The Henry Ford Museum  •  Dearborn, MI
May 8, 2025  •  6:30pm

2025 Champion for Children

We are proud to honor The Pathways Foundation as the 2025 Champion for Children Awardee at this year’s Gerald L. Levin Champions for Children event for their dedication in creating opportunity and empowering youth across Michigan. The Pathways Foundation has been instrumental in transforming the lives of youth by opening doors to higher education. Over the past decade, their generosity and commitment have enabled 21 Orchards clients to attend a college or university of their choice, helping them to pursue their educational aspirations and build brighter futures.

David Kramer is a principal of Gemini Risk Partners, an insurance brokerage firm focused on working with law firms. Prior to entering the insurance industry over 20 years ago, David practiced law at prominent law firms in Washington D.C. and Detroit. David completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University.

David serves on the board of several community organizations including the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, Hebrew Free Loan of Metropolitan Detroit (Immediate Past President), and Oakland University. He is a past recipient of several civic and professional honors, including Crain’s 40 under 40, the Frank Wetsman Young Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and the Young Advocate Award from Orchards Children’s Services. David was a former Chair of the Board of Orchards Children’s Services. 

Anessa Kramer is a partner and trademark lawyer at Honigman LLP, where she serves on the Firm's Board of Directors. Anessa has received numerous professional accolades, including Crain's 40 Under 40, recognition as one of three Michigan IP lawyers in the "Band One" category by Chambers USA, and recognition as one of the Top 250 women globally in the intellectual property field by 

Managing Intellectual Property. Anessa has served on many philanthropic and community boards, including the Jewish Federation of Detroit, The Roeper School, and The Jewish Fund. She was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Arts and Culture Council Board, and was reappointed to that position in 2023. Anessa and her husband, David, are both Founding Supporters of the Detroit Public Theater and long-time supporters of Orchard's Children's Services. 

David and Anessa live in Birmingham and are parents to two college-aged sons, Sam and Max, both of whom served on the Orchard's Youth Board.

Meet Our Emcee:

Carolyn Clifford is a 22-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who anchors the 4, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts on Channel 7. She was inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame in September 2021, as well as awarded the 2021 and 2022 Michigan Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Excellence Award winner for Best News Anchor. Carolyn is also being inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024. The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame recognizes reporters, editors, publishers, owners, photographers, broadcasters, educators, and others who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. 

Carolyn was born and raised in the city of Detroit. She is one of ten children and is happily married to Gregory Goss and they share five adult children.