By Gerald Scott

Thanks to the generosity of the GM Foundation and other major sponsors, the 2012 Winter Blast in Detroit promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Scheduled for Feb. 10-12 in and around Campus Martius in downtown Detroit, the event has quickly become the city’s major public festival during the winter months.

Organizers held a press conference at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan headquarters in the 500 Tower of the RenCen recently to describe last-minute preparations for Winter Blast.

GM Foundation is one of many major corporate sponsors this year, which include the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit Downtown Development Association, Greektown Casino, Wayne County, Quicken Loans and many more.

“As many of you know, the GM Foundation is strongly committed to giving back to the city that gave birth to the auto industry,” said Sheri Marshall, assistant secretary for the GM Foundation.

“In fact, over the past decade, the GM Foundation has donated $50 million right here in the city of Detroit to help children and young adults get a better education,

to bolster arts programs and to improve the city’s community centers and unique destinations.

“We feel strongly that investing in Detroit means investing in education.

“Therefore today, I am thrilled to announce that we are supporting the Reading is a Blast literacy program as