DETROIT, July 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Ford Health System, in partnership with The Parade Company, today unveiled its first-ever parade float, themed "100 Years of Innovation" at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. The float marks the first in a series of employee events celebrating the Henry Ford Health System's 100-year anniversary. The float will debut this November in America's Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van.

"As we celebrate 100 years of serving our community, we wanted to share this moment with the people who have helped make this milestone possible – our employees," says Bob Riney, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Henry Ford Health System and a member of The Parade Company Board of Directors. "The parade is an iconic Detroit event that brings together people from all over our city and region. It is a perfect platform to celebrate Henry Ford's 100 years of innovation and transforming the health and well-being of our community through clinical excellence, research and education."

Designed and built in partnership with The Parade Company, the 70-foot-long float was unveiled to hundreds of employees at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, which opened its doors in 1915. The colorful display includes a helicopter with rotating propeller, scale model of the original Henry Ford Hospital, and a 1926 ambulance model. Henry Ford Health System leadership Nancy Schlichting, CEO, Bob Riney, executive vice president and chief operating officer, and John Popovich Jr., M.D., president and CEO, Henry Ford Hospital, were joined by Tony Michaels, president and CEO, The Parade Company.

"Henry Ford Health System is a remarkable organization that continuously supports and contributes to our community," said Tony Michaels, president and CEO, The Parade Company. "The Parade Company is thrilled to play a small role in celebrating their 100^th anniversary."

America's Thanksgiving Parade^® presented by Art Van produced by The Parade Company is recognized as one of the best Thanksgiving parades in the country by U.S. News & World Report Travel and is broadcast to more than 140 cities nationwide.

About Henry Ford Health System
Henry Ford Health System, one of the largest and most comprehensive integrated U.S. health care systems, is a national leader in clinical care, research and education. The system includes the 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group, five hospitals, Health Alliance Plan (a health insurance and wellness company), Henry Ford Physician Network, a 150-site ambulatory network and many other health-related entities throughout southeast Michigan, providing a full continuum of care. In 2014, Henry Ford provided $317 million in uncompensated care. The health system also is a major economic driver in Michigan and employs more than 23,000 employees. Henry Ford is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. The health system is led by CEO Nancy Schlichting. To learn more, visit HenryFord.com

About The Parade Company
Founded in 1984, The Parade Company is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation whose board of directors is comprised of key civic and corporate leaders in the greater Detroit region. The Parade Company is celebrating 89 years of Parade tradition in Detroit and is committed to funding, creating and executing the best family events in Michigan. The Parade Company staff, board of directors and thousands of parade volunteers work year-round to bring magnificent events to the City of Detroit and the region including the Ford Fireworks and America's Thanksgiving Parade^® presented by Art Van. Follow The Parade Company at theparade.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE The Parade Company

Related Links

http://www.theparade.org