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DTE Energy crews spread holiday cheer at Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor

Decorated DTE Gas trucks. (Tracy Grosshans, © DTE Energy 2023)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – DTE Energy crews and two special visitors stopped by Ronald McDonald House on Monday night to help young patients and their families light up the night with holiday cheer.

A brightly lit bucket truck and gas truck stopped by the nonprofit on Washington Heights, near C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, to pass out hot chocolate, play music, share a meal, make s’mores and wave glow sticks.

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Decorated DTE Gas trucks. (© DTE Energy 2023)
Decorated DTE Gas trucks. (© DTE Energy 2023)

“It’s such a privilege for our teams at DTE Energy to volunteer our personal time to decorate the trucks in lights and visit partners like the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Ann Arbor (RMHCAA),” said DTE Gas Service Center Manager Bryan Valrance. “We’re so passionate about this initiative because we get to interact with the community, see the joy it brings to children and families, and overall make a positive impact on those we serve.”

Guest stars Grimace, McDonald’s famous purple monster, and DTE’s Louie the Lightning Bug joined crew and families in spreading holiday cheer.

Grimace (right) and Louie the Lightening Bug (left). (© DTE Energy 2023)

The event was done in partnership with RMHCAA, an organization that offers housing and supportive services to the families of patients at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. The not-for-profit has two houses for families in Ann Arbor to stay at, with a combined total of 43 rooms.

RMHCAA housed 512 families throughout 2022 for free and provided 8,583 meals.

“We are grateful to DTE for spreading joy and light to the families staying at RMHC Ann Arbor during this holiday season,” said Kim Kelly, CEO of RMHC Ann Arbor. “This event also helps bring awareness to the community about the mission of RMHCAA as we rely on donations to provide the comforts of home, free of charge, to families caring for their hospitalized child.”

Learn more about RMHCAA here.

Louie the Lightening Bug and families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor. (© DTE Energy 2023)
Grimace, Louie the Lightening Bug and DTE Crews at the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor. (© DTE Energy 2023)

About the Author
Sarah Parlette headshot

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

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