DETROIT — During its annual PBS Premiere Night, Detroit Public Television (Channel 56) took time to announce its Fall Season, honor one auto company and two individuals, and hear special guest speaker John Davis, creator and host of public television’s automotive series Motorweek.

Ed Deeb

The sixth annual Detroit Public Television’s Premiere Night was held at the Detroit Athletic Club, Wednesday, Sept. 19. John McElroy, host of the locally-produced Autoline Detroit, was the master of ceremonies. Recipient of Detroit Public TV’s Partnership Award was Ford Motor Company. The firm was honored for servicing the community through environmental, volunteer, educational, safety and philanthropic initiatives and numerous worthy causes. In 2006 alone, nearly 30,000 Ford employees donated over 80,000 hours through the Ford Volunteer Corps, while the Ford Motor Company Fund donated $58 million to support a broad range of initiatives to strengthen communities. Ford is a longtime national underwriter of “Nature” as well as a generous contributor to Detroit Public Television. Ford’s $1 million gift to DPTV’s capital campaign will help construct a studio at the Riley Broadcast Center and support programs and services.

Edward Deeb, president of Michigan Food and Beverage Association and Michigan Business Association, representing more than 20,000 members, was the recipient of the Dolores and George Riley Stewardship Award. When youth were clashing with merchants in the 1980s Mayor Coleman Young turned to Deeb for a solution. As a peacemaker and under Ed’s leadership, Metro Detroit Youth Day was born to gather youngsters for a free day of fun, education and food. In its 25th year, the event today draws more than 30,000 kids, hundreds of volunteers and sponsors, and has received several awards including the Point of Light Award, and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Award. Deeb serves on many boards, including United Way, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts and the Boys and Girls Clubs. He was named Michiganian of the Year in 2001. As an effective leader and great friend to Detroit Public Television, his enthusiasm and compassion have inspired many to action and delivered results for kids and business owners.

The recipient of the John W. Porter Leadership Award was Susan E. Cooper whose generous philanthropic gifts and volunteer service have produced positive results for many non-profit organizations throughout southeastern Michigan. With her work for Lighthouse of Oakland County, Cooper led successful fundraising campaigns and mobilized volunteers to fight hunger and homelessness. A longtime board member of Detroit Public Television, Cooper held leadership roles on several committees, while guiding the station to its new facility.

Event co-chairs were Barbara and Michael Kratchman, and Stella and Vaughn Koshkarian. Proceeds for the PBS Premiere Night will support Detroit Public Television which provides programs that educate, entertain and in partnership with the community. The event was sponsored in part by Greenleaf Trust, PVS Chemicals, Viviano Flower Shops, C&N Party Rentals and Hour magazine.