Michigan League of Conservation Voters' Annual Detroit Gala

Michigan League of Conservation Voters' Annual Detroit Gala

Michigan League of Conservation Voters logo

Location

Elevate at One Campus Martius
Campus Martius, Floor 16
See map: Google Maps
US
Friday, October 3, 2025 - 6:00pm
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Join Michigan LCV at our 13th Annual Detroit Gala!

October 3 | 6pm at Elevate at One Campus Martius in Detroit, a stunning venue in the heart of Detroit, perfect for an evening of inspiration, connection, and action.

A night to recognize the heroes who are fighting for our future

The stakes for our democracy and environment have never been higher. Attacks on climate progress, clean energy, our environment, and fundamental rights are ramping up—but we aren’t backing down.

The Detroit Gala isn’t just a party (though, trust us, it’s going to be a great one). It’s a critical moment to come together, build power, and make it clear that Michigan LCV will continue leading the fight for a future that sustains the health and well-being of us all.

Join us for a night of great food, great company, and great purpose. Connect with leaders, advocates, and changemakers who share your commitment to protecting Michigan’s land, air, water, and democracy.

This isn’t just another fundraiser. It’s a call to action. It’s a night of joy, purpose, and power—and we want you to be part of it.

Ready to purchase tickets or your sponsorship? Click the link below or send a check to Michigan LCV, 340 Beakes St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, memo: Detroit Gala.

Prefer your tickets to benefit our 501(c)(3), Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund? Please contact Arye Shannon-Carmichael at ashannoncarmichael [at] michiganlcv.org.

Already have tickets? You will receive an email confirmation the week of the event with important information and parking details.

Need to pay for your tickets? If you have already pledged to sponsor the event or purchase tickets and would like to pay by credit card, please contact Arye Shannon-Carmichael at ashannoncarmichael [at] michiganlcv.org.

Other questions or comments? Please contact Arye Shannon-Carmichael at ashannoncarmichael [at] michiganlcv.org.

Website for event

 It is with great joy that today we announce Michigan LCV Board President George "Coach" Davis, II as our 2025 Legacy Award honoree! It seems more than appropriate to honor our fearless “Coach Davis” for his leadership, mentorship, immense kindness, and optimism in the face of adversity.

 George has served on both the Michigan LCV and Michigan LCV Education Fund boards for 12 years, serving as Michigan LCV board president for the past five years. In that time, he has shepherded the organization through the strain of COVID, the chaos of the Trump presidencies, and more. Every day, he exudes an all-encompassing love and positivity that creates a rare form of community, which brings people together with inclusivity and acceptance.

 George’s strategic lens on Michigan and his savvy political prowess have helped make Michigan LCV the political power player it is today. And, throughout it all, George has found time to support and mentor our staff, checking in on their well-being and safety and offering a safe space to talk about virtually anything, including the ongoing challenges related to advancing racial justice and equity.

 As the current Director of Security and Public Safety at the Detroit Salt Company (DSC), which owns and operates the historic underground Detroit Salt Mine, George directs the public affairs portfolio comprised of federal, state, and local government relations, community outreach and sustainable development initiatives, and media relations for the company. The public safety group he leads handles DSC’s relationships with local law enforcement and fire officials, its Corporate Security teams, and Homeland Security. He serves as the company’s Facility Security Officer to the U.S. Coast Guard for DSC Maritime Operations.


Certified as a professional miner through the U.S. Department of Labor-Mine Safety and Health Administration, George is one of very few African American mining executives in the United States. He is a member of the Geological Society of America, the Michigan Geological Basin Society, a member of the Energy and Environment Committee of the Detroit Regional Chamber, a former board member of the Michigan Mining Association, and a board member of the Oakwood Heights Business Association.

Before joining the private sector, George served as Deputy Group Executive to City of Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, where he led strategic initiatives targeting illegal dumping, abandoned cars, and hazardous material spills for the City of Detroit. He also served as a Public Policy Analyst for the Detroit City Council, where he provided analysis on environmental initiatives, including brownfield development, air quality, and other efforts of the Department of Environmental Affairs. He also served as a Project Manager for the City of Detroit’s Empowerment Zone and its environmental programs and the Project/Outreach Coordinator with the Legislative Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan.

In the area of climate security, George is a Search and Rescue (SAR) professional, serving as the Emergency Manager for the Safety and Technical Rescue Association (SATRA). He has coordinated several major SAR operations including a mine rescue in Peru, restoration of a functioning hospital during Hurricane Rita in Texas, confined space rescues during Hurricane Wilma in Florida, and 117 rescues during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

There is so much more to say about the amazing leader, mentor, and friend that Coach Davis is — and we sincerely hope you'll join us at our 13th annual Detroit Gala so we can share more with you. Please get your tickets today and be a part of this special evening honoring Legacy Award honoree George "Coach" Davis, II and our other honorees. 

 

 

You're Invited!

Michigan League of Conservation Voters' 13th Annual Detroit Gala

Friday, October 3, 2025 | Elevate at One Campus Martius

 

 Today we are thrilled to announce Ruby Muehlenz as our 2025 Detroit Gala Youth Activist Award honoree for her dedication to our environment and commitment to engaging with her fellow young people.

 Ruby brings a real energy, passion, and drive to everything she does. A sophomore at MSU, Ruby has been involved in environmental activism with Michigan LCV since high school. She's always the first to raise her hand to help out and she's constantly finding unique and innovative ways to advance the Michigan LCV mission. From joining a canvassing trip to Marquette in 2024, to coordinating campus volunteers for events at MSU (all while balancing a full college schedule!), Ruby truly embodies youth environmental leadership.

 After returning from a six-month study abroad in Germany in 2022, Ruby began her junior year of high school in Holland, MI, where she became active in environmental advocacy. She volunteered with local nonprofits, joined cleanups, and by senior year was attending larger advocacy events, including an Inflation Reduction Act town hall with Congresswoman Hillary Scholten and Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s annual river cleanup, and our Clean Energy and Jobs Act rally. These experiences sparked her realization of the critical role policy plays in advancing environmental protection, shaping her future focus.

In 2024, Ruby applied for and was accepted into the Cycle A cohort of Michigan LCV’s Our Water Activist (OWA) program. Awarded the Alec Esparza stipend for her essay submission, she committed to 13 weeks of intensive training in community organizing, Michigan policy, and advocacy, while attending political and environmental events statewide. Recognized for her dedication, Ruby was promoted to Lead Intern the following summer. In this role, she guided fellow interns through volunteer recruitment, canvassing, phone banking, and public commenting.

 Earlier this spring, she traveled to Washington, D.C. for the Healing Our Waters Coalition’s Great Lakes Days, where she met with Michigan representatives and senators to advocate for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, investments in clean water infrastructure, and a farm bill that protects water systems. In June 2025, Ruby began work as a full-time Storytelling Organizer with Michigan LCV. She collected and elevated the personal stories of residents across Congressional District 7, holding elected officials accountable for their votes. Now entering her second year at MSU, Ruby continues her work as a storyteller and is helping expand Michigan LCV’s organizing efforts in Lansing. 

 Beyond her formal roles, Ruby helped expand youth involvement in local politics as communications director for Ottawa County Youth Democrats during her senior year. That summer, she also interned with both Hillary Scholten for Congress and the Michigan Democratic Party’s ONE Campaign.

 Ruby is studying International Relations at Michigan State University’s James Madison Residential College and pursuing a minor in Science, Technology, Environment, and Public Policy (STEPP). Her academic focus is on environmental policy, both in Michigan and globally, with a particular interest in energy policy.

 Our future is in good hands when there are young leaders like Ruby around to step up and answer the call. We are so excited to be honoring her at our 13th annual Detroit Gala and we hope to see you there. Get your ticket today for a festive evening of fun and celebration!