Forgotten Harvest Pairs Champagne Cruise With Woodward Dream Cruise Kickoff

One of Metro Detroit’s premier Woodward Dream Cruise preview events, the Forgotten Harvest Champagne Cruise, is returning for its 11th year this summer.

The 11th Annual Champagne Cruise will take place Friday, Aug. 16, from 6-10 p.m. at its signature Westborn Market location in the heart of the Dream Cruise at 27659 Woodward Ave. 

Set to the backdrop of nostalgic cruising on Woodward and the sounds of Motown, the Champagne Cruise will greet guests with a red carpet champagne reception featuring beverages by Atwater Brewing and Pommery Brut Royal. Sample fare will be offered by Westborn Market and some of Metro Detroit’s best local restaurants, including BD’s Mongolian Grill and D’Amato’s of Royal Oak.

Live music and entertainment will be provided by the Randy Brock Group, the Detroit Circus and Rock the Booth. Suggested attire is summer chic. 

The Champagne Cruise was created by the Anusbigian family of Westborn Market and has raised nearly seven million meals and more than $1.3 million in financial support for Forgotten Harvest. In 2012, the Champagne Cruise raised enough money for Forgotten Harvest to provide over 800,000meals to the community. 

“It’s our single largest event that we participate in and sponsor,” said Westborn Market Marketing Director Bryan Bandyk. “We’re honored and proud of having such a positive influence over the years. It’s a quality event; it’s a great cause, and it’s paired with the kickoff to the Dream Cruise itself, which is important to all of Southeast Michigan.” 

Founded in 1963 by George Anusbigian, Westborn Market features three state-of-the-art European-style stores in Dearborn, Berkley and Livonia. 

“We’re a community-based market. Our business model is to serve our neighbors – we’re like their pantry,” Bandyk said. “Getting connected with Forgotten Harvest is just a natural fit. Their organization philosophically and culturally mirrors ours. They are quality people executing a quality vision.” 

“Every day, the cruise at the forefront of our mind is our Forgotten Harvest trucks cruising along the streets of Metro Detroit, rescuing millions of pounds of food each year to help families in need,” said Forgotten Harvest President and CEO Susan Goodell. “The Champagne Cruise has proven to be a vital fundraiser for our organization, allowing the community to share in our vision while celebrating a distinctly Detroit tradition.” 

Tickets are $150 each ($100 of which is tax deductible) and are available online at www.forgottenharvest.org. Patron ticket packages, including four tickets and listing in the program book, are available for $750. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.

Source: Forgotten Harvest