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Printer-Friendly ModeThere's more to the Mixx
submitted by Robb Wiersum
February 25, 2008 —
A few years ago, after touring some of Saginaw's deteriorating architectural riches, I found my treasure on Hamilton Street. I wanted to build a club that was fun and unique. A club that was infused with style and panache. A club that catered to everyone -- regardless of age, race, gender, socio-economic status or who the person loves. After years of hard work, the Mixx was born.
I recently had the opportunity to read the article that appeared in the Valley Vanguard reviewing our bar. I have to admit, I feel bad that I was not working at the Mixx the night that Nicole and her friends joined us. I wish I had had the opportunity to give them a complete tour of our club.
Structurally, I would have loved to point out the intricate details of our architecturally rich and historic building. By coming on a night the dance bar was not open, they were only able to see half of our business.
Beyond the mere structure, I would have liked a chance to put into words what my clubs mean to and do for their communities. They would have learned that the Mixx and my other two bars in Grand Rapids are incredibly active in giving back to their respective communities. In the local area, the charities we have donated to include the Saginaw Bay Symphony, Pit & Balcony Theater, Basis, Hearth Home, and even student organizations at SVSU.
I wish I could have expressed my passion about educating people on the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. We really do care about our customers here. We strive to create awareness on the dangers of unsafe sex.
Having a licensed organization in the club to answer questions that anyone has about unsafe sex and/or what the consequences can be if they have unsafe sex is essential to our role in the battle against HIV/AIDS. If by providing this information to our patrons we help prevent just one unwanted pregnancy or just one person from becoming infected with HIV, then it was worth the price of a few people feeling a little uncomfortable.
Finally, I hope that Nicole and her friends will come back to the Mixx as she indicated, but this time I will see to it that they get a tour.
Robb Wiersum
owner, The Mixx Nightclub and Metro