Raising money for a chair-ity

David Clay Bloominburg, surrounded by people who care.

People with special needs have special costs that are not always covered by a provider. That's the reason for the David Clay Foundation and its Christmas in July Charity Fundraiser taking place 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Father Solanus Casey Knights of Columbus Hall in Roseville. David Clay Bloominburg, 60, of Warren needs a chair to enable him to stand on his own.

"David has truly never walked in his life and has been unable to stand up right since he was 25 years old," said David's younger brother Rob Bloominburg. "The true effect of being in a sitting position his whole life has taken a major toll on his life and many health problems. Standing would give him the ability to build muscles he has not had and/or lost throughout the years." Standing can also improve circulation, respiration, flexibility and digestion, along with self-esteem.

Imagine having to ask someone for help every time you wanted something in a cupboard or always being the one that people have to look down on. The Permobil Power Chair is an amazing piece of equipment that transforms from a wheelchair into a kind of robotic-mechanism that will support David's frame standing up. That kind of technology costs about $32,000.

Tickets for the benefit are $20 and include an evening of fun featuring a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, raffles, bake sale and pictures with Santa (aka David who really looks old St. Nick). 

David, who was born 3 months premature, has Cerebral Palsy but he's never let it stop him from living. Right from the start -- when doctors told his parents that he was not expected to live more than 6 months -- he has defied the odds. He graduated from high school and for 33 years during his work at ARC Services in Macomb served as a role model to others.

"David is an amazing man," said Rob. "He has given his whole life to people... his only wish is to stand up like everyone else."

For tickets to the Christmas in July Charity Fundraiser, 586-484-1308. The Father Solanus Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 16831 12 Mile Road, Roseville. For more information, visit: The David Clay Foundation

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for a family-friend activity this weekend? Check out our listing of things to do in the Detroit area:

Tea Talk

Crocker House Museum/Macomb County Historical Society present "Tea Talk Tuesdays at Two," 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 14, Sept. 18 and Oct. 23, at the museum, 15 Union St., Mount Clemens. Events include historical programs, refreshments; tickets $7 Society members, $10 non-members. For reservations, 586-465-2488. Museum tours included.

Metroparks

Activities at Wolcott Mill Metropark include "Meteor Fest" presented by Warren Astronomical Society and park interpreters, 9 p.m. Aug. 12, includes "guided sky walk," clear skies permitting. Also, "Top to Bottom" tour of the Historic Center, 2 p.m. Aug. 25, at the Ray Township park.

Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center in Harrison Township programs feature preschool nature club, 11 a.m. Aug. 7; evening voyageur canoe, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10, "Family Nature Club: Let's Go on a Bug Hunt," 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10. Registration required by calling 586-463-4332.

Also at Lake St. Clair Metropark, classic Ford and Mercury vehicles displayed at 12th "Bash at the Beach," Aug. 4, Registration 10 a.m.-noon, voting 1-3 p.m., awards 4 p.m. Event presented by Fairlane Club of America. Park vehicle entry permit required, $5 daily, $25 annual, $15 seniors annual. For details, www.metroparks.com or 800-47-PARKS.

Garden tour

St. Clair Shores Yardeners 19th Garden Tour, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 4; registration at Selinsky-Green Farmhouse Museum, 11 Mile Road and Jefferson. Tour includes six earth friendly gardens and the museum gardens; tickets $5. Call 586-415-7110 or visit scsyardeners@gmail.com.

On stage

Box Theater presents youth production of "Annie Jr.," 7 p.m. Aug. 4, and 2 p.m. Aug. 4-5, at 51 N. Walnut, Mount Clemens. For tickets, $12 ages 14 and older, $10 ages 13 and younger, visit www.theboxtheater.com or call 586-954-2311.

"Avenue Q," presented by The Farmington Players, weekends Aug. 10-25, at the Farmington Players Barn, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, between Orchard Lake and Farmington roads. For tickets, $18 adults with discounts available, call 248-553-2955.

Art Fair

Shelby Township Art Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 11 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 12, at the township municipal grounds, 52700 Van Dyke, south of 24 Mile Road. Show includes kids' activities, music, food vendors, animals, drawing classes, sand sculpture demonstration. Call 586-731-0300.

Benefit on Bay

Capuchin Soup Kitchen fundraiser 19th Benefit on the Bay, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at Mac&Ray's in Harrison Township. Tickets, $60, include dinner, dancing, beer, wine, three bands, auctions and drawings. To order, 313-579-2100 ext. 153 or 170, or www.BenefitOnTheBay.org.

Library programs

Upcoming free library programs at Warren Civic Center Library, east of Van Dyke north of 12 Mile Road; include: Michigan author B. David Warner, 7 p.m. Aug. 8; "R.E.P.T.I.L.E., Inc. visit with reptiles, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9; registration required by calling 586-751-0770.

"New Release Thursdays" at St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile road, 6:30 p.m. first Thursday free viewing of movie in William R. Gilstorf Meeting Room. Also "Classic Movie Fridays in August," 1:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug.31, features showing of either classic or award-winning movies. Call 586-771-9020 or visit www.scslibrary.org. Also, white elephant trunk sale by Historical Society of St. Clair Shores, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 18. Call 586-771-9020.

Romeo Idol

Auditions 4-8 p.m. Aug. 16 for Romeo Idol contest during the Romeo Peach Festival, second round 6-9 p.m. Aug. 24, at Stone Ridge Church, 7800 W. 32 Mile Road, Washington Township. To register, www.stoneridgeonline.org.

Ford House

"Fairy Tales at Ford House: A Grimm Celebration" community art exhibit through Nov. 4, at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Also, Fairy Tale Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 4; tickets $12 advance, $15 at gate. Related youth and adult programs continue into the fall; for tickets and schedule, visit The Ford House

Meadow Brook

Summer tours at Meadow Brook Hall on the Oakland University Campus in Rochester are under way at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. A new architecture tour includes interior and exterior highlights of the design and construction process, 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Behind-The-Scenes tours  that include the staff wing are noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; each tour admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors, free ages 12 and younger. Twilight Tuesday 6-9 p.m. Aug. 28, $10 adults, free ages 12 and younger. Call 248-364-6200 or go to Meadow Brook Hall

Summer sounds

The Mall at Partridge Creek and Motor City Co-op Credit Union present free daily outdoor concerts (weather permitting) at Center Court through Labor Day (Sept. 3) at the Clinton Township mall on Hall Road between Romeo Plank and Garfield roads. Performances are 5:30-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays and holidays. For details, visit www.shoppartridgecreek.com.

Free concert by Jean Bastian's Double Brass Quartet Aug. 22, at Beebe Street Park, Richmond, presented by Senior Helpers of Richmond. Call 586-430-1015.

Concerts/dancing at Lake St. Clair Metropark take place 6:30-10 p.m. Sundays through August; music free with Metropark vehicle annual entry permit, $25 season, $15 ages 62 and older, or $5 daily. Visit www.metroparks.com or call 586-463-4581.

Concert at Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark in Washington Township, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10,  Dr. Pocket. Music begins 7:30 p.m. Free, but Metropark vehicle entry permit required. Call 586-781-4242 or www.metroparks.com.

Lexington Arts Council Music in the Park series, opening acts 6 p.m., main show 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3, 10, 17, at Patrick Tierney Memorial Park, Lexington. Free. Visit www.lexarts.com.

Wild Summer Nights concert series at Detroit Zoo, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 29, in Main Picnic Grove; free with zoo admission. Guests can bring own picnics or purchase refreshments at concessions.

Summer Music Festival at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Road, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8; grounds open 6 p.m. Admission $8 per person; food available for purchase or guests can bring their own picnic. For details, 313-881-7511or The Grosse Pointe War Memorial

Park*it

Park*it family fun nights under way in Macomb County at several parks. Activities start at 6 p.m., music 7:30, and movie at 9. For schedule, visit Park-it 4 Fun

Youth Camps

Assumption Cultural Center in St. Clair Shores hosts summer youth camp for ages 7-12, in conjunction with Detroit Institute of Arts, 9 a.m.-noon through Aug. 23; full-day child care available 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Camp programs include art projects and discussions, field trip to the DIA, volleyball and basketball clinics. For fee and registration information, 586-772-4477 or Assumption Nursery

At the Zoo

After-hours 21 and older Summer Zoomance, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 23, at the Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, includes twilight strolls among animal habitats, rides ($5 each), carousel ($2). Zoomance admission $10 advance, $12 at the gate, parking $5 for non-zoo members, free for members. For reservations, www.detroitzoo.org.

Fishing clubs

Vanguard Trout Unlimited for fishing enthusiasts meets 7:30 p.m. second Thursday monthly at Rochester's Dinosaur Hill. Also, Fishing Buddies Fishing Club gathers 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at Rochester Hills OPC, 650 Leticia Drive. Call 248-375-1931.