"A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank, nor what kind of clothes I wore. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child."

--Author Unknown
 

For the Seventh Generation

When 12-year-old Jasmine first arrived at the dental office of Dr. Maria L. Pinzon, the shy and introverted youngster was in need of long-term orthodontic treatment. An habitual thumb sucker for comfort and pleasure, Jasmine required initial treatment for an anterior open bite before Pinzon could begin work straightening her teeth. With minor coaching, the thumb sucking stopped and braces were installed. Now, a few years later, it’s not just a young girl’s teeth and smile that have been transformed. “She’s laughing and smiling, and she feels a whole lot better about herself,” Pinzon said of her patient. “She has acquired self-esteem and a personality of her own. Jasmine has come out of her shell.”

What’s unique about Jasmine’s story isn’t her dental experience; such miracles are relatively common in area dental offices. What’s noteworthy is the mechanism that brought the permanent ward of the Wayne County court system into Pinzon’s expert care: a new and innovative community-based volunteer program called For The Seventh Generation.

Established in 2005 by the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation in cooperation with the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court and the Department of Human Services, For The Seventh Generation provides non-law related services to all  neglect and abuse wards of the court, by encouraging and matching volunteer community organizations and individuals with a child and family in need. Any organization or individual who desires to offer direct and tangible help will be given the opportunity and structure to participate in a program that directly addresses the special needs of that child and his or her family. Our goal is to bring the children and our community's resources together in an efficient, timely and continuing manner by serving as a “clearing house” to match those willing to volunteer their time, talents or merchandise to those children identified as needing such assistance.

The lavish and fun-filled affair, In Seventh Heaven, is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m., and will feature an evening of food, art, spirits and music set throughout the elegant 63,000 square-foot Park West Gallery. The evening will include a live auction featuring works of art donated by the Scagliones, as well as a silent auction with donated goods, services and gift certificates currently valued over $150,000 with additional auction items coming in every day.  All proceeds will be used to fund the administration of the “For the Seventh Generation” program

The evening is not just about raising money, however. Ramsey notes it’s also about raising awareness. “It’s a great opportunity to tell people about For the Seventh Generation – and to bring people forward as volunteers, because I believe that there are many individuals and companies of good will who are more than willing to contribute their time and talents to aid children or to help families if they only knew how.” It will be an encounter most attendees will never forget.

Established in 2005 by the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation in cooperation with the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court and the Department of Human Services, For The Seventh Generation is the inspired vision of Chief Referee Kelly Ramsey of the Juvenile bench in partnership with the Executive Director of the DMBA Foundation, Lorraine Weber. The program provides non-law related services to all  neglect and abuse wards of the court, by encouraging and matching volunteer community organizations and individuals with a child and family in need. Through this innovative, community-based program, non-legal service providers such as doctors, dentists and electricians are asked to donate one service per year to one ward of the Michigan court system. Our goal is to bring the children and our community's resources together in an efficient, timely and continuing manner by serving as a “clearing house” to match those willing to volunteer their time, talents or merchandise to those children identified as needing such assistance.

For the Seventh Generation was established in 2005 by Chief Referee Kelly Ramsey and is administered under the auspices of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association and its executive director, Lorraine H. Weber. Through this innovative, community-based program, non-legal service providers such as doctors, dentists and electricians are asked to donate one service per year to one ward of the Michigan court system. A benefit to raise funds to hire one or two employees to manage For the Seventh Generation’s day-to-day operations has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at the internationally renowned Park West Gallery in Southfield. The lavish and fun-filled affair, In Seventh Heaven, will feature an evening of food, art, spirits and music set throughout the elegant 63,000 square-foot gallery. Events will include a live auction featuring works of art donated by the Albert and Amelia “Mitsie” Scaglione, a silent auction and an online auction. Some items seen here will be available for viewing on the night of the benefit. Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to donated items guaranteed to delight and surprise.  So, tell your friends, family, and community. Let the bidding begin!

Thank you for visiting our auction! As you will see throughout our site, we have items to surprise and delight you - unique & unusual, practical & helpful or just plain fun! Some items seen here will be available for viewing on the night of the benefit. Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to donated items guaranteed to delight and surprise.  So, tell your friends, family, and community. Let the bidding begin!
 And don't forget to check back every week for new and featured items!
All proceeds from our auction benefit For The Seventh Generation, a program of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation.  Your bid helps us raise much needed funds to provide needed services to the children who are neglect and abuse wards of the Third Judicial Circuit - Juvenile Division. Thank you for your support!