Ross Net Impact and Art Enterprise Host Holiday Party

Early December is often a juggling act of trying to fit in as many calorie-packing, music-filled evenings as possible before the celebrations of the holiday and New Year really knock us on our bums. This particular holiday season there was one party not to pass up - The Holiday Party hosted by Ross Net Impact and Art Enterprise. Over 200 partygoers braved the cold to enjoy the return of the Rock'n'Roll B-School band and hit the dance floor to the tunes of DJs Vasco Bridges and Mike Gitig. The party raised over $2,000 for The Generation Project, an educational philanthropy that allows donors to become actively involved in their giving.

Attendees were able to join the fun and do some good, a gift in itself during this festive season. The event was organized by Emily Neubig, Jamie Shea, and Tina Tam, and took place at Live at PJ's on First Street in Ann Arbor. Partygoers were greeted at the door with holiday-themed temporary tattoos, which also served as tickets to the event. Participants happily adorned the tats upon several viewable and tasteful locations of their persons (fortunately for the ticket checkers). After treating themselves to a cocktail at the bar, partygoers made their way to the dance floor, where live entertainment got the party really going. Jamie Shea, from Net Impact, said, "It is a night to celebrate the holiday spirit with Net Impact along with Art Enterprise and to raise money for The Generation Project, which develops programs to benefit K-12 children from low-income families. The Rock'N'Roll B-School band, plus DJs Vasco Bridges and Mite Gitig have donated their time to the cause, making this the one party of the season not to be missed."

The RnR B-School Band began with Zach Robin's lovely acoustic rendition of Adam Sandler's Hannukah Song, but the audience participation really revved up with the band's performance of Guns n Roses' "Paradise City." Once the DJs took over, everyone was warmed up and ready to cut a rug. It must have been the festive feelings of the holiday, or the good feelings one gets from donating to a good cause . . .or perhaps, and most likely, it was a chance for a final harrah before descending back into finals mode. But in all seriousness, this party rocked. Many danced until they melted into a pool of sweat and glee and others mingled and enjoyed the fun night out. All-in-all, Net Impact and Art Enterprise were very pleased with the outcome. "The best part for me was how so many people contributed their time and talents to make it all come together - in a holiday, magical sort of way!" said Tina Tam. " I'd like to thank the band, the DJs, our many volunteers, Rebecca Silver for the beautiful flyer, and Elf Adam Bennett and Santa Jim Baran!"

Eli Savit, co-founder of The Generation Project and a current law student at the University of Michigan was also pleased with the evening's outcome. "It was incredible to see so many people out at the party. I can honestly say that was one of the better holiday parties I've attended. Just as importantly - to me, at least - it seemed like people were genuinely excited about expanding opportunities for kids growing up in poverty. Throughout the night, people shared with me their ideas about the impact they could make on Detroit schools and on the lives of its students." In fact, since this is a philanthropy that encourages donors to develop programs with the money they've contributed, the money raised will go to programs designed by the students! 2 Net Impact members and 2 Art Enterprise members designed four distinct projects for young students, ranging from a science and technology program to a class on the history of Motown music.

"It is so inspiring to see so many people interested in taking an active role in improving urban education," says Savit. "That's what The Generation Project is all about - harnessing the diverse passions of people of all ages and income levels. Net Impact and Arts Enterrpise are awesome for doing this, and I can't wait to see the gifts that they create for Detroit students.