Foundation for Pops’ inaugural gala honors veterans, strengthens community
Award nominations accepted until Oct. 19
River Rouge resident Clarence Franklin, a single father, benefitted from Foundation for Pops’ community service.
By Susan Thwing
On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Bellagio Banquet & Conference Center in Dearborn Heights will be transformed into a place of gratitude, remembrance, and celebration as the Foundation for Pops hosts its inaugural Night of Heroes Gala.
The evening, running from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature dinner, live music, dancing, raffles, and a silent auction. More than a social event, the gala represents a promise —a commitment to support veterans, public servants, and organizations that dedicate themselves to service and sacrifice.
Founded by Josh Morris, CEO of DQS Solutions & Staffing, Foundation for Pops is named in honor of his grandfather, Lloyd “Pops” Matthews, a Vietnam veteran whose story of resilience continues to inspire. Since its inception, the nonprofit has focused on uplifting veterans and underserved families through housing, workforce development, and community support. The gala will both celebrate those values and raise critical funds to expand the foundation’s reach.
Honoring heroes in action
Foundation for Pops Executive Director Lakesha Hancock, a Navy veteran, sees the gala as a symbolic and practical step forward.
“The ‘Night of Heroes Gala’ is more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of courage, service, and community,” Hancock said. “It’s an honor to be supporting fellow veterans and organizations making a difference, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice.”
Award categories will highlight both individuals and organizations. Among them are the Valor in Service Award for veterans who continue to lead in their communities, the Guardians of the Mind Award for mental health advocates, and the Bridge to Recovery Award for organizations that support people overcoming homelessness, trauma, or substance use. From housing stability to senior support, the awards recognize the often-unseen work being done in Southeastern Michigan to ensure veterans thrive beyond their service years.
The deadline to nominate individuals or organizations for an award is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 19.
A veteran’s story: Clarence Franklin
For Army veteran Clarence Franklin of River Rouge, Foundation for Pops has been more than an organization it has been a lifeline. Franklin, a single father of three, found himself without stable housing after rent increases forced his family out of their home.
“My children and I lost our place due to increased rent that I could not afford,” Franklin said. “As a single father, I was struggling to keep our family together.”
What followed was a period of instability with the family moving between friends’ houses and even nights sleeping in his truck with his children.
“Before contacting Foundation for Pops, my three kids and I were going from house to house, then to sleeping in my truck,” Franklin said. “What few items I could save, I put in storage.”
That changed when the foundation stepped in. Franklin and his children were placed in an emergency shelter at a Red Roof Inn, supplied with food to last three weeks, and provided clothing and personal items from Pop’s Closet. Beyond immediate relief, Franklin enrolled in workforce development and financial literacy classes that helped him start planning for long-term stability.
“We lived in the hotel for three months. We were able to shower and eat, and I was able to get my daughter potty trained, which was a challenge when we were living house to house and in my truck,” he said.
By August, Franklin and his children had moved into a permanent home, with each child finally having a bed of their own and a yard to play in. With guidance from his case manager, Franklin began saving money and working toward increasing his income. His children received school supplies and backpacks to start the new school year—small but powerful reminders of normalcy returning.
“My family is so grateful, we owe so much to the Foundation for Pops,” Franklin said. “Even when my family is stable and good on our own, I’ll always support them and send people to them because I just don’t know where we would be if they hadn’t helped us.”
The work behind the mission
Hancock’s own story as a Navy veteran and single parent deeply informs her leadership. She knows first-hand the dangers of short-term fixes that don’t address root causes.
“As a Navy Veteran with lived experience of homelessness as a single parent, it’s important that our services encompass addressing all the needs to make families and individuals whole,” she said. “We’ve learned that putting a band-aid on one barrier and not addressing others produces consistent recidivism. Access to healthcare, VA compensation, and supportive services are imperative to help our participants.”
That holistic approach has led the foundation to set ambitious yet concrete goals for the gala’s fundraising. Hancock outlined the impact goals for the evening:
- 120 Nights of Emergency Shelter – $22,500 will fund safe hotel stays for veterans and families in crisis.
- Permanent Housing for 5 Families – $45,000 will cover deposits and first month’s rent to get families into stable homes.
- Rental & Utility Assistance for 25 Veterans – Up to $1,500 per household ($37,500 total) will prevent displacement and keep veterans housed.
- VA Benefits & Transportation Support for 30 Veterans – $25,000 will help with applications, appointments, and access to healthcare or jobs.
“These goals are more than numbers,” Hancock said. “They represent real people who will sleep in a safe bed, keep the lights on, or finally access the benefits they earned through service. Every ticket purchased and every donation made directly changes a veteran’s life.”
A community of support
Franklin points to the personal care he received as one of the most transformative parts of his journey. His case manager accompanied him to appointments at the Department of Health and Human Services and Social Security, ensuring that no detail fell through the cracks. Franklin also credits the classes with reshaping his financial outlook.
His gratitude extends to the broader community that supports the foundation.
“There are other veterans and non-veterans sleeping in their cars so their family can stay together,” Franklin said. “Foundation for Pops is an important resource for people like us. Please donate, sponsor, and support the Gala and even after. The money you donate is benefiting people like me.”
Looking ahead
For Hancock, partnerships will be key beyond the gala. She encourages individuals and organizations to advocate for funding streams, donate generously, volunteer, and provide in-kind contributions like personal items or transportation support.
“Advocate for funds that have been cut to help organizations like Foundation for Pops,” she said. “Partner with us by sharing our mission and program offerings with your networks. Volunteer, donate, and give expertise—these activities will help our organization sustain during very challenging times.”
As for Franklin, his eyes are fixed on the future. He hopes to increase his income, improve his credit, and buy a home within two years. More importantly, he wants his children to finally have a permanent place to call their own.
Event details
- What: Night of Heroes Gala
- When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 6–10 p.m.
- Where: Bellagio Banquet & Conference Center, Dearborn Heights
- Why: To honor veterans, public servants, and organizations; raise funds for housing, workforce, and veteran support programs.
- Tickets & Sponsorships: Purchase at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-night-of-heroes-gala or call 1-833-POPS-111.
• Nominations (deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 19). Submit at foundationforpops.org/nominate
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Article featured in October 5, 2025 edition of The News-Herald