Ready, Aim, Fire: Oakwood Fundraiser Hits the Target with $120K Raised

Break things for fun, and help a good cause–what could be better?

A recent fundraiser for the Oakwood Foundation did just that, bringing more than 100 people together to raise more than $123,000 for Dearborn's Center for Exceptional Familes.

The Farbman Group and Toni and Randy Kowalski presented the Clays for Kids event last week. The event took place at the Detroit Gun Club and allowed shooting enthusiasts and novices alike a chance to try out the members-only sports club.

The 22 items up for auction generated more than $13,000.

“It’s a very unique, one-day event,” said Kowalski, who founded the fundraiser three years ago. “It’s really a lot of fun ... and you get to break things.”

The funds generated will support the Center for Exceptional Families, a facility that provides comprehensive care for children with disabilities and their families. Based in Dearborn, it serves more than 2,000 people from 12 counties in southeastern Michigan, Ohio and the Upper Peninsula.

It is funded primarily through donations and grants, and serves the families regardless of their ability to pay.

“It’s truly a world-class, specialized program,” said Farbman. “So many families and their children have found a fit there when there was nowhere else to turn to for help.”

The Clays for Kids event will help support the summer camp program, which allows children with disabilities the opportunity to work on social skills, motor skills, communication and interaction with their peers. It will help finance the Teens Take Over program, which gives young adults the tools to advocate for themselves, live independently and make a positive impact on the community.

The funds will also provide for the center's annual birthday party—something many children wouldn’t otherwise experience.

“Every dollar we raise brings a big smile to someone, more opportunities to these wonderful young adults and will help them build confidence that will stay with them for their entire lives,” said Carla O’Malley, executive director and president of the Oakwood Foundation, in a statement. “We are truly appreciative of the support.”