DETROIT — One of the highlights of summer for more than 37,000 youngsters from the Metro Detroit area is the annual Metro Detroit Youth Day (MDYD).  This year (2011) the colorful event for children will celebrate its 29th anniversary on July 13.   It is the largest youth event in Michigan.

Ed Deeb: “Metro Detroit Youth Day is a success story about people and organizations working together for harmonious community relations.”

Metro Youth Day began following altercations between youth and Detroit merchants in the summer of 1980.  The event was created to show youngsters that businesses, the community and civic organizations do care about our youth.

“Metro Detroit Youth Day is a success story about people and organizations working together for harmonious community relations,” said Ed Deeb, co-founder and coordinator of the event.  He is chairman of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), one of the event’s main sponsors.

“The fun-filled day gives kids a chance to enjoy time away from home in the middle of summer while participating in supervised, constructive activities, with 1,700 volunteers,” Deeb continued.  “The day emphasizes sportsmanship, education, fair play and leadership.”

In addition Metro Detroit Youth Day will have entertainment featuring Motown singer Martha Reeves who will sing the National Anthem.  In addition, entertainment will also include: Bee Streets, adult gospel rapper; Royce Williams,  Ihinoluwa Omishipe, Asia Pearson, Johnyce Jackson, and Isaac Brown, Metro Detroit Youth Day Youth Idol Contest winners; Youth Under Construction, Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences, and Dawnille Lyons Group.

Youth Day is a catalyst in channeling children’s energy in a positive and constructive setting.  Special games and activities are also included for the growing number of disabled or handicapped youngsters participating.

“Today, we are more than fun and games,” Deeb Said “Originally, the goal was to offer games and inspire goodwill and harmony.”  In 1991 MDYD became more serious and  was expanded to include youth guidance, mentors, role models, anti-substance abuse activity, motivational speakers, entertainment and awarding 60 or more college scholarships to graduating high school seniors each year.  To date more than 700 scholarships have been awarded to area graduating high school seniors.”

Metro Detroit Youth Day also honors non-seniors in high schools for academic achievement  and community service each year.

New this year will be four youth workshops.  The topics will be:  anti-bullying, fighting obesity, anti-school crime, and entrepreneurship to help teach youngsters more about business and owning one’s business.  In addition, College Row will include10 colleges and universities providing information for the students.

Sports stars, government officials, media celebrities and others attend the event and provide upbeat messages and encouragement to the youth.  At noon a free lunch will be served to participants and volunteers, provided by Michigan’s food industry and members of Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Deeb said.

More than 319 community and youth organizations participate in Metro Youth Day, including more than 220 businesses, civic organizations and government agencies as sponsors.

“When we help our kids, we provide meaning to their lives and service to humanity, which I feel is the best work of life,” Deeb said.  “We want to inspire our youth to do the most good.”

To learn how you can participate as organizations, volunteers, sponsors, or to register youth, contact MFBA 586.393.8800 or visit our website at www.metrodetroityouthday.com.