Media Coverage

Detroit children selected to become photojournalists in the award winning program "Pictures of Hope" sponsored by Chevrolet

Children from Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries to capture their "HOPES AND DREAMS" on film

September 15, 2011

Detroit, MI – For children who live at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, a picture is worth just one word: Hope. Award winning photojournalist and author, Linda Solomon, brings her nationally acclaimed program "Pictures of Hope" to Detroit at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Genesis House II, 2015 Webb, Detroit, MI 48206 ph: (313) 883-5614, on September 30 at 3:00 pm. Ms. Solomon will provide a photography lesson and empower these local children (ages 7-12) to capture photos of hope. Following this photo exercise, Ms. Solomon and Susan Ianni, General Manager of Gordon Chevrolet, will surprise the children with cameras.

"Through photography children share their heartfelt feelings", expressed Linda Solomon. "Their hopes and dreams captured in quiet moments tell a story that few adults can imagine. When you show children that you care about what they wish for in life, perhaps a child who never felt he or she had worth, now will. I am very proud to partner with Chevrolet in our ten city "Pictures of Hope" program . Our goal is to help children realize that their hopes and dreams for a better life matter."

The hopes and dreams of children in Detroit will be transformed into holiday greeting cards which will be sold through the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. And 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the "Pictures of Hope" greeting cards will benefit the many families and children who receive services at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries due to the generosity of Gordon Chevrolet. During the holiday season from Thanksgiving through Christmas every customer who purchases a new Chevrolet from Gordon Chevrolet will be given the "Pictures of Hope" greeting cards as a gift. A matching donation will be given to the shelter from Gordon Chevrolet.

"The importance of "Pictures of Hope" for our Children…Hope", said, Dr. Chad Audi, President & CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. "It springs from the roots of trust and a confident expectation. This is the power that "Pictures of Hope" holds for the children who have been offered a Life Changing Event in their precious lives. "Pictures of Hope", taken by homeless children, shows how simple and yet profound are the dreams and hopes all children have – and can achieve. It gives them the gift of realizing that they are loved, that they are „somebody‟, how very important we think they are and it builds their confidence in ways that will sustain them as they spread their wings wide to embrace their bright futures, perhaps even as photojournalists."

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has partnered with Solomon for this project to help children across the universe express their hearts. "Giving back to the communities where we live and work is incredibly important to Chevrolet, its employees and its dealer body," said Alan Batey, vice president of sales for Chevrolet. "We are proud to be a part of "Pictures of Hope". Now more than ever, children need hope and a sense of pride that can translate into higher self-esteem and success later in life."

"I was honored to be invited to partner with GM and Linda Solomon in sponsoring this homeless shelter children's program – „Pictures of Hope‟", said Susan Ianni. "What a wonderful opportunity for us to give back and make a difference. We will embrace this program, and with support from the community, make a positive difference in these children's lives. This program truly does give them hope through "Pictures of Hope". Gordon Chevrolet will also be providing all of our customers with these special Holiday cards and making the donation to the homeless shelter - and we are honored to do so."

The celebration of the unveiling of the children's "Pictures of Hope" cards will take place in November at Gordon Chevrolet, 31850 Ford Road, Garden City, MI, Phone (888) 478-2606.

About Linda Solomon

Photojournalist and author Linda Solomon is recognized for her celebrity portraiture. She is the photographer of the NY Times bestseller "People We know Horses They Love" featuring photo essays on Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Richard Gere and others. Linda Solomon has devoted her career to teaching children how to express their feelings through photography. She has founded educational photography programs that have reached over 1 million children and has received numerous honors and awards for "Pictures of Hope". Ms. Solomon was recently inducted into the prestigious Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2011. Her program "Pictures of Hope" has been featured on Oprah, CBS Evening News twice, ABC World News, and in People Magazine, USA Today, and numerous local newspapers and magazines across the country.

About Gordon Chevrolet

Gordon Chevrolet in Garden City has been in business since 1983. We pioneered a one price philosophy with a non-commission type pay plan for our sales associates in 1988. Our mission is to make sure everyone is treated fairly, receives the same price no matter who they are, and has a pleasurable buying and servicing experience. This philosophy has been embraced by our customers near and far. It has grown Gordon Chevrolet into the top 25 Chevrolet Dealerships in the country and has earned Gordon Chevrolet the Dealer of the Year award every year since inception. www.gordonchevrolet.com

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com

About Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

As a non-profit and faith based organization, the DRMM continues to provide families and individuals a wealth of resources, hope and love for 102 Years. Many have passed through the doors of the Ministries. They come broken, destitute, hopeless and desperate, only to leave restored by God‟s hand at work through The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. The DRMM is focused on rebuilding the inner-city one life at a time, with the help of our partners, donors, volunteers, and community groups. The DRMM is fully accredited by CARF. The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is located at 150 Stimson Street, Detroit, MI 48201 313-993-470 www.drmm.org

For Information Contact: Linda Solomon, mobile: 248-506-6248 or email: starsolomon@yahoo.com