Enjoy an exciting evening of fine dining, networking, dancing and casino games with the industries movers and shakers, influential politicians, local celebrities and sports figures. Dress to impress, black tie recommended. Sponsorship opportunities available.
Shenandoah Country Club | West Bloomfield, MI
For tickets and sponsorships, please contact Jackie Gordon at (734) 612-9027 or jgordon@miramw.org.
2024 Event Recap
MIRA’s 106th Annual Gala “Casino Royale” was a Tremendous Success
After a short COVID hiatus, the MIRA Annual Gala returned and quickly sold out. The popular annual black tie event was held on February 3 and party goers crowded the beautiful Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield, Michigan
“The energy was high and the guests were engaging,” said Bill Wild, President and CEO. “Guests truly seemed to enjoy every aspect of the night from the cocktail hour to the casino games, dancing, raffle prizes and dessert.
“The feedback was positive, the Gala event team led by MIRA Director of Events Kelli Petty did a great job and we are already planning an even larger Gala for 2025,” remarked MIRA Chairman Bobby Hesano.
Dressed in formal attire, guests entered the “Casino Royale” themed event to taste locally sourced appetizers, enjoy craft cocktails and cigars and participate in a silent auction benefiting MIRA’s Political Action Committee that included a rare Michigan State University men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo autographed floorboard, an Aidan Hutchinson autographed Lions jersey, and a rare photo featuring the celebrity trio: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Junior, and Frank Sinatra among many other items.
Popular Detroit newscaster Jason Carr served as the evening’s Master of Ceremony. Carr is the host of Jason Carr Drive and OVERdrive, MIRA-sponsored weekday talk shows on Facebook LIVE airing every morning at 9 a.m. and in the evening at 9 p.m.
“It is such an honor to MC this event especially for someone who has been a longtime champion for local independent retailers,” said Carr. “MIRA members include such an incredible group of people. I like going to MIRA member stores like Heartland Market and Busch’s because you can find great local and Michigan made products like Faygo and Kowalski. You go into a local store, there is such a different vibe. They know their customers personally. They are part of the community. It is personal and they offer great customer service. The owner is often working the floor and is that familiar face that customers see every time they walk in; you can’t put a price on that part of it.”
Following a touching invocation by Vanessa Denha-Garmo, MIRA Board of Director Mike Cavin from RNDC, belted out a powerful rendition of the National Anthem and saxophonist Steven Thomas brought the crowd to its feet with a powerful rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
Following an exciting video recap of 20223, Bill Wild, President and CEO introduced members of the MIRA Board of Directors and the Trustees of the MIRA Foundation. Wild gave guests a few teasers about some new initiatives and events coming in 2024 and recognized MIRA’s rebate partners for distributing $1.5 million in rebates in 2023.
Guests were treated to a formal plated dinner followed by an evening of dancing and casino style games like black jack and roulette where players were given a chance to win a variety of prizes including an electric snow blower, a blackstone grille, an Ooni pizza oven, a solo stove and an LG 65-inch SMART TV. The door prize was a Diamond Tennis Bracelet donated by Dash Diamonds which every guest had a chance to win.
Several dignitaries also attended the event including Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Independent retailers are an integral part of our neighborhoods and communities, as providers of convenient access to food, fuel, and goods that we need and use everyday,” said Coulter. “As small businesses, they drive our economy by creating two-thirds of all new jobs. Events like the MIRA Gala allow government leaders, like me, to connect with these business owners, entrepreneurs, and operators to better understand the challenges they face as they work to grow and thrive.”
Coulter and Wild, both former mayors, met years ago and have established a strong professional relationship over the years. “I especially appreciate that MIRA President & CEO Bill Wild, as a former small business owner and mayor, understands the critical intersection and symbiotic relationship between local business and government,” said Coulter. “I look forward to deepening the relationship and work between Oakland County, MIRA and its member businesses.”
Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington is another longtime ally of the independent retailers industry. “It is very important to be here because we in law enforcement support our independent retailers. This is an organization we need to support. We collaborate with the community and our retailers daily. Law enforcement is stronger with the support of the community,” said Washintgon.
MIRA members enjoy the opportunity to catch up with other leaders in the industry. “This event is awesome,” said Larry Oaks from Lipari Foods. “It is an opportunity for us to see our customers in a relaxed atmosphere. It is nice to get out of the store and see the customers in this environment. It is fun and we can celebrate our accomplishments.”
Maurice Evans attended the MIRA annual Gala in years past before becoming a MIRA member. “It is fabulous to be here tonight. My wife and I have attended this Gala in past years and we just love it,” said Evans, CEO Elite Group staffing and school management. “ It is a class-act event. We couldn’t wait to be here tonight. My membership with MIRA is about community and to share in the opportunity in growth. I am in education and I am looking forward to having our children to learn about business and learn more about MIRA.”
Another new MIRA member also enjoyed the evening. “Being here is so important because it is our target market. Everyone here has the potential to save property tax dollars and it’s good to be with people in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.” Steve Johnson, Michigan Tax Appeals Services which just joined MIRA in 2023.“Retailers have an opportunity to save with our business. It is a fun night to connect with people and to meet new people.” David Cox, Michigan Tax Appeals Services.
Board members were excited to host the gala again after the COVID-19 hiatus.
“I love the Gala this year,” said Cliff Denha, Emeritus Director and owner of the Wine Palace in Livonia. “We had to put it on-hold because of COVID-19 but it will only grow from here. It is a fabulous night, just a great party.”
Sponsors of the Gala included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as the presenting sponsor as well as Michigan Lottery, Borden, Faygo, D & B Grocers Wholesale & Distributors, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, SpartanNash, Titos Handmade Vodka, Proximo Distillers, Sovereign Brands, and E&J Gallo Winery.
“BCBSM is excited to be a sponsor of this wonderful event and proud to be a long-time partner of MIRA’s,” said Katie Miller speaking from the podium that night. “Like MIRA, Blue Cross understands the challenges faced by businesses today and we are ready to help businesses stand out from their competition with affordable health coverage and convenient care options.”
Sarah Linville from BCBSM also shared a few words. “Blue Cross understands that healthcare is not one-size fits all and that no member’s healthcare journey is the same,” said Linville. “ And so, we continue to work diligently to ensure that we are providing smarter, better healthcare that meets the diverse needs of Michigan small business owners and their employees. Our goal is to help our members achieve better health so that they can ultimately be more productive employees when they are at work.”
The 107th Gala is scheduled for February 2025. Stay tuned for details.