Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and Executive Board member of the Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare System, chaired the annual the Annual Reimagine Life Foundation Gala on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, which drew nearly 500 attendees at Huntington Place Convention Center in downtown Detroit. This highly anticipated event united community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates to celebrate the transformative achievements in rehabilitation, innovation, and resilience.
Chaired by Frank Torre, Chairman of the Reimagine Life Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM), the evening served as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of collective action.
The program commenced with a warm welcome from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who introduced Frank Torre and commended his dedication to advancing the foundation’s mission. “Through this foundation, we are changing lives and empowering individuals to navigate life-altering transitions,” Duggan noted.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including:
- Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
- Wayne County Sheriff, Raphael Washington
- Wayne County Chief of Staff, Brian Rinehart
- CEO of Children’s Hospital Archie Drake
- CEO of Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Christina Michajlyszyn
A highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address by Kirstie Ennis, a Marine veteran and renowned motivational speaker. Ennis shared her extraordinary journey of perseverance following a devastating helicopter crash during her service. Her message of hope resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the foundation’s mission to support individuals reclaiming their lives after adversity.
“Kirstie’s story is exactly what RIM is all about,” said Frank Torre. “Her determination to overcome challenges and live without boundaries resonated deeply with our patients and everyone that attended. Just like the veterans we help through the PuroClean PuroVet program, RIM’s patients are given the tools and support they need to go beyond what they thought was possible. Thanks to our generous donors, we can continue to provide life-changing care and programs.”
Under Frank Torre’s leadership, the Reimagine Life Foundation has become a beacon of hope, championing innovative therapies and programs that empower individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and other life-altering conditions. To date, Torre’s initiatives have raised nearly $12 million, directly fueling the foundation’s mission to help patients rebuild their lives and achieve new milestones.
The event also honored three remarkable individuals—State Trooper Devin Kacher, Myreo Dixon, and Billy Vickers—with the prestigious Courage Awards. Their stories, showcased through compelling videos, highlighted their resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
In addition to the awards, the evening featured a live auction and dedicated giving segment led by Christopher Aslanian, raising critical funds to support the foundation’s adaptive sports programs and rehabilitation initiatives.
Proceeds from the Gala will directly benefit the RIM Foundation’s efforts to provide cutting-edge therapies, resources, and support for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and other life-altering conditions.
As the night concluded, attendees left inspired, united in their commitment to creating brighter futures for those facing life’s greatest challenges.