Weekend celebration raises enough funds for 6,000 meals with Forgotten Harvest, delivers big win for local impact.
El Car Wash, the official car wash of the Detroit Lions, announced the successful grand opening of its newest Michigan location in Warren. The two-day event drew strong attendance from the local community and raised $2,000 for Forgotten Harvest, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating food insecurity across metro Detroit.
To celebrate the grand opening, El Car Wash pledged to donate $1 for every car that visited the site during operating hours July 12–13. The donation will support Forgotten Harvest’s work rescuing surplus food and distributing it to families in need across the region.
“We are grateful to the Warren community for the warm welcome and for helping us support Forgotten Harvest,” said Geoff Karas, CEO and Co-Founder of El Car Wash. “We are committed to not only delivering a premium car wash experience, but also to making a positive impact in every community we serve.”
The funds raised come at a critical time, as summertime often increases the risk of food insecurity for families with children. With schools out of session and access to school meal programs limited, many families face additional hardship. Every $1 donated to Forgotten Harvest helps provide three nutritious meals, making community-driven initiatives like this one essential in meeting increased seasonal demand.
“Partnerships like this are vital to our work,” said Adrian Lewis, CEO of Forgotten Harvest. “El Car Wash’s generosity and the overwhelming support from the Warren community will directly impact families struggling with hunger. We’re proud to stand together in service.”
In addition to charitable contributions, the event featured free car washes, giveaways, and community activations, including an honorary ceremony for hometown heroes, meet-and-greets with Roary and the Detroit Lions Cheer Squad and complimentary Jet’s Pizza slices and Crumbl cookies. Hundreds of families participated throughout the weekend.
The Warren location marks El Car Wash’s third site in Michigan, with nearly 15 additional openings planned across the state by the end of 2026. Over the past three years, El Car Wash has donated more than $400,000 to charitable organizations, schools, hospitals and first responder groups.