An Evening of Inspiration. A Legacy of Hope. A Future of Possibility.
The Spark of Hope Tribute Gala brings together community leaders, philanthropists, and friends of Life Directions for an extraordinary evening celebrating the power of hope, human connection, and the potential within every young person.
For more than five decades, Life Directions has been transforming lives throughout Detroit by empowering youth and young adults to rise above adversity, discover their purpose, and take responsibility for their futures. Through its distinctive Peers Inspiring Peers approach, the organization nurtures confidence, character, and leadership, helping young people become positive forces within their families and communities.
Guests will enjoy an elegant evening of fellowship, inspiring stories, and meaningful opportunities to give. Yet beyond the celebration lies a greater purpose: ensuring that the next generation has the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to build brighter futures.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential. Every life changed has the power to change another.
Join us as we celebrate a legacy of transforming lives and invest in the promise of generations to come.
Why Your Support Matters
Changing Lives Today. Strengthening Generations Tomorrow.
Life Directions was founded in Detroit in 1973, during a time when violence, poverty, and despair threatened the futures of countless young people. Its founders recognized that lasting change would require more than addressing the immediate challenges. It would require reaching young people at a pivotal moment in their lives and empowering them to choose a different path.
That vision became a mission that continues more than 50 years later.
Through peer mentoring, leadership development, and community engagement, Life Directions helps young people build the confidence, values, and self-determination to overcome obstacles and create meaningful futures. Its approach is rooted in a powerful belief: when young people are inspired to lead, they can become the very people who inspire others.
The impact extends far beyond any one individual. A young person who discovers purpose can strengthen a family. A young leader who chooses a positive direction can influence peers. And a generation empowered to make responsible choices can help transform an entire community.
Your sponsorship, donation, auction participation, and generosity help sustain this important work, providing opportunities for more young people to discover their potential and become leaders in their own lives.
Together, we are doing more than changing lives. We are creating a ripple of hope that reaches across families, communities, and generations.
Board Chairman
Luke Jacobi
General Impact Partners LLC
Vice Chairman
Jim Schmid
Resolution Experts, PC
Treasurer
Terrence B. Larkin
Lear Corporation - (ret.)
Mark Aiello
Foley & Lardner LLP
Dennis P. Bilancia, CPCU, CIC, AAI, AIS, LIC
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC
Hon. Thomas M.J., Hathaway
Third Circuit Court (ret.)
Shaelese King
Community Engagement
Kristina Mackinder
PA Union Plymouth Canton
Beth McKenney
KPMG LLP
Timothy O’Brien
O’Brien Construction (ret.)
Ed Peper, Jr.
General Motors (ret.)
Patrick A. Rugiero
Roman Village Restaurant Group
Robert Santavicca
Western International High School
Rev. John Phelps, C.Ss.R.
President & CEO