Local TV Guy Does Some Good

By: Matt Dery

One of our local sports TV hosts is giving back to the community.

Friend of the radio station, Mickey York, of Fox Sports Detroit is hosting a special event on Sunday night September 23rd to raise money for the New Day Foundation for Families. This is a charity that assists families who lost loved ones to cancer. Many foundations have been started to try and cure the disease, but New Day focuses on helping loved ones who need help coping with a loss, both emotionally and financially. Mickey lost a dear friend of his, Matt Kell, to cancer, and this event coincides with the 7th annual Matt Kell Memorial Golf Outing. Today is September 11th and while we remember the history and what took place in this country and especially in New York, we also have to tip our caps to people make a difference in the community like Mick. Support his event! The information is below:

Rochester, MI, August 9, 2012 – Mickey York's Evening Under the Stars is Sunday, September 23, 2012, at Meadowbrook Hall Tent at Oakland University. This swanky event is being coupled with the 7thannual Matt Kell Memorial Golf Outing at Sharf Golf Course, also at Oakland University on Monday, Sept. 24.

This two-day spectacular gives supporters unique ways to support the efforts of New Day Foundation for Families and help make a life-changing difference for young cancer families in our community. Proceeds directly benefit the Beaumont Hospital Cancer Initiative. The events are in memory of Matt Kell and Cathy Spehn, who both died of cancer six years ago.

"I have a personal connection to New Day. I went to high school with Matt Kell, attended the same church and worked in the same business. Cathy Spehn also went to my high school and church," said Mickey York, Anchor, Fox Sports Detroit and event coordinator. "Evening Under the Stars grew out of the desire to give back. I'm blessed to work in this business and have developed several wonderful relationships. I wanted to take whatever small amount of notoriety I've been afforded and use it in a positive way. My idea was to throw a barbecue for some friends, charge a few bucks and turn around and donate it to a worthy cause. I did this in 2011 (for New Day) and now it's time to take it a step further. I think of Evening Under the Stars as a party with a purpose."

York, who believes he was driven by faith, has been a tremendous event coordinator according to founders Gina Kell Spehn and Michael Spehn. Additionally, on Monday, Sept. 24, the 7th annual Matt Kell Memorial Golf Outing will take place. Guests will enjoy a first class round of golf, grill lunch, cocktails, hors d'oeurves and awards.

The New Day Foundation for Families, since 2007, has brought help and assistance to families who have been affected by the devastating realities of cancer. They offer financial assistance as well as emotional and spiritual guidance by reducing the burdens of cancer. They point people toward a new day by providing hope and aid to children and their parents when cancer strikes.

"Michael and I know first hand what the help of others and the love of God can do in bringing hope for a new day," said co-founder Gina Kell Spehn. "New Day was founded by and for people who have lived with the realities of terminal cancer and its effects on families."

Gina and Michael met after they both lost their spouses to cancer. They eventually dated, married and now have five children between them—Charlotte, Jack, Drew, Sam and Dan. They also wrote a book in 2011 called New York Times Bestseller, "The Color of Rain, How Two Families Found Faith, Hope & Love in the Midst of Tragedy," which tells their incredible story of loss, love and hope. The book is available onAmazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com or through the website. Plans are currently underway to produce and create an original movie based on the book.

Mickey York's Evening Under the Stars event tickets are $80 each, $150 per couple. A Benefactor Table of 8 for an Evening Under the Stars event is $640. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Matt Kell Memorial Golf Outing is $165 per individual or $660 per foursome. Incredible sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsors to date supporting the incredible two day New Day event line-up include WDIV-TV, NBC Universal, HGTV, Tipping Point Solutions, LJPR, Starting Line Health and Fitness, FaithTalk 1500AM, Illitch Charities and The Loon Golf Resort. To register or sponsor either or both events, visit www.foundationforfamilies.com or call Gina Kell Spehn at
(248) 330-0471.