Auto Show to host actress Erin Cummings, “Warming Hands and Homes” Show patrons can bring new mittens/gloves and spare change to benefit Mittens for Detroit and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW)
Detroit Mich., January 24, 2013 - Actress Erin Cummings, founder of Mittens for Detroit, a charity she launched in 2010 while filming the ABC TV Show, “Detroit 187,” will make several appearances at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this weekend, while bringing attention to a need in the community.
Cummings will be a special celebrity guest in Auto Show in Motion, the NAIAS parade of ultra-luxury cars, local celebrities, clowns, and big paper-māché heads provided by The Parade Company, on Friday, January 25 at 7 pm, and Saturday, January 26 at 3 pm. She will also sign autographs on Friday from 4-6 pm in Michigan Hall, and on Saturday from 1-3 pm on the main floor at the hospitality deck near the Infiniti exhibit.
Mittens for Detroit collects and distributes new, unused gloves and mittens to children and adults in need in metro Detroit. Those who will be attending NAIAS this weekend (Friday through Sunday) are encouraged to bring new mittens and gloves and deposit them in Mittens for Detroit donation boxes located on the Cobo Concourse. Show visitors can also donate spare change to THAW.
“The cold weather this past week is a timely reminder to help those in need,” said Jim Seavitt, chairman, NAIAS 2013. “We are thrilled to have Erin Cummings here to support and promote ‘Warming Hands and Homes,’ and congratulate her on the good work she does in our community.”
About Mittens for Detroit Cummings, who relocated to Detroit in July 2010, was inspired to create Mittens while handing out candy on Halloween with her cousin, Kathy Moss, who lives in Southfield. Two young girls and their mother came to the door trick-or-treating, and one of the girls was crying. Moss noticed the girl was missing a glove, and invited the family inside, found an extra pair of gloves, put them on the little girl’s hands and sent the family on its way to enjoy the rest of Halloween night. Cummings, who had been looking for a way to give back to her new community, was struck by the simplicity and generosity of her cousin’s actions, and the Mittens for Detroit initiative was born.
“I know that times are tough and some may feel discouraged from giving because of their own financial circumstances,” said Cummings. “We’re keeping it simple. All we want are gloves. Big gloves, little gloves, fancy gloves or dollar store gloves. As long as they are new and will keep a pair of hands warm, we’ll take them.”
