Tomas Borer

WHAT DO WE DO? The Born & Raised Detroit Foundation supports initiatives that contribute to building a stronger community and positive way of life. WHO ARE WE? Born and Raised Detroit 501(c)(3) are local residents and Detroit area expats in cities across the United States who are interested in fostering philanthropic and financial goals that support youth programs taking place on the ground in Detroit. BARD is 100% volunteer and has granted over $1 Million to youth-centered nonprofits since its inception. HOW DID WE GET HERE? In the in the winter of 2010 a group of friends had an idea: What if we could keep Detroiters living in cities across the United States connected to the place they were born and raised? We knew in their adopted cities they proudly sported their Tigers hats and Red Wings jerseys. We knew they pointed to where they lived on their hand and would most likely get overly excited when Eminem or The Jackson 5 came on the radio. We started finding that even though life had taken them to far off corners of the globe, there was this need, this passion, to stay connected to the place they called home. In the fall of 2011, we unveiled the Born & Raised Detroit Foundation at our 5th Annual Gobble Wobble fundraiser. Since this moment we have worked with Detroiters all over the country to host events that keep Detroiters connected to their home, but also to one another. It is through this camaraderie and loyal base of supporters that we have found, together, we can contribute to making Detroit a hopeful place for future generations.