by Free holiday event celebrates community, family and charity
Detroit — Earlier this month, home furnishings retailer Gardner White heralded the return of “Twinkle Town presented by Gardner White,” a spectacular holiday kickoff celebration at the retailer’s flagship store located in Warren, Michigan.
Guests of this free community celebration, which features the retailer’s “Parade of Trees” decorated by local celebrities to benefit 14 Detroit-based nonprofit organizations, were treated to a spectacular tree lighting, delicious treats, festive fun, fireworks, a magical Santa arrival and much more.
“We were delighted to host a free event for families to come together to welcome the holiday season with the fanfare it deserves and gather as a community in the true spirit of the season at Gardner White,” said Rachel Stewart, president. “It is amazing to see our store transformed into a holiday wonderland featuring breathtaking creations from talented local influencers, all to support area charities.”
The highlight of the evening, which attracted more than 1,200 guests, was the Twinkle Town’s exclusive Parade of Trees unveiled along with the store’s Candy Cane Lane featuring 14 holiday trees, exquisitely decorated by local celebrities and influencers to benefit Detroit-based charities. Each participant decorated based on a unique theme. The public was invited to vote online at gardner-white.com from Nov. 9 through Dec. 13. The winning participant’s charity of choice will receive a $10,000 donation. All charities will walk away with a donation from Gardner White to their cause.
The event drew tremendous support from a host of local influencers and charity partners including:
- Keith Bynum + Evan Thomas, HGTV Bargain Block | Humble Design
- Kimberly Dobine, Digital Creator + Lifestyle Influencer | Money Matters for Youth
- Mike Duffy, WXYZ-TV | Forgotten Harvest
- Mr. Fluffypants, Michigan Humane Ambassador | Michigan Humane
- Calvin Johnson Jr., former NFL and Detroit Lions great | Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation Inc.
- Local 4 News from 4:30 a.m.-8 a.m. (WDIV morning team) | Sparky Anderson’s CATCH Charity for Children
- Rick Mahorn + Family, former NBA great and radio analyst | Gleaners Food Bank
- Amyre Makupson, CBS News Detroit | Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Michigan
- Haneen Matt, Designer | ChadTough Foundation
- Tatianna + Jonathan Merritt, Life + Beauty Influencers | Give Merit
- George Nikollaj, Stylist + Founding Member, 6 Salon & Dynfly | C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
- Brandon Hudson + Roop Raj + Taryn Asher, Fox 2 Detroit | Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center
- Sarah Schneider, Designer + Lifestyle Influencer | SCAMP
- Ben Sharkey, Detroit-based Singer + Artist | Michigan Foster Care Closet
Other highlights from the evening included live performances by the Detroit Academy of Arts & Science Choir, Warren’s Cousino High School marching band, face painting, magician, balloon twisters, Parade Company Big Heads and more. Guests attending the event were also given exclusive Gardner White discount offers as well.
Twinkle Town at Gardner White’s spectacular lights, trees and holiday decor will remain in-store throughout the holiday season.
Sponsors of Twinkle Town presented by Gardner White include: Tempur-Pedic, Bedgear, Simmons, Cheers, La-Z-Boy, Kuka, Southern Motion, MOTO, Aireloom, Purple, Casper, King Koil, Ashley, Jofran, ServeCo, Rize Home, Intercon, Elite Rewards, Albany, Vanguard and Liberty.
Family-owned and operated for 110 years across four generations, Gardner White has 12 stores throughout metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and Saginaw.
Based in Warren, Michigan, Gardner White, which ranks 47 on HNN’s 125 list, is rooted in providing customers quality products, great value and innovative services, and is deeply dedicated to the communities they serve.
