15th Annual Hug Detroit Day Celebration Introduces the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative

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Hug Detroit Community Collective Celebrates 15 Years of Love, Unity & Community 15th Annual Hug Detroit Day Celebration Introduces the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative DETROIT, MI — The Hug Detroit Community Collective proudly announces the 15th Annual Hug Detroit Day Celebration, taking place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Woodbridge Garden Park, 5169 Trumbull Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. Celebrating fifteen years of bringing people together through love, music, service, and fellowship, Hug Detroit Day has become one of Detroit's premier community celebrations, uniting families, artists, businesses, churches, community organizations, and volunteers in a day dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and building relationships. Founded in 2012 by Nicole "Sky" Covington Freeman and Sheila Hale (Queen Aduni), the first Hug Detroit Day celebration was held in 2013 with one simple vision: to encourage people to love one another, embrace their neighbors, and strengthen the spirit of community throughout the City of Detroit. Over the years, Hug Detroit Day has continued to grow through the support of hundreds of volunteers, artists, sponsors, community organizations, and neighborhood partners. Chief Hawk of Soul Equestrian later joined the organization as a valued community partner and member of the Board of Directors, helping expand the celebration with equestrian programming and family-centered activities. Today, the Hug Detroit Community Collective proudly serves Detroit as an official nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, supporting youth, celebrating the arts, and creating opportunities for community engagement throughout the year. Hug Detroit Community Collective EIN: 39-3430839 This year's celebration will introduce the organization's newest year-round initiative: Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Protect. Connect. Reunite. The Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative was created to raise awareness about child safety while connecting families with practical resources, education, and community partnerships designed to help protect children—not only during community events but throughout everyday life. The initiative will promote child safety education, community awareness, identification resources, and partnerships with organizations committed to helping keep children safe. Event Highlights Community Prayer — 12:00 Noon Live Music — 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM Launch of the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative Family Paint Party presented by the Hug Detroit Community Collective Horseback Riding Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides The Patty Experience Guided Woodbridge Neighborhood Tour Backpack & School Supply Giveaway Guest Speakers Poetry Readings Community Resource Fair Breaking Bread Together Community Fellowship Lunch (served while supplies last) Family Games and Activities Children's Entertainment Community Vendors Featured Entertainment Cast Iron Cornbread Sky Covington AJ Garner's New Standard Sextet Ted Nagy Goddess Tara One Single Rose Additional artists and special guests will be announced. The celebration will once again be hosted by Detroit entertainer Mike Bonner. Community leader Rev. Horace Sheffield has been invited to offer words of encouragement and prayer during the afternoon celebration. The Hug Detroit Community Collective is also proud to announce Jai Simone as the 2026 Hug Detroit Day Ambassador. Throughout the year, Jai Simone will help represent the organization's mission of unity, service, youth empowerment, and community engagement. How the Community Can Help The Hug Detroit Community Collective believes everyone can make a difference. You can support this year's celebration by: • Donating just $1 through our Just $1 Campaign • Contributing to our GoFundMe campaign • Donating backpacks, school supplies, socks, underwear, undershirts, jackets, sweaters, art supplies, paint supplies, or children's essentials • Becoming a corporate sponsor • Becoming a community partner • Volunteering during Hug Detroit Day • Sharing our mission with your family and friends • Adding the Hug Detroit Day logo to your website or social media pages to help spread awareness • Encouraging your church, business, organization, or neighborhood association to partner with Hug Detroit Community Collective Every contribution matters. One dollar. One backpack. One volunteer. One sponsor. One act of kindness. Together, these simple acts create lasting change throughout our community. Donate Today Cash App: $HugDetDayDonation You can also support the mission through our GoFundMe campaign or visit our website to learn more. Website: www.HugDetroitDay.org There you can: • Become a Sponsor • Become a Volunteer • Register as a Vendor • Donate • Learn about the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative • Follow event updates About Hug Detroit Community Collective The Hug Detroit Community Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building stronger families, safer communities, and a more united Detroit through arts, education, youth outreach, community partnerships, volunteerism, and cultural programming. Its signature programs include: • Hug Detroit Day • Hug Detroit SafeKids™ • Backpack & School Supply Giveaway • Family Paint Party • Youth Scholarships • Breaking Bread Together Community Fellowship • Community Arts & Cultural Programming Together, these initiatives continue to inspire hope while strengthening the fabric of Detroit neighborhoods. Event Information 15th Annual Hug Detroit Day Celebration Theme: Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Protect. Connect. Reunite. Sunday, August 23, 2026 Community Prayer: 12:00 Noon Live Music: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-hug-detroit-day-celebration-backpack-school-supplies-drive-tickets-1993288604875?aff=oddtdtcreator Woodbridge Garden Park 5169 Trumbull Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48208 For sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, vendor registration, media inquiries, or donations, please contact: Nicole "Sky" Covington Freeman Founder & Executive Director Hug Detroit Community Collective Phone: 248-383-3385 Website: www.HugDetroitDay.org⁠� Email: hugdetroitpeople@gmail.com One Community. One Love. One Detroit.