On August 15, CRCI had the privilege of supporting the 13th Annual “Dreams Come True on Woodward” event in Bloomfield Hills, hosted by Danny’s Miracle Angel Network (D-MAN Foundation). The afternoon brought out the best of Metro Detroit – showcasing how accessibility, music, and partnership can lead to true community for all.
Cruising Into Possibility
For anyone new to the “Dreams Come True on Woodward” tradition, the impact of this event is undeniable. Year after year, D-MAN brings together families, volunteers, car lovers, and wheelchair users for a summer “dream cruise” unlike any other. Wheelchair-bound friends swap out their wheels for classic convertibles and roll down legendary Woodward Avenue, cheered on by supporters and local celebrities alike.
This year, the energy was electric from the moment you stepped into the Dawda Building’s bustling parking lot. Sleek hot rods and muscular convertibles gleamed under the August sun, lined up and waiting to give new friends a magical ride. Patients, families, and community advocates exchanged stories and smiles, while D-MAN’s incredible volunteers orchestrated seamless transitions for every guest rider. Music boomed, delicious food carts filled the air with summer scents, and local news cameras captured every joyful exchange.
More Than a Cruise: A Legacy of Advocacy
D-MAN’s mission – to ensure people with physical and communication challenges live dreams without barriers – resonates deeply with CRCI’s own work helping families after catastrophic injuries. Witnessing the ride program in action, you see more than people simply going for a cruise. You see independence, confidence, and belonging blooming in real time.
Parents cheered as kids with complex needs took their first top-down ride. Participants grinned ear to ear, waving to crowds and relishing in an experience often out of reach in daily life. For many it was the best day of their summer, and volunteers from far and wide continue to come back year after year to take part.
Accessibility, Dignity, and Memories That Matter
What sets “Dreams Come True on Woodward” apart is its total commitment to accessibility. D-MAN’s team does more than provide rides; they coordinate ride swaps, ensure safe transfers, and adapt every detail for each individual’s needs. There are no barriers. Parents and friends dance to live music, while adaptive technology specialists introduce the latest innovations.
The sense of mutual respect was clear, as was the mission to leave participants feeling “just like anyone else” – the most powerful validation, and the heart of true inclusion. For some families, D-MAN’s support makes these summer memories possible when so much of life can feel defined by limitations.
Community Partnerships: The Backbone of Impact
As a CRCI sponsor, being part of this event meant more than support – it meant taking part in a movement. Our mission is rooted in the belief that disability advocacy and accessible events can and should be a part of every community. The chance to back an organization like D-MAN aligns perfectly with our core values: Advocacy, People, Knowledgeable, Dependable.
The lasting impact of an event like this will extend far beyond a sunny August day.
Reflections and What’s Next
Looking back, the 2025 “Dreams Come True on Woodward” event was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Every smile on the parade route, every parent’s hug, and every volunteer’s hustle affirmed that community matters. We left with new ideas, hearty laughter, and a refreshed commitment to making Michigan a better place for all survivors and families touched by disability.
Our gratitude goes to the D-MAN team, every volunteer, and all the sponsors who made this event possible. Their energy and vision show what is possible when organizations prioritize access, celebration, and mutual respect.
Want to Get Involved?
Your support as a reader helps events like these continue to thrive. Interested in learning more about D-MAN’s work or CRCI’s community advocacy services? Visit mydman.org for more ways to support dreams coming true, and crci.biz to see how CRCI empowers individuals after injury.
Together, we’re building a more joyful, inclusive, and compassionate Michigan – one drive, one celebration, and one partnership at a time.