Run Of The Dead
About ROTD
Run of the Dead 2026 is a fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS). The mission of COMPÁS is to provide high-quality performing arts training and cultural experiences with an emphasis on youth socio-emotional development. The program preserves the Latinx heritage of Southwest Detroit and celebrates its diversity through the arts. Your sponsorship and partnership will support this mission for years to come. The Run provides 5k and 10k options. The USATF-Certified event will celebrate the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In commemoration of the annual Día de los Muertos holiday, that honors deceased relatives and loved ones, an ofrenda (altar) will be created and displayed by a community leader. Participants will celebrate by wearing traditional face-paint, flowers and attire. Enjoy light bites, vendors and entertainment by COMPAS.
STORY
The Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS) started in 2007 as a collaboration among performing artists in the community and the SDBA. COMPÁS provides year-round, youth focused arts, recreation, and educational opportunities at its professional quality dance studio and renovated facility at the Odd Fellows Building in the Springwells Village neighborhood. COMPÁS provides lessons in various genres of dance, instrumental music, and art with a focus on the rich Latino heritage of SW Detroit
FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
Dear Potential Sponsor,
On behalf of the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) Board of Directors, staff, and the vibrant business and residential community we serve, I’m thrilled to invite you to support and attend our 2026 Community Investment Breakfast, taking place on Friday, June 26, 2026.
We are also excited to celebrate the nominees this year who will be honored for their outstanding service and commitment to the Southwest Detroit community.
For over 70 years, SDBA has led community, economic, and small business development in Southwest Detroit. Our collaborative and innovative approach to program service delivery, combined with the generous support of partners like you, has engaged over 1,700 small businesses and supported programming in the areas of Business Development, Community and Economic Development, Real Estate Development, and Cultural Arts programming for youth.
This year’s theme, “New Beginnings: Rooted in Community, Rising in Opportunity,” reflects a pivotal moment for Southwest Detroit and the City of Detroit as a whole. As our neighborhoods continue to grow and evolve, we remain grounded in the strength, culture, and resilience of our community while embracing new opportunities for inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship, and neighborhood revitalization.
Sponsoring this event will help SDBA deepen its impact in our community—supporting local businesses, strengthening neighborhood corridors, and expanding opportunities for the residents who call Southwest Detroit home. We look forward to your support and partnership as we build upon our current momentum and harness our collective voice to advocate for inclusive and equitable investments in Southwest Detroit.
Your sponsorship of this year’s Breakfast will directly support:
- Small business development and training
• Placemaking and corridor beautification
• Youth programming through COMPÁS cultural arts
• Our Retail Accelerator and Community Space at La Joya Gardens
• Continued advocacy for equitable investment in our community
This is more than an event, it’s a powerful gathering of changemakers, champions, and collaborators who believe in Southwest Detroit’s future. We would be honored to have your support and your presence at the table.
Warmest regards,
Luis Ali
Board Chair
Southwest Detroit Business Association
“Our biggest reward comes every day when we walk through Southwest Detroit and experience a thriving, diverse, growing community”
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Our Board of Directors
There are many people, businesses and groups that make up any vibrant community. In Southwest Detroit, we are blessed with many such individuals and organizations. At the SDBA, we’d like to recognize those listed here for their exceptional role in making our community a unique and special place.
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Southwest Detroit is a place that is much more than points on a compass. It’s a true community with people, programs, business success and plans for the future. At its heart is the Southwest Detroit Business Association – committed to creating a place residents can proudly call home, visitors can enjoyably spend time, and business leaders can confidently set up shop.