DETROIT (August 25, 2021) – Shimmer on the River is an important riverfront tradition; it is the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s largest and most popular annual fundraiser, developed to generate much-needed funds to keep the Detroit Riverwalk clean, safe, accessible, and beautiful for all. Since the first event in 2010, Shimmer ticket sales and sponsorships have generated more than $1 million dollars for the Conservancy.

 

After skipping a year in 2020 due to the pandemic, the event returns on September 17 with a Riverfront Reunion— an opportunity for guests to reunite safely in person along the Detroit River for a magical night while celebrating the Best Riverwalk in the country together. 

Shimmer on the River: A Riverfront Reunion is a family-friendly gala featuring a performance by the Spinners, a diverse array of local food trucks and an Adventure Zone with a 300-foot zip line and inflatables for the kids.  The Spinners are a Detroit soul group known for such hits as “I’ll Be Around,” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love.” 

As the non-profit stewards of the Riverwalk, Cullen Plaza, Gabriel Richard Park, Mt. Elliott Park, Robert C. Valade Park, and the Dequindre Cut and Dennis Archer Greenways, the Conservancy is responsible for not only the construction of these riverfront public spaces, but also for their security, operation, maintenance and programming.  

During the pandemic, the Detroit Riverfront saw a 20 percent increase in use as these public spaces helped support both the physical and mental well-being of the Detroit community. The Dequindre Cut Greenway saw a 40 percent increase.  In order to maintain the parks and greenways along the Riverwalk, the Conservancy relies on the philanthropic support of their funders and the generosity of the Detroit community. 

“Over the past year, having a safe, outdoor space in our community to gather has been more important than ever,” said Cassie Brenske, chief development officer. “This year’s Shimmer event will be a very special reunion for riverfront supporters and the funds raised will help us to continue our essential work maintaining the riverfront as a safe, tranquil, and accessible refuge for everyone.” 

Shimmer on the River: A Riverfront Reunion is a family-friendly gala featuring a performance by the Spinners, a diverse array of local food trucks and an Adventure Zone with a 300-foot zip line and inflatables for the kids.  The Spinners are a Detroit soul group known for such hits as “I’ll Be Around,” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love.” 

As the non-profit stewards of the Riverwalk, Cullen Plaza, Gabriel Richard Park, Mt. Elliott Park, Robert C. Valade Park, and the Dequindre Cut and Dennis Archer Greenways, the Conservancy is responsible for not only the construction of these riverfront public spaces, but also for their security, operation, maintenance and programming.  

During the pandemic, the Detroit Riverfront saw a 20 percent increase in use as these public spaces helped support both the physical and mental well-being of the Detroit community. The Dequindre Cut Greenway saw a 40 percent increase.  In order to maintain the parks and greenways along the Riverwalk, the Conservancy relies on the philanthropic support of their funders and the generosity of the Detroit community. 

“Over the past year, having a safe, outdoor space in our community to gather has been more important than ever,” said Cassie Brenske, chief development officer. “This year’s Shimmer event will be a very special reunion for riverfront supporters and the funds raised will help us to continue our essential work maintaining the riverfront as a safe, tranquil, and accessible refuge for everyone.” 

Larry McLaughlin served as general counsel to the Conservancy from 2002 until 2018, helping to guide the Conservancy’s legal endeavors. McLaughlin continues to provide his keen insights and leadership to the organization as an emeritus Board member. 

Evelyn Johnston was a founding member of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and served on the Conservancy’s Board of Directors for 11 years.  Upon retirement, she remained a passionate supporter of the riverfront revitalization efforts as an emeritus Board member. Johnston passed away in May of 2020. 

Past Shimmer Award winners include Gov. Jennifer Granholm (2010); Senator Carl Levin (2011); Peter Karmanos (2012); Marlene and John and Boll (2013); General Motors (2014); Faye Alexander Nelson and David Page* (2016/*Page honored posthumously); Tom McNulty (2017); Karen and Matt Cullen (2018), and Nettie Seabrooks (2019).

 

The Shimmer main event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Main event tickets are $150 each and include unlimited access to food trucks, live entertainment, giveaways, games and activities for all ages, and free admission for up to two children 12-and-under.  

 

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit detroitriverfront.org/Shimmer.

Shimmer would not be possible without the support of numerous sponsors.  

Sponsors to date include:

Adventure Park: Delta Dental of Michigan. Food Truck Rally: JPMorgan Chase. Shimmer Award: Honigman LLC.  Champions of the Conservancy: Bedrock Detroit, Karen and Matt Cullen, Friends of Robert C. Valade Park, General Motors, Hudson-Webber Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Mona and Matt Simoncini and the William Davidson Foundation.

 

Sponsors also include: 

Riverwalk Partners: Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Diamond Hospitality, Greektown Hotel-Casino, Sarah and Chip McClure, MGM Grand Detroit and SmithGroup. Shimmer Partners: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Invest Detroit, Jones Lang LaSalle, Patti and Larry McLaughlin, MI Building & Construction Trades, George and Jo Elyn Nylan, Vesco Oil Corporation and Gail Warden.  In-Kind Sponsor: Banner Sign Co., Epiphany Studios and LovioGeorge.

COVID-19 health and safety protocols will be in place for Shimmer on the River to ensure a fun and safe evening for all guests. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit detroitriverfront.org/Shimmer.

West Riverfront Park is located at 1801 W. Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit.

The Detroit Riverfront attracts 3.5 million visitors annually and has remained open every day during the coronavirus pandemic. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has invested more than 

$200 million in the revitalization of the Detroit Riverfront, which in turn has generated more than $2 billion in public and private investment. The Detroit Riverwalk was recently named Best Riverwalk in the country by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

 

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