Photo courtesy of Gauper Photography | Decor and flowers from Love Story Events

A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE TANK TEST CENTER

On September 29, the Packard Proving Grounds welcomed board members, volunteers and vendor partners for a special preview of the Tank Test Center as an additional event space.

A styled reception showcased the building’s possibilities, with elegant table settings, vintage lounge furniture, glowing bistro lights and our historic Packard automobiles creating a memorable backdrop. Guests enjoyed appetizers, drinks and conversation while experiencing this familiar museum space in a whole new way.

The evening brought together history, creativity and community support as we prepare to welcome weddings and other special events into the Tank Test Center. Photography and video captured the transformation for future promotion. We are grateful to the vendor partners, PPG team and volunteers whose time, talent and hard work made this event possible.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE NIGHT'S VENDORS

Love Story Events — Florals, backrops, entrance draping and décor

LUXE Event Linen — Linens and napkins

Trilogy Creative — Bistro and Edison bulb ceiling lighting

Motor City Digital Signs — Digital seating chart

Miss Mixology — Bar service

Zio's Catering — Appetizers

Italian American Cultural Society — Plates and silverware

The Vintage Table Company — Vintage green glassware

Fun on the Fly — Illuminated PACKARD marquee letters

Detroit Chiavari — Black cross-back chairs and cocktail tables

Fairlane Event Rental — Victorian lounge furniture

C & N Party Rental — Bar and serpentine tables

JD Entertainment — Up lighting and music

Ryan Gauper Photography — Photography

Detroit Content Creator — Content creation

Polar Ice — Ice

Click here to view more images of the TTC all dressed up

GEMS FROM THE VAULT

P51 B AIRCRAFT DONATED BY PACKARD EMPLOYEES

written by P.H. Connell

A P51 B Mustang Fighter Aircraft was given as a gift to the U.S. Army Air Corps for use overseas during World War II. The presentation of the 'Sky Clipper' was an event that was viewed by 20.000 people at the Detroit City Airport.

This aircraft was purchased under the 'Work to Win' program at the Packard plant. Employees worked through their lunch hour several days a week to accumulate enough money to buy this plane which was equipped with a Packard built Rolls Royce Merlin engine. The aircraft cost was $50,353.58 paid to the U.S. Treasury on September 16, 1943. The 'Sky Clipper' completed 48 air missions by the end of 1944.

Developed in 1936, Rolls Royce Merlin engines were manufactured in England at Derby, Crowe, Glasgow, by Ford of England and finally by Packard in the United States. This engine was a 1,650 CID V12 at 1050 horsepower. 55,873 were produced by Packard.

Merlin engines powered P51 Mustangs, Mosquito Bombers, British Lancasters, Hurricanes, Spitfires and later P40 Warhawks.

The presentation at the Detroit City Airport was made by three Packard employees. Each family had five children in the military on October 18, 1943. See photo. The names of the employees are on file. A champagne bottle is being broken over the nose of the propeller.

Every picture tells a story. These photos and 14,000 more are on file in the Vault at the Packard Proving Grounds.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

MEET DENAE RUSK

"You feel like a team."

Denae and her husband.

When Denae Rusk began volunteering at the Packard Proving Grounds earlier this year, she thought she'd be helping with scanning. A few months later, she's pitched in at the Packard Farmers Market, weddings, special events and behind the scenes - and she's still discovering new ways to help.

For Denae, that's part of what makes volunteering at the PPG so enjoyable. She came looking for a meaningful way to stay active and found a welcoming community where she could try new things, meet new people and find the place where she could be useful.

Read Denae's Story



Interested in becoming part of the Packard community?

LOVE STORY EVENTS

The Great Gatsby Gala Fundraiser - April 2026

From beautiful florals and décor to draping, lighting, rentals and complete event design, they have an amazing ability to take a vision and bring it to life.

When we began planning the mockup for our new Tank Test Center event space, they once again stepped up to help us showcase what this space can become. We are so grateful for their continued support, generosity and friendship, and proud to have Love Story Events as one of our Packard Weddings preferred vendors.

The Tank Test Center at the Packard Proving Grounds.

See what they can dream up for your day at

lovestory.events.

SUPPORT THE PMCF

YOUR LEGACY. PACKARD'S FUTURE.



How a Qualified Charitable Distribution

can support the Packard Motor Car Foundation.

For those looking for a meaningful way to support the future of the Packard Proving Grounds, a retirement account may offer an opportunity to make an impact.

If you are 70 1/2 or older, youmay be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization such as the Packard Motor Car Foundation. For those required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a QCD may allow all or a portion of that distribution to support a charitable cause while potentially keeping the amount donated out of taxable income.

By including the Packard Motor Car Foundation in your charitable giving, you help care for the Pakard Proving Grounds, preserve its history, and ensure this nationally significant site remains a place for future generations to experience and enjoy.



If a QCD may be right for you, we invite you to consider making the Packard Motor Car Foundation part of your charitable giving plans. Please consult your tax or financial advisor regarding your individual circumstances and eligibility.

586-739-4800 Call or text us

We’re happy to help!