GM Foundation Unveils Education-Themed Float for America's
Thanksgiving Parade
DETROIT, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The General
Motors Foundation today unveiled a new float it is sponsoring
during America's Thanksgiving
Parade®, An 86 Year Tradition, on Thursday, Nov. 22. With a theme of "Education
Fuels Tomorrow's Innovators," the float showcases the Foundation's
commitment to investing in America's youth – the next generation of
innovators.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121113/DE11879 )
"Our new float is a celebration of the GM Foundation's many
educational partnerships and our commitment to encourage more
students to pursue studies of science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) - areas critical to the future success of our nation,"
said Selim Bingol, GM vice
president, Global Communications and Public Policy and the new
chairman of the GM Foundation.
The float, designed and built by The Parade Company, is also a
celebration of education in Detroit, specifically the United Way "Network
of Excellence," created by the GM Foundation's $27.1 million commitment to seven Detroit-area high schools and administered in
conjunction with United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The goal of the effort
is to raise graduation rates by 30 percent over five years while
supporting the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Representatives from the "Network of Excellence" high schools
participated in the float unveiling, and members of the East
Detroit Marching Band accompanied the float on its maiden journey
along Atwater Street.
"This float is GM Foundation demonstrating its commitment to the
youth and families of our community," said Michael J. Brennan, United Way for Southeastern Michigan president and CEO.
"We are delighted by the forward-looking view of the work we are
doing now to transform high schools throughout the tri-county
region."
The float offers a futuristic scene with two students leaving
high school and embarking on their futures. Arriving at a
crossroads, the students find themselves presented with educational
roads to take: Science Way, Math Lane, Engineering Road and
Technology Drive. Each road provides examples of the opportunities
that await them as STEM majors.
The float is 17 feet tall and 60 feet long. An animated robot
controls the action on board and features a pneumatically powered
head and mouth that move. The float also incorporates hydrogen and
electric charging stations.
"We are delighted that the GM Foundation has chosen such an
inspiring theme for their new float," said Tony Michaels, president and CEO, The Parade
Company. "We are certain that parade goers will be entertained by
both its theme and the intricate design."
The 86th America's Thanksgiving Parade®, one of the
country's oldest and most-celebrated parades produced by The Parade
Company, will step-off at Woodward Avenue and Mack on Thanksgiving Day and will end at Woodward Avenue
and Congress in downtown Detroit.
Congressman John Dingell and
Debbie Dingell will serve as
co-grand marshals for the two-hour parade.
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976,
the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to
American charities, educational organizations and to disaster
relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting
Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and
Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where
GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from
GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in
2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.
About United Way for Southeastern
Michigan
United Way for Southeastern
Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable
and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by
a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government,
human services, education and the community. United Way provides
opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign
and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents
each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting
children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering
neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness.
Additional information is available at www.liveunitedsem.org.
About The Parade Company
Founded in 1984, The Parade
Company is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Michigan
Thanksgiving Parade Foundation whose
board of directors is comprised of key civic and corporate leaders
in the greater Detroit region. The
Parade Company is celebrating 86 years of Parade tradition in
Detroit, which is broadcasted to
over 140 markets and cities nationwide. The mission is to fund,
create and execute the best family events in metro Detroit. The Parade Company staff, the board
of directors and thousands of parade volunteers work year-round to
bring a wide variety of magnificent events to the City of Detroit, each year, including the
Target Fireworks, Fifth Third Turkey Trot and America's
Thanksgiving Parade®.
Visit www.theparade.org and follow us on Facebook and
Twitter.
SOURCE General Motors Foundation