Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market is committed to Hope Network and Autism Awareness with their Emma’s Hope sauces in April and all year long. Their partnership with Hope Network, one of Michigan’s largest nonprofits supporting Autism services, has created beautiful friendships including our friend Eddie Murray, who is Hope Network’s Director of Donor and Community Relations in Southeast Michigan and a former NFL Detroit Lions Kicker. Murray will visit both Vince & Joe’s locations in April to meet with customers, sign autographs and promote Autism Awareness and Hope Network’s services.

Former NFL veteran, Murray was drafted in 1980 by the Detroit Lions playing 12 seasons. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, 1980 and 1989, and named as the MVP his rookie season, the first rookie to receive this honor. Murray then went to Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington and Minnesota. He was a Dallas Cowboy when they won Super Bowl XXVIII in 1993.

For the past decade Murray has worked for Hope Network which advocates for people suffering from physical, mental, or social hurdles resulting in fulfillment through independence and community integration. Where some see barriers, Hope Network sees the opportunity to overcome.

Since 2018 a portion of all sales from Emma’s Hope sauces along with donations taken
during the month of April have been donated each year to Hope Network as a way for
the Vitale family to give back to an organization that helps so many. During April Vince & Joe’s Executive Chef Angelo Loria will also share recipes using Emma’s Hope sauces, including Marinara, Meat, Alfredo and Pesto.

Watch for videos on social media and sauce tastings in stores on Sundays.

April event dates include:
April 8, 14, 21 & 28 – Emma’s Hope Sauce tastings; 1-4 p.m.; Both locations
April 14 – Eddie Murray Store Visit; 1-4 p.m.; Clinton Twp. location
April 21 – Eddie Murray Store Visit; 1-4 p.m.; Shelby Twp. location

At Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market customers continue to experience a tradition of excellence where only the best produce, meats, cheeses, wine, seafood, baked goods, imported and gourmet prepared foods are available. For more on Vince & Joe’s and the Emma’s Hope sauces visit vinceandjoes.com.

This online NewsBrief is published in the April 2024 East Michigan / North Metro edition of Natural Awakenings magazine.