Gardner White to ‘twinkle’ in Warren

WARREN — It’s Christmastime in the city.

On the evening of Nov. 9, Gardner White Furniture, 6500 E. 14 Mile Road, officially ushered in the holidays by unveiling its annual “Twinkle Town with Gardner White” display.

With tunes from the Cousino High School Marching Band, a visit from the Parade Company Big Heads, fireworks and a welcome from Gardner White President Rachel Stewart, the store was officially lit for Christmas. Even Santa Claus made the scene.

For the next several weeks, holiday shoppers can see the lights sparkle from 14 Mile Road. They also can vote to pick their favorite tree in Twinkle Town’s Parade of Trees. The Parade of Trees features 14 holiday trees decorated by local celebrities and influencers to benefit Detroit-based charities.

The public can vote online at gardner-white.com for their favorite tree now through Dec. 13. The winning participant’s charity of choice will win a $10,000 donation. All charities will receive a donation from Gardner White for their cause.

Here is a list of participating influencers and their charities:

• Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, HGTV Bargain Block — Humble Design

• Kimberly Dobine, digital creator and lifestyle influencer — Money Matters for Youth

• Mike Duffy, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 — Forgotten Harvest

• Mr. Fluffypants, Michigan Humane Ambassador — Michigan Humane

• Calvin Johnson Jr., former Detroit Lions wide receiver — Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, Inc.

• Local 4 News WDIV-TV morning team — Sparky Anderson’s CATCH Charity for Children

• Rick Mahorn and family, former NBA player and radio analyst — Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan

• Amyre Makupson, CBS News Detroit — Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Michigan

• Haneen Matt, designer — ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation

• Tatianna and Jonathan Merritt, life and beauty influencers — Give Merit

• George Nikollaj, stylist and founding member, 6 Salon & Dynfly — C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital

• Brandon Hudson, Roop Raj and Taryn Asher, Fox 2 Detroit — Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center

• Sarah Schneider, designer and lifestyle influencer — SCAMP

• Ben Sharkey, Detroit-based singer and artist — Michigan Foster Care Closet