SUPPORT OUR MISSION
You Make Our Work Possible
Generations of families have passed through our doors to participate in the arts, celebrate life events, enrich their minds, and learn more about themselves, our history and the world.
The War Memorial is a community nonprofit organization which proudly serves Southeastern Michigan and continues to remain an experiential place for everyone from everywhere through a wide offering of classes, activities, and events. Our growing regional ecosystem with over 65 partners and collaborators augments our offerings encompassing a diverse dialogue of activities, audiences and opportunities. These programs and services are only possible because of your donations. Your support makes a difference.
Embracing our legacy and mission with innovative expansions and events, we are dedicated to being a regional driver of arts, enrichment, patriotism, experiences, and connectivity.
Your generous contributions are critical to our mission to honor those who served, enrich our community, and deliver exceptional experiences.
America the Beautiful
Honorary Co-Chairs Fred & Veronica Alger
Co-Presented by Jeffrey Smith & Lisa Vallee-Smith and Mary & Ron Lamparter
The Story of Tonight!
Thank you to all who joined us Wednesday for An Evening of Red, White & Blue: An American 250 Celebration and were in the “room where it happened!”
We are incredibly grateful! The evening was a roaring success, thanks to the tireless efforts of our Red, White & Blue Planning Committee, Honorary Committee, Board of Directors, and every department of The War Memorial. This would not have been such an epic night without their help. To everyone who helped plan and setup, our incredible guests who attended, and all of our partners who chipped in, we are extending our sincerest gratitude to you and your continued support.
“What is Legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”
-Hamilton, the musical
As President and CEO, Maria Miller stated in the evening’s opening remarks, America’s story has never been perfect…but it has been “a story of people continuing to strive toward the ideals we claim: liberty, equality, opportunity, democracy. Always reaching. Always becoming. And that, in many ways, is the work of The War Memorial….All of us together are helping tell America’s story - our story- not as a finished masterpiece, but as
an unfinished promise!
A promise that each generation has the responsibility to leave this world, this country, and this community a little stronger, a little kinder, and a little more united than they found it.”
We are grateful
It was a truly glorious evening—one that began the moment guests arrived at the Alger House, where historic storytelling was seamlessly woven into the experience.
Throughout the home, guests encountered pivotal moments and figures from America’s history, brought to life in creative and unexpected ways. In the Ballroom, long, beautifully adorned tables featured striking imagery of defining events, while a detailed map traced how the evening’s menu journeyed “sea to shining sea.” Screens displayed a curated collection of impactful American art, and even the smallest details joined in the celebration—the butter itself molded into iconic American figures. Tables were numbered by years marking significant moments and movements, beginning with the landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620 and culminating in America’s 250th anniversary.
At every turn, thoughtful historical touches created an immersive and unforgettable experience.We would also like to thank our incredible entertainment through the evening that included, the sounds of Gary Greenfelder in the Library for both the cocktail hour and dessert afterglow, the patriotic photobooth by Kid and Play (complete with powdered wigs), the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps leading guests into the ballroom with rousing songs and anthems, The Shelby Five with beautiful renditions of America The Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner, and a surprise Hamilton toast by War Memorial employees!
Total Amount Raised at the Celebration is nearly
$200,000
A Stunning Short Film
The Sponsors Who Made it All Possible
Honorary Hosts
Fred & Veronica Alger
Co-Presenting Sponsors
Jeffrey Smith & Lisa Vallee-Smith and Ron & Mary Lamparter
Platinum Sponsors
Alicia & Jon Taub | Verizon | Corewell Health | Display Group
Gold Sponsor
Grosse Pointe Garden Center
Silver Sponsors
Warner Norcorss + Judd | Landmark Financial Planning | Northern Trust
Aaron & Luisa Turk | Activate Detroit | Michele & Dennis LaPorte | Henry Ford Health
Donations and Support Opportunities
Monthly Sustainer Program
Wings of Hope
Planned Giving
Moorings Legacy Society
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The War Memorial provides countless classes, events, and programs for our southeast Michigan community. If you would like to support our initiatives by credit or debit card, click here.
For donations by check, please download our donation form here for instructions on donating by check.
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Sponsoring our programs, events, or activities is a great way to promote your business or organization to our engaged and excited audience. Many activities are available for sponsorship at a variety of levels and with different packages of sponsor benefits.
If you would like to support our programs with in-kind donations, which are non-monetary assets that represent value to The War Memorial, we have many opportunities available. Some gifts-in-kind are used for our activities and save us money, while others are given in the expectation that they will be sold to help fund our work.
To sponsor our programs and events, or provide an in-kind donation contact the Development Offices at Development@warmemorial.org or 313.332.4026.
At The War Memorial, we believe in helping people who help people. After all, we wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for the philanthropic nature of Marian Alger. With those principles in mind, we love to partner with other charitable organizations through a donation, volunteering, and partnering with other nonprofits to help further both of our missions.
If you are interested in The War Memorial sponsoring an event, or partnering with us to better the community please click here to fill out our form.
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Your permanent capital can help The War Memorial plan for a stable and secure future.
Due to the selfless giving of generations of donors, The War Memorial has three endowment funds. Two of these are managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan - our Grosse Pointe War Memorial Endowment Fund and our Grosse Pointe War Memorial Youth Enrichment Fund. If you are interested in learning more about how you can make a significant impact with our General Operations Endowment with Northern Trust, please contact us.
By contributing to these funds, you are providing us a reliable and ongoing source of financial support, and enable us to program more new and exciting initiatives, like our Children’s Enrichment Scholarship fund.
Click here to make a donation to our CFSEM endowment funds.
To learn more about this easy process, please contact the Development Offices at Development@warmemorial.org
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Employer Matching Gifts
Your gift to The War Memorial could be worth even more if your employer matches charitable donations. Check with your benefits office to see if your employer will match your gift to The War Memorial.
Kroger Community Rewards
Looking for an easy, passive way to donate? The War Memorial is a participant in the Kroger Community Rewards Program. If you shop at Kroger, you can link your rewards through your Kroger Plus card to The War Memorial account. We receive a donation from Kroger that is tied to the amount of money spent by shoppers who are connected to our organization. Click here to learn more.
For more information on any of the giving options discussed here, please contact the Development Offices at Development@warmeorial.org or 313.332.4026.
Disclaimer: The giving opportunities discussed here are examples of ways that people have or could support The War Memorial. Nothing here should be construed as tax or financial advice applicable to your individual situation. Contact your own tax advisor or accountant to learn how this information relates to you and your individual circumstances.
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Would you like The War Memorial to support your organizations upcoming events? You can submit your support request by clicking here.
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Interested in volunteering at The War Memorial? Click here to fill out our volunteer form.
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Do you have a historic piece connected to The War Memorial’s mission, or the Alger family, and would like to donate or loan it to us? Please fill out our museum donation form.
Annual Fundraising Gala
An Evening of Red, White & Blue is The War Memorial’s signature annual gala, held each year around Memorial Day. This inspiring evening brings our community together to celebrate service, honor legacy, and support meaningful programs that make a lasting impact. With a generous spirit and shared purpose, guests enjoy a memorable night of entertainment, dining, and philanthropy—advancing The War Memorial’s mission to educate, engage, and enrich the lives of those we serve. Our 2026 gala will be held on May 20, 2026.
To get involved in the 2026 gala, contact development@warmemorial.org.
Enjoy some photos of our 2025 event below.
Reasons to Give
Continuing our Legacy
We hold annual patriotic, cultural and community events that are 100% free! Your donations aid in offsetting costs of these historic events like our annual Veterans Day Breakfast, Memorial Day ceremony, and Summerfest concerts. Your support continues this important legacy for the next generation of guests!
Protecting our Programs
We continue to offer high quality classes and programs at a discounted rate. Many of our annual classes and activities, such as our Ski Hi Club, Winter Brunch series, Driver’s Training program, and Campville are upheld and supported through community support, from donors, like you!
Enriching the Lives of Children
Your donations can inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders, artists, and innovators, especially with our Children’s Enrichment Scholarship Fund. Join us as a place for all people from all places, by ensuring that all families can enjoy our enriching activities.
Preserving our History
In our 75th year, The War Memorial is embarking on a methodic approach to repair and restore the 114-year-old Alger House. Join us as this storied building, an official location on the National Registrar of Historic Places, is cherished and remains a destination for heritage tourism for years to come!
Stories of Impact
Our history comes from the community that we serve and the impact their donations make. Take a few minutes to read about some of the people who have made The War Memorial’s mission come to life for our Southeast Michigan community.
Header Photo Courtesy of: Renee Landuyt of The Grosse Pointe News