Bret Michaels, best known as the lead singer of Poison, recently played a sold out Rock for Jobs concert benefiting Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit (MI). With gross revenue of $90,000, the show was an overwhelming success. Profits will benefit area residents through the Detroit Goodwill’s job training and placement programs.
The partnership between the Goodwill and Michaels began when the venue host, MotorCity Casino Hotel, suggested the rock star as a headliner. According to the Detroit Goodwill’s Director of Public Relations and Special Events Mark Lane, Michaels was very engaged in the mission, embraced the philanthropic angle, and resonated with the target demographic for the show.
Michaels agreed. “When I heard about the Goodwill Rock for Jobs concert, for me, it was an opportunity I could not pass up,” he said.
Several hours before the show, Michaels visited the Goodwill retail store in Dearborn, MI, to meet Goodwill staff members and see the organization’s mission at work. While the visit was only scheduled for 30 minutes, the star stayed for over an hour, chatting with staffers and speaking to media. After touring the facility, Michaels was moved by his experience and decided to make a $10,000 donation. He also took to Twitter stating, “Just met some awesome people of #Detroit Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit & personally donated $10,000 to The Rock For Jobs for Detroit. See you at show…”
“Bret Michaels’ donation to Goodwill will provide job education, training and placement services to hundreds of Metro Detroiters facing employment challenges. Beyond creating jobs, his support will also help sustain families and restore hope to many of our Goodwill trainees. His generosity and commitment to Detroit and Goodwill are inspiring, and highlights the compassionate spirit that his fans around the world appreciate and admire,” said Lorna Utley, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit.
