HUNGER FREE IN THE D
For the benefit of
In the late 60’s, Tom’s father worked with Detroit Councilman Jack Kelly and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen to help fight hunger in Detroit. Tom, and his wife Vicki, also wanted to introduce their children to volunteering by participating in serving meals at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
THE BIRTH OF THE HUNGER FREE CAMPAIGN
In 2014, the Celani family initiated the Hunger Free in the D campaign after reading about how many struggling Michigan families went without a Thanksgiving meal. Instead of standing along the sidelines, they decided to launch the Hunger Free in the D campaign with the promise of matching dollar-for-dollar (up to $100,000), every donation that was made by the public to Gleaners Community Food Bank and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Collaborating with Paul W. Smith of WJR radio, the Hunger Free in the D Telethon was born. In the first year, the campaign raised more than $250,000.
This three-week campaign each November has raised over $4,000,00 Million to help bring more than 2,000,000 meals to struggling families in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Make a donation to help your community. This year, we are partnering up with Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Forgotten Harvest to raise funds for our cause.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE & TIME
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2026
7:00AM – 4:00PM
LOCATION
4291 S Lapeer Road
Lake Orion, Michigan 48359
HIGHLIGHTS
- 7:00AM
- Enjoy a Continental Breakfast while listening to the WJR Radiothon
- 10:30AM
- Bocce Tournament Check In
- 11:00AM
- Lunch, Celani Wine 8 Cigars
- 12:00PM
- Bocce Tournament begins
- 2:00PM
- Green Lantern Pizza
PRESS & VIDEOS
hunger free in the d and the celani family foundation’s donation match highlights
This year, during our 12th Annual Hunger Free in the D campaign, the Celani Family Foundation was donated an additional $200,000 on top of the Foundation’s initial match commitment. These additional funds were tremendously helpful in our fight against hunger this holiday season and would not have been able to do it without our amazing partners and supporters!
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING VOLUNTEER DAY
PHOTO GALLERY
Take a look at the fun and excitement at our past Hunger Free in the D events.
- All Images
- HFID 2020
- HFID 2021
- HFID 2022
- HFID 2024
- HFID 2025
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
CONTACT US
HELP SUPPORT THE CELANI FAMILY FOUNDATION’S MISSION
