:  Arts Beats & Eats Foundation, Boji Group, Oakland Community College, Robertson Brothers Homes, and Specialty Pain Management.

Special thanks to our supporting sponsors:  Citizens State Bank, Corewell Health, First American Title, and Jim Shafer & Associates Realtors.

And additional thanks to our event sponsors:  A.F. Jonna Development & Management Company, Broder Sachse Real Estate, Bamboo, Collens Estate Law, Hotel Royal Oak / Rasor Law Firm, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc., NF Engineers, Patts Word Art, Plante Moran Realpoint, and Rosati, Shultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler.

We had 14 generous community sponsors and two in-kind sponsors of note that we would like to acknowledge: 

• Our venue hosts:  Fifth Avenue Royal Oak
• Our promotional advisors:  Detroit Internet Marketing

A heartfelt thank you to the City of Royal Oak and its outstanding leaders: Your unwavering support continues to elevate Royal Oak Civic Foundation events year after year. Thank you for your commitment to community engagement to Representative Natalie Price, Oakland County Commissioner Penny Luebs, Royal Oak Mayor Mike Fournier, Royal Oak City Commissioners Rebecca Cheezum, Sharlan Douglas, Monica Hunt, Brandon Kolo, Melanie Macey, Royal Oak City Manager Joseph Gacioch and the many city officials who attended the event.

We hope everyone enjoyed the debut of our new grant awards presentation: This initiative is designed to spotlight and support local organizations making a difference in Royal Oak. It was inspiring to recognize for their contributions to the cultural fabric of our region.  Congratulations to::

• The Royal Oak Animal Shelter – Project Rapid Reunite providing the Royal Oak Police Department microchip scanners so chipped animals can be scanned immediately and returned to owners.
• The Royal Oak Commission for the Arts – For an emerging artist laureate program to commission youth to create community-themed works for public display
• The Royal Oak Public Library – Support for the installation of outdoor musical instruments including Braille instructions
• The Royal Oak Historical Commission – Underwriting an all-day celebration to commemorate the 180th Birthday of the Orson Starr House on Sunday, September 14.

A special thank you to our charity partners who sold tickets to fundraise for their organizations::  Metro-Detroit Youth Clubs, Outreach on 7^th, Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, Royal Oak Football Club, Royal Oak Sandlot League, and Stagecrafters

And a final thank you to the incredible Jon Witz and the entire Arts, Beats & Eats team: From the mouthwatering food to the electric entertainment, your vision and partnership with the Royal Oak Civic Foundation was nothing short of spectacular. Your group is incredibly generous with your time, talent, and community connections.  You set the tone for an unforgettable festival weekend, and the Preview Party was the perfect kickoff.

On behalf of the trustees and my colleagues at the Royal Oak Civic Foundation, we look forward to future celebrations that highlight our community purpose of improving the wonderful community we share.

Thank you for being part of this special evening.

With appreciation,

Tom McGannon

Chairman, Royal Oak Civic Foundation