Metro Detroit Youth Day

“How a Youth Event Healed a Community” Metro Detroit Youth Day is a great way to channel children’s energies in a positive and constructive setting.

We have been doing this for 31 years now and we have become a metro Detroit tradition with this successful formula. Not only is it a tradition youngsters look forward to each year, but this event united a community and brought peace and tranquility to Detroit following altercations in 1980 between youth and area retailers on Livernois between Six and Seven Mile Roads. Then mayor Coleman A. Young m

et with community leaders to calm tensions, and Ed Deeb met with retailers urging them to be more sensitive to customers to help restore calm. The Mayor asked Ed to “do something” to help resolve the problem. The idea for Metro Detroit Youth Day, the largest youth event in Michigan, which has drawn over 700,000 youngsters over the years. This Youth Day event was inspired following the altercations between youth and Detroit merchants. Founders Ed Deeb, Tom Fox and the late Jerry Blocker, formulated the goal of bringing together metro Detroit area youth from all walks of life for a day of sports, fun, and constructive activities, and to show youngsters that business people, the community and the food industry cared about them and respect them. This event has grown from some 1,200 participants the first year to more than 37,000 youth in 2009. In addition more than 1,500 volunteers lend a helping hand to supervise the sports clinics, games, contests, luncheon and various other activities held at this colorful event. Volunteers come from more than 320 organizations and 310 businesses and civic groups who support Metro Youth Day. Originally, the goal was to help foster goodwill and harmony. But in 1991 Metro Youth Day was expanded to include youth guidance, mentors, role models, anti-substance abuse activity, motivational speakers, entertainment, award of 50 or more scholarships yearly, and honoring outstanding students for academic excellence and community service. Sports stars, government officials, media celebrities and others attend the event and provide upbeat messages and encouragement to the youth. Co-founder Ed Deeb is the driving force of the big event which takes about a year to plan. He is chairman and coordinator, donating his time and energy for the kids, and is supported by Michigan’s food industry which provides a free, nutritious lunch, and numerous corporate sponsors and small businesses who provide buses to transport kids to and from Belle Isle and/or college scholarships. Metro Detroit Youth Day is not your ordinary fun day for youngsters. It is well planned by an Executive Board consisting of more than 50 persons who not only want the day to be fun-filled, but meaningful and educational as well. The event has received countless honors and proclamations from all areas of our state and nation. They include the Point of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush and the Points of Light Foundation, the Michigan Governor’s Award on Physical Fitness as the top youth event along with numerous honors from local and national governmental agencies. Since 1991 we have given more than 700 scholarships to area graduating high school seniors in Metro Detroit.

“When we help our kids we provide meaning and service to humanity, which is the best work of life,” says chairman and coordinator, Ed Deeb. “We thank all the individuals, the volunteers, the many participating organizations, the corporate sponsors and small businesses for the many years of dedicated service to our youth and our communities. Thank you so much! “

“Inspiring Our Youth to Do the Most Good”™

07/06/2025

05/21/2025

🎬 The hype is real! And the event is FREE!
Check out the official promo for the 41st Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day — the biggest youth celebration in Michigan!

📍 Belle Isle Park
📅 Wednesday, July 9, 2025
🕗 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
🎟️ FREE for ages 8–15 (includes lunch!)
⚠️ Youth must be registered to attend!

💥 Star athletes. Live performances. Games. Prizes. Youth Idol. Celebrity appearances.
It’s more than a day — it’s a Detroit tradition built to inspire, connect, and celebrate the next generation.

📞 Call 586-774-4000 or visit 👉 www.MetroDetroitYouthDay.org to sign up now!

🔁 Tag a parent, youth group, or school that needs to be here!

Thousands of kids take on Belle Isle for Metro Detroit Youth Day

07/12/2024

We are filled with gratitude after a spectacular 40th Metro Detroit Youth Day! Thank you to our incredible volunteers, generous sponsors, and every supporter who made this day possible. God blessed us with perfect weather to celebrate! Check out the highlights from the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqfS7tVOW5E 🌞🎉

Thousands of kids take on Belle Isle for Metro Detroit Youth Day Thousands of kids take on Belle Isle for Metro Detroit Youth Day in an annual tradition in the city.

07/09/2024

🚨 Urgent Update: Metro Detroit Youth Day Rescheduled! 🚨

Due to unexpected weather conditions, we're moving the 40th Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day to Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Belle Isle Park. Your safety is our priority, and we want to ensure everyone can enjoy the event to the fullest!

📅 New Date: July 11, 2024
📍 Location: Belle Isle Park

All plans remain the same, just on a new day! We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you can still join us for this landmark celebration.

For more details, visit our website www.miyouthfdn.org or contact us at (586) 774-4000.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support! 💙

Photos from Metro Detroit Youth Day's post

06/21/2024

Thank You, Detroit Public TV!

We are excited to announce that Detroit Public TV (PBS) has come on board as a Media Sponsor to help spread the word about METRO DETROIT YOUTH DAY'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT (FREE EVENT FOR AGES 8-15)! 🎉

Metro Detroit Youth Day is more than just an event; it's a celebration of our community's youth and their limitless potential. For 40 years, MDYD has been dedicated to providing opportunities for personal growth, education, and fun, aiming to empower our young people and inspire them to achieve greatness.

Detroit Public TV's support is invaluable in helping us reach a wider audience and making a meaningful impact. Their partnership ensures that our message of hope, empowerment, and community spirit resonates across Metro Detroit. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of countless young people!

BECOME A MEDIA SPONSOR & PARTNER

We also invite other media outlets (TV, radio, streaming, or print) to join us as Media Sponsors. By broadcasting our TV or radio PSAs, you can play a crucial role in supporting this incredible initiative and uplifting the next generation. If you are interested, please DM me or respond to this post.

Thank you, Detroit Public TV, for your dedication and support! 💙 Let's continue to make the 40th Anniversary of Metro Detroit Youth Day a beacon of inspiration for our youth.

06/21/2024

Thank You, Detroit Public TV!

We are thrilled to announce that Detroit Public TV has partnered with Metro Detroit Youth Day as a Media Sponsor. In assisting with getting the word out about Metro Detroit Youth Day's 40th Anniversary Celebration, they will be broadcasting the Metro Detroit Youth Day (MDYD) TV PSAs! 🎉

Metro Detroit Youth Day is more than just an event; it's a celebration of our community's youth and their limitless potential. For 40 years, MDYD has been dedicated to providing opportunities for personal growth, education, and fun, aiming to empower our young people and inspire them to achieve greatness.

Detroit Public TV's PBS support is invaluable in helping us reach a wider audience and making a meaningful impact. Their partnership ensures that our message of hope, empowerment, and community spirit resonates across Metro Detroit. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of countless young people!

BECOME A MEDIA SPONSOR & PARTNER

We also extend an open invitation to other media outlets to join us as sponsors. By broadcasting our TV or radio PSAs, you too can play a crucial role in supporting this incredible initiative and uplifting the next generation.

Thank you, Detroit Public TV, for your dedication and support! 💙 Let's continue to make the 40th Anniversary of Metro Detroit Youth Day a beacon of inspiration for our youth.

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Location

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Telephone

586-393-8801

Website

http://www.MetroDetroitYouthDay.org/

Address

Detroit, MI
48207