IBEW Local 58 has committed to not only install our electrical, but to also DONATE the materials! This was an enormous job and we cannot thank them enough. Look out for them starting in December! Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 has committed 2 companies to purchase additional materials for us. Thanks guys! Drywall is complete, until electrical is put in. That's progress! Thanks to MRCC Hammer 9. Our carousel has arrived! Scroll down for more information. Jasman Construction has donated 50 sheets of drywall, mud and tape. Thank you! Heat and Frost Insulators Local 25 started insulating Inspirational Hall. It looks great so far! Plumbing trenches continue to be dug and it is only a matter of time before we have water hookups in our Bistro.

Honestly? The carousel delivery was bumpier than we had expected! Upon delivery it turned out that some measurements had gotten crossed, and it was too tall to fit in the designated space.

After some head-scratching and some great input from our Construction Coordinator Bob Makowski, MRCC retired executive board member Scott Lowes, and the carousel company, we decided to exchange the carousel for a smaller & (shorter) model. The whole idea of going from a 40 seat carousel down to a 29 seater, and not knowing if the swap would be as beautiful as the original, we were quite jittery, but remained nervously optimistic!

Just a couple days later the new (shorter!) carousel arrived, and it is gorgeous. It fits perfectly into our allotted space and we feel silly we were ever worried. Maybe it's true, everything happens for a reason...

Play-Place was recently featured in the Detroit News! Marney Keenan took a tour of our facility and did an amazing job of capturing our mission. We are so grateful she chose to write about Play-Place. Thank you! Click the link below to read Marney Keenan's beautiful article.  Read Play-Place's Feature Article Here

Our founder Shell Jones was interviewed as part of the CW50's Street Beat coverage of the "Walk for Autism Speaks." Shell discussed our facility features, programming, and resources that will be provided here at Play-Place. Click the link below to view the show.   Watch Play-Place on Street Beat Here

WE NEED YOU... MUDDERS, TAPERS, PAINTERS! We have advanced to the mudding, taping and painting stage of the build out. We need mudders, tapers and painters to help us put the finishing touches on the drywall. Two hours, three hours or how ever long you're willing to commit will move us that much closer to completing our facility renovations to service the countless families in need.   Call 586-254-6533 to VOL NTEER. All that's missing is U!

After we WON the Gardner-White Charituesday challenge, earning us $1,000 to spend at any Gardner-White store, Shell Jones was invited to be interviewed! Watch the video highlight here. * It was an extremely close voting competition but Play-Place PREVAILED in Gardner-White's Charituesday challenge! We used the funds to outfit our Welcome Center with a beautiful 3-piece black leather ensemble - all within budget plus delivery. Rest your legs at Play-Place! THANK YOU for voting!

A great friend, amazing teacher and college professor; a dedicated husband and loyal community member, Emanuel "Manny" Balos passed away on September 21st. In lieu of flowers, his wonderfully, gracious family opted to have his friends and family donate to Play-Place. THANK YOU to the Balos family for creating such immeasurable impact during their time of loss and sorrow. We at Play-Place wish you comfort and healing and offer our most sincerest condolences.

 

Our Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, and silent auction tables were buzzing with excitement thanks to Damian's Auto Service, Troy Auto Care, Mrs. Fields, Cinnabon, Blackfinn Ameripub, Gator Jake's, Chill Out Massage, Freddy's Bar and Grill, Rojo Mexican Bistro, Maurices, LIDS, Da Francesco's Restaurant, Filipo Marc Winery, Pro Sports, and the Detroit Woodturners Association for donating so many unique, one-of-a-kind handmade treasures. 

THANK YOU TO ALL who donated, attended and volunteered.

Our friends at Freddy's Bar and Grill in Clinton Township have graciously offered to host another fundraiser for us! Through the holiday season, if you donate $2 to Play-Place while dining at Freddy's you will receive a $5 coupon redeemable towards your next food purchase! Our favorite is the Freddy burger! You HAVE to try it!  Freddy's Bar and Grill 40000 Garfield Rd, Clinton Twp., MI 48038 www.freddysbarrocks.com

We are looking for passionate parent bloggers to guest write for our Play-Place blog on our website. If you are interested in blogging for Play-Place send us an email at [email protected]