Thank you to all who supported MEP's 2025 Doorway Gala!
To view more photos please visit our photo gallery here.
May 15th at Ford Field's Hall of Legends
The evening began with a cocktail reception and fantastic raffle packages on display, along with a chance to try MEP’s new Virtual Reality career exploration platform. More than 60 businesses and individuals donated items for the raffle. Popular prize packages included a special chef’s dinner at Café Cortina, a “perfect weekend” in Petoskey, a private VIP group tour of Ford Field, and fantastic sports memorabilia.
This year's Spirit of Mercy Award was presented to David Parr, longtime friend and supporter of MEP. Dave served on MEP’s Board of Directors for 9 years and was Board President for six of those years. Dave shared two heartwarming stories about MEP’s extraordinary students.
Keynote speaker Sandra Ali from CBS News Detroit inspired gala guests with reflections on her own path as a child of immigrants. She said education “became the bridge between who I was and who I dreamt I could become.” Ali went on to say that “education teaches more than math or grammar. It teaches confidence. It teaches you how to find your voice. It tells every girl, no matter her accent or her background: you belong.”
This year’s Paddle Raise raised more than $125,300 to support MEP! Dave Parr led the way by issuing a challenge to match his $50,000 gift. Paddles went up all over the room as sportscaster Matt Dery called out each donation level, and within a few minutes, over $75,000 was raised to add to Dave’s contribution.
If you weren't able to attend this year’s gala, we welcome you to raise your paddle today!
2025 Doorway Sponsors
Presenting Game Ball Sponsors
DTE Foundation, Trinity Health
Field Goal Sponsors
Corewell Health, MAGNA
First Down Sponsors
Ally, AAM, Comerica Bank, Kitch, Rose Senior Living
Kickoff Sponsors
365 Retail Markets, Burns and McDonnell, IBEW Local 58, Sisters of Mercy, Wolverine Packing Co.
Coin Toss Sponsors
Belfor, Christian Financial Credit Union, Comcast, Ideal Group