Center for Creative Arts is sending our own hometown hero, Willie E. Brake, to Leadership Detroit Class 47 — an investment in leadership that flows right back into our community. Your tax-deductible gift helps cover the $4,900 tuition. Give once or monthly; every gift is receipted.
Help Willie, Help Others!
After a highly competitive selection process, I've been chosen to join Leadership Detroit Class 47, the Detroit Regional Chamber's flagship leadership development program. Out of many applicants, I was invited to sit among an exceptional group of leaders committed to shaping the future of our region — and I am ready.
For me, this is not about a title. It's about sharpening my saw — growing so I can be of the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and the dignity of the individual. Everything this program teaches me, every door it opens, and every relationship it builds, I intend to pour right back into the people and neighborhoods of Detroit. My purpose is to help aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic, and intellectual status.
Through Center for Creative Arts, your tax-deductible gift helps cover the $4,900 tuition — and invests in leadership that flows right back into our community. No gift is too small, and every one moves us closer. When you invest in this journey, you invest in that work.
“Willie is a visionary who works hard and gives back to the community. I met him in 2012 through the Rotary project LaunchDetroit — he was an entrepreneur in our first class, and excelled in every endeavor.” — Margaret Williamson, ProLiteracy Detroit CEO and Detroit Rotary Past President
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Frequently asked questions
What is Leadership Detroit?
Leadership Detroit is the Detroit Regional Chamber's flagship leadership program, founded in 1979, with more than 2,500 alumni. Over a nine-month experience, emerging and existing leaders from across Southeast Michigan get behind-the-scenes exposure to the region's biggest issues — from education and health, to arts, mobility, and racial equity — and build the relationships and insight to drive positive change. The program builds durable professional relationships across many industries.
What is Center for Creative Arts, and how is it involved?
Center for Creative Arts is the nonprofit partnering with me on this journey. As a 501(c)(3), it makes your gift tax-deductible and ensures the funds go directly toward this leadership investment — one that comes right back to the community we both serve.
Who is Willie Brake and why should I care?
Willie Brake is a Detroit entrepreneur, technologist, and community servant, who is the founder of All About Technology and Center For Creative Arts, which he's run for more than 25 years. He's spent his career using technology to open doors for people and small businesses across the Detroit region, and he's been selected for Leadership Detroit Class 47.
What's Willie's background?
Twenty-five years ago All About Technology and Center For Creative Arts was established, serving thousands of clients, training youth, and supporting the small business community.
He got started as a community-minded entrepreneur — and was in the first class of the Rotary's LaunchDetroit program back in 2012 — and stayed committed to lifting others ever since. He's a proud unapologetic girl dad to Olivia, and his baby is his ace in the hole and his silver bullet.
Who is Margaret Williamson?
Margaret Williamson is the CEO of ProLiteracy Detroit and a Past President of Detroit Rotary. She has known me since 2012, when I was an entrepreneur in the first LaunchDetroit class, and she generously vouched for my character and commitment to community.
Why is this important — and why should I give?
Because this isn't about a title; it's about service. Everything Leadership Detroit teaches — the access, the relationships, the perspective — will be poured right back into the people and neighborhoods of Detroit.
When you invest in this, you're investing in the work I'll do in our community for years to come.
Where does my donation go, and is it tax-deductible?
Your gift supports Center for Creative Arts and helps cover the $4,900 tuition for our Leadership Detroit Class 47 participant, Willie Brake. Because Center for Creative Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and you'll receive a receipt for your records. It's an investment in leadership that flows right back into our community. (EIN: 58-2598993)
What is the total cost of the program?
The program tuition is $5,900. Willie has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, which brings his balance to $4,900 — due by August 28.
Your gifts go toward covering that tuition so he can attend and complete the program.
Can I give monthly instead of all at once?
Absolutely — the page has a "Give once" or "Monthly" option. Monthly support is a wonderful way to stand with Willie through the whole program year.
Can my business sponsor or donate?
Yes, and thank you — business support is hugely appreciated. Because it's tax-deductible through Center for Creative Arts, a company gift is both a community investment and a potential marketing/tax benefit. Reach out to me via email, wbrake@centerforcreativearts.org and I'll gladly recognize your business as a sponsor.
What happens if you raise more than $4,900?
Any amount beyond tuition supports Center for Creative Arts and the community programs this leadership journey is meant to strengthen — so every extra dollar keeps working for Detroit.
How else can I help if I can't give right now?
Sharing this campaign with your circle helps just as much as a donation — every share widens the reach.
A word of encouragement means the world, too. If you know a business or leader who'd want to support a fellow Detroiter's growth, please share this post.
Will you keep supporters updated?
Absolutely! Updates will be provided as we hit milestones, and photos and reflections will be shared once the program begins in September — so you can see exactly what your generosity helped build.
How is my personal data handled?
Your personal data is processed in accordance with our privacy policy and also in accordance with the privacy policy of GoFundMe, our website partner.
Is my donation secure?
Yes. Your security and privacy is our highest priority. We use industry-standard SSL technology to keep your information safe and secure.
Do I get a receipt?
Yes, we’ll send a receipt to the email address you provide when donating. The receipt will include your donation details, such as the date, amount, and any beneficiary information.
