Fish to Decorate Grosse Pointe, Help SOC

Approximately 50 fiberglass fish will adorn the streets of the Grosse Pointes this summer as part of the 's joint campaign "GpFish: Get Hooked on Grosse Pointe."

Cathy Champion, the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce Board President, officially announced the project earlier this week during the organization's annual meeting and awards ceremony. Each attendee received a decorated fish sugar cookie that had the GP Fish logo and announcement.

The fish will begin showing up in the Pointes in June and remain through October. Currently the Chamber is looking for sponsors and artists for the fish. They've already sold some fish and are looking to do more, Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Boettcher said.

Similar to a project several years ago with frogs, the fish will be sponosored by businesses and residents and then decorated by artists from the area. They will be placed thorughout the Pointes primarily in the several business districts, Boettcher said.

The idea is to use the fish as a draw for people to visit Grosse Pointe, therefore increase foot traffic and potential shopping for the local businesses, Boettcher said.

In organizing the project, Boettcher said there was a focus on keeping it local. They found a Grosse Pointer who owns a business in downtown Detroit called Prop Arts who will make the fish, she said. Additionally, they are looking for local sponsors and artists to participate, she said.

The project will include a preview party, a scavenger hunt when they are display in the community and an auction party, in which attendees will bid to win the fish. The proceeds from the project will be donated to , a Grosse Pointe based non-profit that serves seniors in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. Their services include Meals on Wheels, home repairs, social events and gatherings for those who are not homebound and much more. It will also benefit the Grosse Pointe Chamber Foundation.

Sponsorships begin at $2,500 and go up to $10,000, which is considered the King Fish level. There are only five King Fish sponsorships available. The fish are four feet tall and perch. Their tails will rest on a base and they look as if they are about to dive into water.

To get involved as a sponsor or an artist, contact the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce, 313-881-4722. Attached to this Patch story are the sponsorship forms and informational forms from the Chamber.