At Shelving.com, community means everything — and few traditions reflect this value more clearly than our involvement as presenting sponsors for Benefit on the Bay, an annual fundraiser supporting the Capuchin Soup Kitchen and other ministries of the Capuchin friars of St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit.
The roots of this remarkable event go back to a personal moment of inspiration. Mike Schodowski, President of Shelving Inc., was first introduced to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen as a young man. Volunteering to help feed the poor left a lasting impact on Mike, igniting a life-long connection to the mission of the friars and the communities they serve.
From Pizza and a Radio to Millions in Support
In 1993, Mike hosted the first-ever Benefit on the Bay at Island Cove Marina, inviting family and friends for a humble gathering with beer, pizza, and music from a simple AM/FM radio. That evening, they raised $1,400 — a modest start to what would become a longstanding tradition of giving.
A decade later, in 2003, the Benefit moved to MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township. Despite a massive blackout across eight states the night before the event, guests showed up, guided by faith and the glow of MacRay’s backup generator. Against the odds, the event went on — and was a resounding success.
From that point forward, Benefit on the Bay grew into a sellout event with over 600 attendees each year. It features live and silent auctions, gourmet dinners, live music, dancing, and a powerful sense of community and purpose. Even more remarkable, 100% of the event costs are covered by a donation from the Schodowski family and Shelving.com, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to the Capuchin ministries.
To date, Benefit on the Bay has raised nearly $3 million in net proceeds for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen — a milestone that reflects what’s possible when passion, generosity, and community come together.
Why We Support the Capuchin Ministries
The Capuchins' mission is more than just feeding the hungry — though that’s certainly at the core of their work. They:
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Serve full, nutritious meals at their Meal Program locations on Conner and Meldrum in Detroit.
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Operate Earthworks Urban Farm, promoting sustainable agriculture and restoring environmental balance.
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Offer Substance Abuse and Spiritual Care Programs to help individuals find healing and hope. This includes the Jefferson House and On the Rise Bakery Cafe programs.
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Run the Rosa Parks Children & Youth Program, providing a positive space for kids and teens while building community and exposing them to alternatives to violence that stimulate their creativity and stretch their minds.
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Work to address the root causes of social injustice, building a more compassionate and equitable future.
At Shelving.com, we are honored to walk alongside them in this mission. That’s why we donate at least 10% of our profits every year to the Capuchin ministries — because we believe that together, we can build an even better Detroit.
Inspired by Father Solanus
Blessed Father Solanus Casey, co-founder of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen and a revered figure in Detroit, is known for his deep humility and the many miracles attributed to him. Father Solanus inspires everything we do through Benefit on the Bay. His legacy reminds us that hope, service, and unity can change lives — sometimes in miraculous ways.
Be Part of the Mission
Benefit on the Bay is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of compassion, community, and unwavering support for those who need it most. If you’d like to learn more about the Capuchins, make a donation, or get involved through volunteering, we welcome you to join this truly life-changing experience — for you, and for the people of Detroit.
💙 Learn more about Benefit on the Bay and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen at https://www.thecapuchins.org
📅 Watch for details about our next Benefit on the Bay event — and don’t wait too long, it sells out fast.