Community Corner

Wyandotte Businesses Band Together to Raise Money for Health Clinic for the Working Uninsured

The second annual Pay It Forward event is set for 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Solero Cafe.

prides itself on having knowledgeable staff, but come Wednesday night, that experience is being tossed aside for a few hours.

But all for a good cause.

Imposters from the Wyandotte business community will be serving as waiters, waitresses, bartenders and bussers from 7 to 10 p.m., with all tips benefitting

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They’re calling themselves “well intentioned, but under trained,” but are promising a good time will be had by all.

“We have some wonderfully fun volunteers to serve,” Janelle Rose of said in a press release. “They don’t know what they’re doing, but we can guarantee that the food will be great, the drinks cold and we’ll get it to you somehow.”

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She and Patt Slack of are spearheading the effort, which also will include music, dancing, a fashion show and raffles.

“And lots of laughs!” Slack said.

Bulldawg Music DJ & Karaoke will entertain the crowd.  & are sponsoring the strolling fashion show.

Nancy Zack, the administrator of the Wyandotte Clinic for the Working Uninsured, said she is appreciative of the fundraiser as the number of people coming to the clinic for assistance continues to rise.

In 2010, about 1,800 people used the clinic’s services, she said. The number of patients has increased between 400 and 500 each year, she said.

“There is a greater need then ever in the current economy and we are committed to being there for members of our Downriver community when they need it most,” Zack said. “Our mission is to get patients healthy and keep them healthy so they can continue working.”

The clinic, which operates in partnership with , was established in 2005. It moved from Brownstown to Wyandotte last year. The volunteer-run clinic is supported by physicians, clinicians and other community members who donate their time and services.

The clinic provides a variety of health care services to Downriver residents who are working, but without medical insurance. Services range from primary care office visits, including diabetes and hypertension management; women’s health checkup, pap smears and breast exams; podiatric services; nutrition counseling; work physicals and referrals. Patients must be at least 18 years old with proof of current employment with no medical insurance benefits.

comes on the heels of a successful event last year that raised $900 for

“It was an incredible experience that showed us just how generous Wyandotte is,” Rose said. “The community support was overwhelming and truly heartwarming. Seeing what took place last year made us decide to make our Pay It Forward event an annual one.”

This year, however, the fun doesn’t stop with the single event. During the week of Feb. 12, several downtown shops, including Willow Tree, Chelsea and River’s Edge Gallery, will donate 10 percent of all sales to the clinic whenever a customer mentions the Pay It Forward event.


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