Let’s Shine Gala - Neway Works – Youth Mentoring and Development

Annual Let's Shine
Charity Gala 2025

Better Together

Friday November 21, 2025
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores
Official Media Partner HOUR Detroit

Letter From Our Founder

On behalf of the Board of Neway Works and our staff, welcome to the Annual Let’s Shine Charity Gala!

We are thrilled to celebrate this evening of impact, philanthropy, and people who help advance it in our local community. Whether you are here as a sponsor, awardee, donor, or a special guest, we are honored to have you with us.

This historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor, is a breathtaking estate situated on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores.

The estate’s beautiful grounds and gardens provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of our 5-year anniversary, philanthropy, and community impact!

Your presence at this event will not only give you the opportunity to experience this remarkable location but also play a vital role in helping us expand our impact on the lives of student athletes we serve.

I want to personally thank our sponsors and committee members who have made this evening possible through their generosity and continued support.

With your gifts, we will advance our mission to empower student athletes by providing comprehensive support that break barriers, unlock potential, and build brighter futures for the next generation of leaders.

With Gratitude,

Shane Gianino

Founder & Executive Director

About Neway Works

Neway Works, Inc. was established during the COVID-19 pandemic with a purpose of being a light to teens mental health and wellness via safe after-school youth development and mentoring services.

We offer youth enrichment programs designed to help student athletes achieve success both in the classroom and in life. We understand that many young people face significant barriers that can impede their academic progress, personal development, and access to opportunities. These challenges may stem from systemic inequities, mental health struggles, or wellness issues. Our programs are designed to address these obstacles, providing the support and resources necessary for students to overcome them and thrive.

Since 2020, we have improved the overall wellness and mental health of over 225 student athletes through our after-school youth mentoring program, Project Transformation.

Money raised from this fundraiser will be utilized to help with tutoring and mentoring expenses, financial scholarships for student athletes, nutritional meals, sporting camps and showcases, sport apparel needed to compete for college athletic scholarships, and program supplies.

Evening Agenda

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. VIP Cocktail Reception featuring Jazz artists Houston Patton & Dylan Sherman
7:00 p.m. – General Admission
7:30 p.m. – Welcome Address by Master of Ceremonies Pastor Ryan Hakes
7:40 p.m. – Keynote by Jason Grobbel, President E.W. Grobbel Sons, Inc.
7:45 p.m. – Invocation Dinner is served
8:15 p.m. – Dedicated Giving
8:30 p.m. – Introduction of 2025 Better Together Award Honorees
8:45 p.m – Silent Auction Closes
9:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks

Master Of Ceremonies

Ryan Hakes – Pastor

Ryan Hakes is a church planter, creative strategist, author, and pastor who has spent more than twenty years building vibrant ministries and high-performing teams. His career has moved fluently between executive leadership and pastoral work, proving once and for all that theology and spreadsheets can peacefully coexist.

Ryan and his wife Jules planted a thriving church in Portland, Oregon, where he learned to share the Gospel in a city powered by artisan coffee, strong opinions, and weird hairstyles. That experience continues to shape his approach to mission and innovation.

He holds degrees in Pastoral Leadership and Communication from Southeastern University, has written several books for teenagers, and is known for his energetic presence and storytelling. At Lakeside, he oversees hospitality, communications, media, and outreach for emerging generations.

At home, Ryan and Jules are raising two sets of twins, a heroic undertaking that often resembles an Olympic event. When they are not at church, the Hakes crew can be found on alpine trails, climbing rocks, jumping into cold water, or hunting down exceptional barbecue.

Ryan lives with a simple conviction: the hope of the world is the local Church. Nothing brings him greater joy than watching people step boldly into their God given calling.

Keynote

Jason Grobbel

Jason Grobbel is Owner and President of EW Grobbel, headquartered in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market. EW Grobbel, Food for Generations is the home of iconic brands including Grobbel’s Premium Meats, Sy Ginsberg’s Meat & Deli, Freirich Foods, Topor’s Pickle Company and Ba-Tampte Pickle Products, Inc.

Grobbel’s is a family business founded by his great grandfather, Emil W. Grobbel in 1883. Jason began working in the business at an early age and is currently the 4^th generation operator. Grobbel’s is among the largest specialty meat processors in the nation, with national distribution to major supermarket chains and restaurant distributors.

A lifetime resident of S.E. Michigan, Jason graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School. He attended Michigan State University, then graduated from Kalamazoo College with a BA, majoring in Economics and Business Administration.

Jason has been an active member of The Detroit Rotary Club since 1986, and previously served as president. Jason also served on the committee for Forgotten Harvest, a food rescue organization. In addition, he previously served as the president of the Eastern Market Corporation – whose main focus is to enhance it’s attraction and make the Eastern Market the undisputed center for fresh and nutritious food in southeast Michigan.

He is a father of 5 children. Four of his children, Samantha – Senior Graphic Designer, Justin – SVP – Operations, Emily as Marketing Communications Coordinator and Abigail Business Solutions Analyst, work in the organization, representing the 5^th Generation.

Thank You To Our Official Media Partner

Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsor

Neway Sponsors

Neway Stars

Light Shine Match Partners

Better Together Award

Julia Kaiser, CCUFC – Community Relations Manager, People Driven Credit Union
Terri Markray – Founder, Solid Foundations Tutoring ACT/SAT
Samantha Salada – Sr. Community Outreach Specialist, United Wholesale Mortgage
Sandra Fester – Vice President, Michigan Business, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Jennifer Jambor, MBA, Director of Community Impact, Comcast

2025 Better Together Awardees:

Julia Kaiser

Julia Kaiser serves as Community Relationship Manager at People Driven Credit Union in Southfield, MI, where she builds partnerships and expands financial opportunities for individuals and small businesses. With over 20 years in financial services, she has held roles as Branch Manager and Lending Specialist, becoming a certified Credit Union Financial Counselor in 2023.

Julia develops financial literacy programs, secures scholarships and small business grants, and actively supports nonprofits through sponsorships, events, and volunteer initiatives. Her leadership has helped generate more than $190,000 in scholarships and $20,000 in small business grants across Southeast Michigan.

Beyond the credit union, Julia serves on multiple nonprofit and chamber boards and has been recognized with the Helping Hands Award from the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce and as the 2025 Credit Union Team Member of the Year.

Her career reflects a passion for empowering people, strengthening communities, and creating lasting partnerships.

Terri Markray

Terri Markray is the owner and driving force behind Solid Foundations Tutoring ACT/SAT Prep, a Michigan-based tutoring company dedicated to giving students the tools and confidence to excel academically. They provide tutoring in all subjects and one foreign language; which is Spanish, ACT/SAT Prep, online courses toboost grade point averages, helping athletes meet the NCAA requirements and Scholarship workshops.Incorporated in 2012, the company serves students at every level and focuses on academic success, social confidence, and emotional well-being.

With a location in Farmington Hills and a mission that spans virtual sessions nationwide, Terri applies her deep commitment to each student’s growth. Her personalized approach ensures that preparation is not just abouttest taking, it’s about building lasting skills and self-assurance.Terri’s dedication extends beyond individual tutoring. She partners with local schools, families, and communityorganizations, believing that an investment in student potential is an investment in the future. Her reputation for empowerment, clarity, and genuine student advocacy has made her a trusted name in Michigan’s college-prep community.

When she’s not working with students, Terri is often collaborating with peers in education, refining curriculum, andstaying at the forefront of changes in standardized testing. Her goal remains constant: to help each student lay a “solid foundation” for academic success and life achievement.

Samantha Salada

Samantha Salada is a Senior Community Outreach Specialist at United Wholesale Mortgage in Pontiac, Michigan.

With 7 years of experience in customer service and 4 years in community outreach, Samantha is passionate about charitable giving, helping people, and providing support.

In her role, she oversees charitable giving, event planning, employee engagement, and volunteerism for the company. She assists nonprofits with donation support and volunteerism, fostering strong relationships and partnerships along the way.

Prior to joining the Community Outreach team, Samantha spent 2 years on the Engagement Team at UWM assisting local businesses with advertising discounts, services, and event planning for Farmer’s Markets and Holiday Shopping events for UWM team members. She excelled in this role, strengthening business relationships and bringing vendors on-site for shows. Her success in this position inspired her to work more closely with the local community.

Outside of work, Samantha actively volunteers and serves on sponsorship and event planning committees for two wildlife organizations, reflecting her passion for both community and wildlife. She also serves as a Communications Co-Chair for an Employee Resource Group dedicated to sustainability and environmental protection.

Between taking care of her family and balancing her professional life, Samantha continuously showcases her drive for making an impact. She values her long-standing relationships within the community and appreciates being a reliable point of contact when help is needed.

Sandra Fester

Sandy is a highly accomplished executive with a proven track record of driving business growth and excellence. As the leader of the Michigan business segment at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, she oversees sales and earnings performance, managing a vast portfolio of over 24,000 clients of all industries comprising of 1.3 million members. Her team’s scope includes serving the health benefit needs of Michigan-based organizations that have a large Michigan presence as well as fostering strong relationships with distribution channel partners, such as agents and community organizations.

Under her leadership, the Michigan business segment at Blue Cross has undergone significant transformation, including the modernization of the distribution channel through innovative technology and strategic partnerships with key agencies. Sandy has successfully navigated regulatory changes and is actively helping clients and agents navigate a health care affordability crisis.

With 39 years of experience at Blue Cross, Sandy brings a deep understanding of the industry, having spent most of her career focused on smaller Michigan-based employers. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University. Committed to giving back, Sandy is a founding board member of Impact 100 Macomb County, demonstrating her dedication to community involvement and leadership. Her exceptional expertise, strategic vision, and passion for excellence make her a valued leader in the organization.

Sandy enjoys spending quality time with her husband Craig and son, Jacob. Jacob is entering his senior year of high school, keeping mom and dad busy on college tours. Sandy is an avid golfer with a mission to play every one of her “bucket list” courses.

Jennifer Jambor

Jennifer Jambor is the Director of Community Impact for the Comcast Heartland Region, where she leads the company’s local philanthropic investment strategy for Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

As part of her role, Jennifer drives the strategic development and execution of community impact programming for the region and leads the team responsible for cultivating partnerships with non-profit organizations to execute programs that further digital opportunity, including the nationally recognized Comcast RISE program.

Prior to being named to her current position in 2024, Jennifer led partnerships and philanthropic giving for national nonprofit Human-I-T. She worked with public and private partners to design and execute innovative, high-impact social responsibility and sustainability initiatives ranging from one-time volunteer events to multi-year grant-funded programs. This included standing up Human-I-T’s first digital opportunity center offering digital navigation and resources to Detroit and the surrounding communities.

Jennifer has previously led sales teams and training across a multi-state territory and public relations work with non-profit clients. She represents Comcast on advisory boards and initiatives, providing thought leadership on programs and projects across the region. She is a member of the 46th Class of Leadership Detroit.

Jennifer holds an MBA from Eastern Michigan University.