LANSING, Mich. — Children Trust Michigan will host the 21st annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event Tuesday, May 16, at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
The annual event – which begins at 6 p.m. following a 4:30 p.m. reception – will feature both live and silent auctions aimed at raising funds to support programs and services across Michigan focused on preventing child abuse and neglect. Auction items include a Detroit Lions game package, a U.S. Open golf tournament trip and a handmade Michigan State University Adirondack chair and table set donated by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
The event seeks to raise $550,000 in critically important funds for the work of Children Trust Michigan, a nonprofit within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Funds raised from the auction will go toward programs such as parent support and education, fatherhood programs, family resource centers and adverse childhood experiences prevention. All private donations to Children Trust Michigan also are eligible to be multiplied through the Community Based Child Abuse Prevention federal funding program.
“For 21 years, the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction has served as a catalyst for hope for Michigan’s children by raising invaluable funds for education and prevention programs that strengthen families and create environments where children can be safe, happy and healthy,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “Please join us May 16 as we unite for Michigan kids and pay tribute to the lasting legacy of Pam Posthumus.”
The auction is in memory of Pam Posthumus, a tireless advocate for preventing child abuse who served as a past board chairperson of Children Trust Michigan and started the first signature auction event. She died Aug. 18, 2010, and the annual auction was renamed the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event in 2011.
At this year’s event, Children Trust Michigan also will present the DTE Energy Foundation with the 2023 Champion for Children Award. A committed partner of Children Trust Michigan for nearly 20 years, the DTE Energy Foundation was selected as this year’s award recipient for the impact it has made both financially and through volunteer support.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from Children Trust Michigan, a critical organization working each and every day to end cycles of child abuse and neglect throughout our state,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the foundation. “At DTE Energy Foundation, we are committed to driving positive, meaningful change in the communities across Michigan. Through our continued partnership with Children Trust Michigan, we are helping provide much-needed support to organizations and programs working to strengthen families and keep our children safe, happy and healthy.”
The honorary co-chairs for the 2023 Pam Posthumus Signature Auction are Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS, and Heidi E. Washington, director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Together they are working to leverage their knowledge and networks to make this year’s event the biggest success yet
This event is made possible by the generosity of our many sponsors, including the Prisoner Benefit Fund, Cinnaire, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Delta Dental, DTE Energy Foundation, GSTV, Jackson life insurance, M3 Group, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and the Michigan Legislature.
To purchase tickets for the event or donate, visit the auction website.
To learn more about Children Trust Michigan, its efforts to end child abuse, and where its programs and services can be found near your community, visit ChildrenTrustMichigan.org.
