Friday, June 01, 2007

Celebrity masks to benefit Hospice of Michigan

The Bob Seger mask available at auction June 7

By John McTaggart

Celebrity designed and signed masks will be up for auction at the Hospice of Michigan Face Behind the Mask fundraising event June 7 at the Palladium Theatre.

“We have about 115 masks autographed by celebrities,” Hospice of Michigan Development Manager Michelle Antonini said. “This event is so unique and so much fun. It’s very casual, summer chic we call it, and it’s just a great time for a great cause.”

Over nearly two years the autographs were collected, and in some cases, Antonini explained, the celebrities decorated the masks.

“We saw that some masks were coming back with just signatures, and thought we could partner up with another great community charity, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. This group of local artists was gracious enough to decorate the masks we had returned with just signatures. So, these really are works of art, along with being really unique pieces of memorabilia.”

Celebrities represented include Kid Rock, Bob Segar, Elmore Leonard, 50 Cent, the Detroit Pistons, Goo Goo Dolls, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Jay-Z.

Other items will be included in the live and silent auctions.

“We have golf packages, spa gift certificates, estate jewelry, Tiger suites, a lot of great items available,” Antonini said. “The businesses in Birmingham … donated some really great items to the event.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the Maggie Allesee Center of Quality of Life at Hospice of Michigan, which is dedicated to education, research and community outreach for the terminally ill and their families.

The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are $50 per person. Included are a strolling dinner, live entertainment and valet parking. For reservations, visit http://www.hom.org or call Antonini at (313) 578-6259.