LaFontaine Automotive has strengthened its partnership with the nationally-acclaimed Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company (DYC), building on the positive momentum from the previously announced DYC / LaFontaine #FamilyStrong campaign that underscores the importance of family and community. LaFontaine Automotive Group announced today it is launching a scholarship program to support the talented youth of the DYC in their future college education.
“My mom Maureen instilled in us at an early age that as we have been blessed in our lives, it is upon us to bless others,” said Kelley LaFontaine, VP, LaFontaine Automotive Group. “In working with these inspiring young minds throughout the development and launch of our #FamilyStrong campaign, we were so moved by their passion and heart, as a Group, we felt we could do more to support their aspirations for higher learning.”
LaFontaine Automotive Group will provide a $1,500 scholarship to a deserving student that the DYC leadership identifies. Anthony White, artistic director at the DYC, along with the DYC leadership team, selected Jalayna Porter as the deserving individual to receive the scholarship from LaFontaine. Jalayna played a key role in coordinating the #FamilyStrong campaign. In addition, Jalayna’s enthusiasm and positivity are felt throughout the DYC.
“After the #FamilyStrong campaign aired, we received an outpouring of calls and support from our community,” said Anthony White, Artistic Director, DYC. “We truly feel this campaign inspired others and that the collaboration between DYC and LaFontaine has opened new doors for not only our organization, but the youth within DYC. At the DYC, we are all about supporting and inspiring our young people, and feel we are perfectly aligned with the LaFontaine organization in that mission. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to strengthen our partnership with LaFontaine Automotive Group.”
“What a surprise. I didn’t expect to receive a scholarship and am very grateful to the LaFontaine family for the opportunity, and their support in my future endeavors as I pursue musical performance at Alabama A&M,” said Jalayna Porter.
About LaFontaine Automotive Group
Founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the award-winning and nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group includes 36 retail franchises, seven collision centers and 17 Michigan retail locations. The group employs over 1,500 individuals. It’s the mission of the LaFontaine Family to personalize the automotive experience by building lifelong relationships that connect families and strengthen the community. The LaFontaine commitment to customers, staff, and local communities is demonstrated by active participation and contributions to numerous non-profit organizations, educational institutions and charities throughout southeast Michigan. The combination of both the mission and core values provides the basic foundation of our promise … to treat every customer like they are members of our family. From sales, to service to parts, LaFontaine Automotive Group is able to meet any customer’s specific needs. LaFontaine represents the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Fiat, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, KIA, RAM, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo and Volkswagen. The LaFontaine Family Deal; it’s not just what you get, it’s how you feel. Visit www.familydeal.com for additional details. www.familydeal.com
About Detroit Youth Choir
The Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company (DYC) is a non- profit 501 (c) 3 organization that services young people throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area. The Detroit Youth Choir teaches and develops students through music education, dance, and theatrical arts. Our program is designed for youth between the ages of 8-18 under the direction of Anthony White & Staff.
The Detroit Youth Choir vision is to offer the youth of Metro Detroit a world class performing art experience that develops their creative skills and talents.
The Detroit Youth Choir has performed at various events around the City of Detroit, nationally, and internationally. DYC had the opportunity to perform at the Michigan Outdoor Adventure Center’s ribbon cutting ceremony before Governor Rick Snyder and Mayor Mike Duggan. We also performed at the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony before many celebrities, dignitaries, and pioneers of the music industry.
The Detroit Youth Choir’s most recent major accomplishment(s) include: participating in a documentary IMAX film titled “America’s Musical Journey” which was be shown in all IMAX Theatres across the U.S and DYC recorded with the UK group The Go! Team and was featured on seven songs on The Go! Team’s album. The Detroit Youth Choir entered the national competition America’s Got Talent where the choir traveled Los Angeles, CA and reached 2nd place. The organization has also performed for other local organizations such as; Spectrum Children Services, Detroit Pistons, U of M Basketball Club Ann Arbor, FCAAN, BCBS, DTE, Cleveland Cavaliers, Scholars for Dollars, Focus Hope, Arise Detroit, A.I.M. Youth Conference, The D-drop New Year’s Eve Celebration, IMPACT TV, Light up Detroit organization, Youth Development Commission of Detroit and The Detroit Public Library.
