Community

Giving Thanks : CEO Donna Yost

The day had started out just like all others at The Life Chest! People bustling around doing what we all do best, digging deep to create special moments not only for those that work at The Life Chest but for those Life Chest Lifers we are so focused on creating. You see, we all have stories, and these stories need to be shared. In sharing these stories we bring people together, in bringing people together we bring joy, healing and camaraderie; moments that may not have been shared otherwise.

It’s Thanksgiving, and what Thanksgiving means to me is simple. I thank God for giving me the presence of mind to be aware of those around me. I am thankful for the experiences in life that allowed me to be a good listener. I am proud of and thankful for my husband Kim and the vision of The Life Chest he shared with me long ago and his willingness to share that vision with others. I am thankful for The Life Chest Team and their undying and ever present love they share in our mission.

Most of all I am thankful to the Life Chest Lifers like Mike Elliott and the AVG TEAM for bringing us to Louise Cantrell this year. One day I eagerly answered the phone hoping to connect yet again with someone needing a Life Chest, and there she was, this beautiful soft voice on the other line. After a brief introduction Louise began to share her story with me and I was touched by it, I am thankful for her share and am inspired by her perseverance and goodwill.

Please read Louise’s story and learn about the Dancing Angels Foundation, created to honor and perpetuate the memory of Isabella & Natalia Cantrell who were tragically killed in a house fire.

http://www.dancingangelsfoundation.org

I hope that reading and learning about Louise and her family, seeing her photos and sharing a prayer this Thanksgiving will enable you to see why we so passionately do what we do every day. I LOVE The Life Chest Mission and for that I am THANKFUL every single day.

Detroit: The Crossroads of Past, Present & Future

At The Life Chest we take pride in our hometown. Detroit, best known for Motown, muscle cars, and its hard working people, is the perfect place for The Life Chest to call home. Every Detroiter has a story — hearing Diana Ross sing, watching the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup, or tasting their first Coney. Detroit is full of living memories. What’s more, Detroit is full of innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders guiding the way to a brighter future. We’re confident that Detroit will continue to grow and make history. Be a part of the Detroit story! Come and visit Detroit and The Life Chest today! In town but can’t make a visit to The Life Chest? Follow us on Instagram @thelifechest and share a photo from your Detroit #lifechestmoment.

STAY AT

Airbnb

The best way to see Detroit is as a local. Wake up to views of the Detroit River from a Downtown loft apartment or cozy up in a Corktown condo. www.airbnb.com

EAT AT

Cliff Bell’s 

The 1930’s jazz bar named after Detroit Entrepreneur John Clifford Bell is now beautifully restored and returned to the beloved haunt of Detroit locals. Step back in time as you enter under the gilded awning into the dimly-lit, art-deco club. Walk up to the bar and order any one of their classic cocktails – I recommend the Detroit Dirty Martini. Not nearly old-school, hardly hipster, and least of all kitsch, Cliff Bell’s draws a truly unique crowd of Detroiters. Stay into the evening for dinner and live jazz performances, from single acts up to 9-piece bands! Lest we forget their playful souvenir for all guests: a vintage Cliff Bell’s postcard to commemorate your visit. Choose to either take it with you or mail to a friend – courtesy of your waiter. Either way it makes for an unforgettable Life Chest moment! www.cliffbells.com

Sister Pie 

Got a sweet tooth? Make sure to visit Parker Street Market for Detroit’s Best Cookie! Sister Pie’s delectable Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookie among many other Sister Pie creations are sure to satisfy your sweetest of cravings. www.sisterpie.com

SHOP AT 

Shinola 

The uniquely Detroit watchmaker Shinola has grown into a nationally recognized brand.  Shinola operates out of the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. Shop their watches, journals, bikes and accessories at their flagship store on W. Canfield. www.shinola.com

CULTURE AT

Detroit Institute of Arts 

Most notably home to Diego Rivera’s twenty-seven fresco panels, Detroit Industry Murals, among countless other internationally renowned works of art, the DIA is an irreplaceable Detroit landmark. While there make sure to visit the beautiful, light-flooded Kresge Court where you can nosh on charcuterie and sip wine all while taking in live music.  www.dia.org



DSO

Make the DSO your home for live music and entertainment this holiday season! From Vienna Boys Choir to Home Alone with live orchestra, there’s fun for the entire family!

The DSO is proud to be the only American Orchestra to present free live webcasts all season long. Presented by the Ford Motor Company Fund and made possible by generous support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Next Live Webcast on dso.org/live 

www.dso.org

Sources:

totalhappyhour.com

nordstrom.com

naxos.com