For those of us who were around in 1990, we remember hearing that our beloved Detroit parade might be cancelled due to financial hardship.  In that year, an angel donor by the name of Art VanElslander (Founder of Art Van Furniture), stepped in to write a $200,000 check to save the parade.  And yes, in 1990, $200,000 was a very big check.  Fast forward to 2020.  Sadly, Art Van Furniture founder Art VanElslander has passed, the company has closed its doors, and in comes Gardner-White Furniture to save the day.  Now in its second year as the presenting sponsor, Gardner-White continues the thirty-one year tradition of the parade having as its presenting sponsor, a furniture chain.  With its headquarters and a furniture showroom located right here in Auburn Hills, we are proud of the decision the Tronstein family has made not only to locate their headquarters in our community, but to continue to support the America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as presenting sponsor.  The parade, at 95 years old, is truly a Detroit tradition enjoyed by many across the state and beyond. 

Thank you Gardner-White Furniture!

Thomas Tanghe, City Manager