The International Experience is the main event for Detroit Harmonie, and a great way to celebrate the diversity of Metro-Detroit.

“Detroit Harmonie will hand out $50,000 in grants to 11 pre-selected social entrepreneurs in two ways: 1) The Get Funded Challenge, a competitive pitch process where five finalists will compete to win $45,000. The competition will kick-off the evening at 7:00 p.m. during the VIP reception. 2) The People’s Choice Award, where all 11 organizations will be eligible for $5,000 based on online and event attendee voting.”

Stay tuned, because on February 1, Detroit Harmonie is going to announce the five finalists that are eligible to compete in the Get Funded Challenge.  The finalists will have to give a three minute pitch to a panel of judges that will determine who the winners will be.

En Garde! Detroit is extremely excited for a chance to win funding, and to be a part of the International Experience by Detroit Harmonie.

It will certainly be interesting to see what happens next!

Thank you all for your continued support.

Read the Press Release for more Information.

Thank you Crain’s Detroit, friends, family and community partners for this honor. Tickets are available for award party here.

We Prefer You Fight It With Swords…

However for the pacifists… we walk too

Please help us reach our goal.

Donate and “walk” with us!

Event Link: Crain’s Detroit- IDEA: Detroit Conference

Fencing…the New Spirit of Detroit
Youth organization brings financial & social impact to Detroit youth

Detroit, Mich. – - Who knew swordplay could be an effective way impact community and urban youth? Founder and CEO Bobby C. Smith, developed a program using Fencing as what he calls a “change agent” in schools across Southeast Michigan. En Garde! Detroit’s long term mission is to use fencing as a social vehicle to increase not only high school graduation rates, but the quality of life for Detroit youth.

On January 19, 2011 En Garde! Detroit was presented with the Spirit of Detroit award for their continued dedication to that mission by Charles Pugh, president of City Council.

En Garde! Detroit is also responsible for the securing 2011 North American Cup  ( NAC ) , a large scale national Fencing tournament which draws thousands of visitors each year. The United States Fencing Association and its membership are traveling to the city from all over the United States & Canada. Since Michigan has not received a NAC since the early 1970’s, the community is fully on-board with making this an event to remember.

The anticipated number of competitors for the 2011 NAC is over 2,000 with an additional 8,000 expected attendees and will provide an economic impact to the downtown area of over $2M. This NAC will host Project: En Garde! Detroit, a newly designed social outreach tool developed by En Garde! Detroit. Project: En Garde! Detroit will be a large scale Youth Expo focused on exposing thousands of youth to services and information that include: financial literacy information, health screenings, nutrition advising, youth organizations, free fencing lessons, and much more  En Garde! Detroit is seeking . other youth organizations interested in showcasing their programs.

“I am excited about seeing the next generation of youth participate in extra-curricular activities that promote healthy lifestyles,” said Reginald J. Eadie, M.D., president, Detroit  Receiving Hospital. “The sport of fencing will provide students with scholarship opportunities; Detroit with positive exposure and it gives us hope for the future.”