For 25 years, Detroiters have come together to fight for more and better public transit under the banner of Transportation Riders United, because transit is essential for a thriving Detroit.
Join us September 25th, 2025 at Bellagio Banquet Center in Dearborn Heights to join decades of TRU members, allies, and champions to celebrate the amazing people who made transit progress possible
When? September 25th, 2025 at 6pm
- 5pm – pre-event reception for speakers, sponsors, and other TRU leaders
- 6pm – Cocktail reception with full bar, live music, and silent auction
- 7pm – Full buffet dinner with vegetarian and gluten free options available
- Followed by a program spotlighting TRU’s partners and progress
- 8pm-10pm – Mingling and music
Where? Bellagio Banquet Center
- Located at 23900 W. Warren in Dearborn Heights
- Transit Access via DDOT 8 (Warren) and SMART 275 (Telegraph)
- Free parking also available
Who?
Join current and former TRU staff, interns, and board members, along with transit agency leaders, elected transit champions, partner groups, bus riders, and many others. 200+ expected.
TRU’s Honorary Host Committee include:
- Karen Kendrick-Hands – TRU co-Founder and first President
- Stephen Hands – TRU co-Founder; CDM Smith Project Manager
- Dave Woodward – Chairman of the Oakland County Commission and longtime TRU ally
- Larry Hands – TRU’s first Board Treasurer; Treasurer of Sally Mead Hands Foundation
- Conan Smith – Director of the Michigan Environmental Council and longtime TRU ally
- Patty Fedewa – Former TRU Board President; labor attorney
- Dave Norwood – Former TRU Board member; Director of Canton Municipal Services
- Meagan Costea – Former Designer and Board Secretary
- Patrick Droze – Former TRU Board member; OHM Project Manager
- Erik Tungate – City Manager of Oak Park
Honored Guests Include:
State Rep. Jason Morgan, Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward, and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans!
And join us in thanking our sponsors!
Regional Transit Champions:
Detroit People Mover, Dug and Linh Song
Transit Champions:
SMART, The Kresge Foundation, RTA, TheRide, Michigan Environmental Council
Business Sponsors:
Henry Ford Health, UAW Region 1, McKenna Architects, Indian Trails, Northern Trust, MPTA, OHM, WSP USA
Community Nonprofit Sponsors:
Michigan Climate Action Network, Comerica Bank, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Detroit Jews for Justice, Programs to Educate All Cyclists, Ecology Center
Interested in sponsoring the Gala? Find the digital sponsor form here, or look below for a printable version.
