Igniting Our Future Gala

An evening celebrating perseverance, legacy, and bright futures.

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Event Information

Join us for our 3rd annual gala and enjoy a gourmet dinner, cocktails, live entertainment, and a mission infused program featuring keynote Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS, one of the fastest-growing college outreach apostolates in the Catholic Church. His talk, “The Joy and Hope of Making Missionary Disciples,” will inspire us to serve with great generosity and joy.

Thursday, October 29, 2026

6pm at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI
Valet available at the main entrance
Cocktail attire suggested
Event details:
- 6 - 6:45 pm Cocktail Reception
- 7 pm Welcome and Dinner
- 9 pm Live entertainment

Curtis A. Martin founded the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) in 1998. Since then he has been honored by Pope Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, most recently by appointment to the Dicastery of the New Evangelization. Curtis and his wife, Michaelann, live in Colorado. They have been blessed with nine children.

2026 Leadership Gifts

Thank you to our sponsors

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions

We look forward to coming together as one community of faith to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth across Michigan.

Please see below for important FAQs and event details.

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What is the address for the event?

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation - 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124

What is the event program?

Cocktail Reception: 6:00 pm

Welcome: 7:00 pm | Dinner: 7:10 pm | Program: 7:40 pm | Afterglow: 9:05 pm | Closing: 10:00pm

What is the attire for the event?

Cocktail attire is recommended.

Where can I park once I arrive?

Valet Parking is complimentary (including tips). Valet opens at 5:30 pm and is available at the Main Entrance off of the circle drive (marked by the star in the image below).

Self Parking: You may also self-park anywhere on the Henry Ford Museum property. The parking lot closest to the Main Entrance is in Parking Lot 1.

Where do we enter once we arrive?

Please check in at the welcome area in the lobby off the Main Entrance (as noted by the star in the above image).

What do I need when I arrive for check-in?

To ensure a seamless experience, we encourage all guests to provide their contact information (name, phone and email) prior to the event. You may do this by emailing JeanAnn@CatholicFoundationMichigan.org. If you received a link from the ticketing system, you may also update your details by clicking on that link. Guests should be prepared to share their name and provide the sponsor or table host name. This event typically sells out, so tickets are not available at the door.

Where can I learn more?

Visit catholicfoundationmichigan.org.