Ypsilanti, MI — Friends In Deed will host its Annual Impact Dinner on April 29, 2026, at 
Washtenaw Community College, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and partners for an 
evening that highlights the power of showing up for neighbors during times of hardship. 

The Annual Impact Dinner is Friends In Deed’s signature community gathering, celebrating the collective 
impact made possible through local support. The evening will feature stories from individuals and 
families whose lives have been touched by Friends In Deed’s programs, as well as reflections on the 
organization’s continued work across Washtenaw County. 

In the past year alone, Friends In Deed supported more than 200 households, helping neighbors navigate urgent challenges such as housing and utility needs, transportation barriers, and access to basic household furnishings. Through its Circles program, the organization also works alongside individuals and families building long-term pathways toward greater economic mobility. 

“Our community continues to show that when people come together, meaningful change is possible,” said 
R. Tyrone Kelsey, Executive Director of Friends In Deed. “The Annual Impact Dinner is an opportunity 
to celebrate the resilience of our neighbors and the generosity of those who make this work possible.” 

Guests attending the dinner will enjoy a buffet-style meal while hearing powerful stories of impact. The 
The event will also feature a virtual silent auction, offering supporters additional ways to participate and help advance Friends In Deed’s work in Washtenaw County. 

Friends In Deed has served the community for more than four decades, helping neighbors navigate 
immediate challenges while building pathways forward through community support and connection. 

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at:  https://friendsindeedmi.networkforgood.com/events/97156-annual-impact-dinner

About Friends In Deed: Friends In Deed is a Washtenaw County nonprofit committed to helping people 
in need and building community to end poverty. Through essential services, including housing assistance, 
transportation support, furniture access, and economic mobility programming, Friends In Deed walks 
alongside neighbors as they navigate urgent challenges and move forward. Learn more at 
www.friendsindeedmi.org