Spirit of Detroit Receives United Way Makeover

After receiving approval from the city, United Way for Southeastern Michigan has given the city’s iconic Spirit of Detroit monument a wardrobe makeover. The 100-year-tri-county institution has fashioned the bronze statue in its official ‘Live United’ T-shirt in white. The statue is boldly modeling the white T-shirt now thru September 10, rebelling against the age-old adage of ‘no white after Labor Day.’

The one-of-a-kind custom T-shirt was designed by Prop Art Studio in Detroit. Created with 28 yards of taffeta fabric, it took upwards of 15 man hours to sew the 3 pound T-shirt together. The words ‘LIVE UNITED” are prominently featured in capital letters on the bust of the monument created by Marshall Fredericks, along with the organization’s 100th anniversary logo featured on the shirt’s right sleeve. The statue’s wardrobe change is part of United Way’s year-long centennial celebration of service to residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties.

Since 1917, the nonprofit, known then as Detroit Community Union, has served as the region’s unifier—convening the power of public, private and nonprofit partners. Today, United Way for Southeastern Michigan serves residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties focused on three core areas of Health, Education, and Economic Prosperity. To learn more about the organization, visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org