DETROIT RIVERFRONT CONSERVANCY DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Glascoe McKinney, II

* In this photo: Glascoe McKinney, II - Lifelong resident of the City of Detroit & supporter of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy since 2007 along with Dianne Hinton-Troupe, Finance & Development Coordinator for the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy 

Supporters of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy share a passion for the continued progress to make the Detroit riverfront a beautiful, exciting, safe, accessible and world-class gathering place for all. Without their commitment and generous support of the riverfront, our work would not be possible. While we have much more to do, the work that has been completed has already had an impact.

Hear firsthand, from Glascoe McKinney why, for him, giving to the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is more than just about a good feeling. 

Ask Glascoe McKinney to describe what it was like for him growing up in Detroit during the 1930's and the result is a vivid picture of the vibrancy and allure of Paradise Valley - specifically, the historic Paradise Theatre which attracted people from all over the country to hear some of the world's greatest Jazz performers, including Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Count Basie.

However, Mr. McKinney is quick to note that the hallmark of his childhood memories center around the essential life lessons taught to him by his parents - namely the importance of giving back and the value of community service as being fundamental components to a meaningful and successful life.

As a result, throughout his life Mr. McKinney has been involved in supporting a variety of organizations including the Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System and the Smithsonian Institute, just to name a few. He describes a particular connection to the sense of community that the newly revitalized riverfront evokes as a key motivator in his decision to support the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

"I love what this project has done for the City as a whole - it is helping to change the image of the City of Detroit. The riverfront is a place for all, and I want to help ensure that the work of the Conservancy continues", said Mr. McKinney.

Mr. McKinney noted that his favorite place on the riverfront is Rivard Plaza - particularly the Cullen Family Carousel. "I just love to see the kids' faces light up when they take a ride on the carousel - it's simply magical." However, this special place along the riverfront has even more of a personal connection for McKinney as he shares, "Rivard Plaza is where many of the bricks I've purchased for my friends and family are located...I especially like to go there and touch the brick I had engraved in memory of my wife."

When asked why he continues to support the Conservancy, despite the recent economic challenges seen throughout our city and country, McKinney quickly notes, "it's important to me because the success of the project impacts future generations - I want to see the project expand."

Particularly poignant is McKinney's philosophy on giving back - something he surely received from his parents, "I just love being able, in some small way, to help my fellow man, "it's such a great feeling...it's really no big deal, you'd be surprised just how far a little really can go."

For Glascoe McKinney, supporting the Conservancy through the organization's Commemorative Brick Program has been an ideal way for him to honor his friends and loved ones while at the same time having a hand in ensuring the enjoyment of the riverfront for generations to come.

For more information on how you can do the same, CLICK HERE.