Pontiac Charity That Feeds, Clothes, Educates the Poor Turns 100

A century mark is worth noting, particularly when it's about an organization that embraces such goodness.

The Baldwin Center of Pontiac, a nonprofit that feeds, clothes, educates and empowers tens of thousands of impoverished clients through dozens of support programs turns 100 this year.

It first began as a church in 1918 serving the poor, and then in 1981 became officially known as the Baldwin Center.

“Our goal at Baldwin moving forward is to diminish the poverty that impacts individuals and families in our community,” executive directoir Elizabeth Longley says in a statement “We want to provide more tools that help our clients attain and maintain a standard of living above the poverty line.”

To keep the engine running, the organization hosts a fundraiser May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Lafayette Grand, 1 Lafayette St. Pontiac.

The goal is to raise $50,000.

This year's event has a Kentucky Derby party theme. It includes a strolling hors d’oeuvres dinner with live and silent auctions, plus a dance band. Tickets are $65.

Fox 2's M.L. Elrick will be the master of ceremonies.

To learn more about the event or the Baldwin Center, call 248.332.6101 or visit www.baldwincenter.org.