The following is a guest post by Valerie West, digital engagement specialist at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. If you’re interested in being a guest blogger with Visit Detroit, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject line: Guest Blogger.

Valerie West, United Way

Many people have seen the tall sculpture at the base of Woodward and Jefferson but have no clue what it represents. No, it’s not a weird satellite antenna. It’s actually the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s torch, and you can see it being lit for the first time in years this Friday, Sept. 14 at 7 a.m.

We’re lighting it to celebrate the launch of our Making Greater Detroit Greater campaign. We believe that we can make metro Detroit one of the top places in the country to live and work by 2030.