Rhonda Walker: Wednesday night, I had the true honor to spend the evening in a room full of about 600 people that I truly admire. Every single one became my instant friends because of what we all share in common, a commitment to do what we can to make a difference in our community and help better the lives of others. It was the 28th annual National Philanthropy Day Dinner at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn hosted each year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Detroit Chapter.
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After a scrumptious dinner, 63 attendees received Distinguished Volunteer recognition for their selfless work in the community for various charitable causes. And then I was among the 8 Philanthropy Honorees to receive special recognition, me for philanthropy work over the past two decades. I am truly humbled and grateful to receive the Neal Shine Award for Media Commitment to Philanthropy. This award is only given to members of the media with at least 20 years working in Detroit (I just passed my 21st anniversary) whom have also focused on building communities, demonstrate strong and consistent ethical standards and show a commitment to and success in making metro Detroit a better place to live, while developing leadership and personal involvement in others. It’s a long description and a class of past honorees I am so incredibly humbled to be among especially because of the man whose name my award bears.
I have admired and respected the late Neal Shine, Pulitzer Prize winning former publisher and editor of the Detroit Free Press my entire career. I was honored to meet his son Dan and grandson Niall standing on the right side of this photo. They attended the event last night to present me with the Baccarat Crystal award that especially recognizes the empowering impact the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) has had on hundreds of inner city teen girls.
An impact that is not possible without my dedicated army of volunteers, board members and staff of whom joined me last. Many thanks to RWF CEO Ruselda Villanueva Johnson and Holly Murphy our Executive Director of Programs.
I also want to thank the lovely MiVida Burrus from Mosaic Youth Theater for nominating me for this special honor!
Congratulations to my class of philanthropic honorees, we are forever connected in the most meaningful way!
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Here's what's coming up on Friday, November 8, 2019 on Local 4 News Today
All Morning -- The Weekend is Near
Brandon Roux: Friday and Saturday morning lows will be cold! Skies clear and that will set us up for the coolest air of the season on those morning with in the low 20s. Ton of sun Friday and it’s another day where we likely won’t see highs get out of the 30s even with all of that sun. I'll track the entire weekend for you.
- Get the full forecast here
All Morning -- Weekend Construction
Kim DeGiulio: With the wintry weather moving closer and closer to us, construction crews will be working to complete projects. I'll have the projects to watch out for and help you get around any possible trouble spots.
- Check traffic conditions in your neighborhood here
6:10 a.m. -- Fitness Friday
It's getting colder and harder to workout outside, so we're here to help. One local place is combining cycling with partying! We'll take you inside Vibe Ride Detroit.
6:45 a.m. -- Your Neighborhood
Evrod Cassimy: It's free food that's going to good use. We'll go inside the non-profit organization that's making sure students get free and reduced lunches and never go hungry on the weekends.
ICYMI
❓ Today’s Trivia Retake ❓
Every weekday morning at 6 a.m., we ask you a trivia question on Local 4 for a chance to win a prize.
- Thursday Question: On this day in 1916, who became the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives?
- Answer: Republican Jeannette Rankin of Montana
- Be sure to watch daily at 6 a.m. and click this link to enter for a chance to win.
National Days: November 8th
- National Cappuccino Day
- National Harvey Wallbanger Day
- National Parents as Teachers Day
- National STEM/STEAM Day
History Highlights: November 8th
- In 1892, former President Grover Cleveland defeated incumbent Benjamin Harrison, becoming the first (and, to date, only) chief executive to win non-consecutive terms to the White House.
- In 1932, New York Democratic Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated incumbent Republican Herbert Hoover for the presidency.
- In 1960, Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy defeated Vice President Richard M. Nixon for the presidency.
- In 1966, Edward W. Brooke (R-Mass.) became the first black candidate to be elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote.
- In 1972, the premium cable TV network HBO (Home Box Office) made its debut with a showing of the movie “Sometimes a Great Notion.”
- In 1994, midterm elections resulted in Republicans winning a majority in the Senate while at the same time gaining control of the House for the first time in 40 years.
- In 2000, a statewide recount began in Florida, which emerged as critical in deciding the winner of the 2000 presidential election. Earlier that day, Vice President Al Gore had telephoned Texas Gov. George W. Bush to concede, but called back about an hour later to retract his concession.
- In 2016, Republican Donald Trump was elected America’s 45th president, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton in an astonishing victory for a celebrity businessman and political novice. Republicans kept their majorities in the Senate and House.
Celebrity Birthdays: November 8th
Celebrating a birthday Friday? Submit a Sunshine Award here and we could say your name on Local 4 News Today during our 6 a.m. show.
Here's who you're sharing a birthday with --
- Singer Bonnie Raitt is 70.
- Former “Entertainment Tonight” host Mary Hart is 69.
- Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones is 65.
- Singer-actor Leif Garrett is 58.
- TV chef Gordon Ramsay is 53.
- Actress Gretchen Mol is 46.
- Actor Matthew Rhys (“The Americans,” ”Brothers and Sisters”) is 45.
- Actress Tara Reid (“Sharknado,” ”American Pie”) is 44.
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