AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons and Verizon Wireless have teamed up to collect previously owned cell phones to donate to women’s shelters throughout Michigan. The phones will be used by victims of domestic violence and will be collected at the North and West entrances at all home Pistons playoff games, which begin Easter Sunday, April 20th at 12:30 p.m.
Anyone who donates a phone or phone accessory will receive free admission to the
June 20, 2003 WNBA Detroit Shock game against the New York Liberty as well as a tax donation receipt. Any phone, in any condition and all accessories, even if they do not work, can be donated.
“This partnership was an easy choice for us because this program benefits people on so many levels,” said Jessica Guyor, vice president of community relations for the Detroit Pistons. “Verizon Wireless does such a great job helping victims of domestic violence with their prevention programs. Our fans always respond when we ask for their help with programs like this. We are expecting that they will come through again.”
The HopeLineSM Phone Recycling program (www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline) is an exclusive program that uses wireless services and equipment to assist victims in emergency domestic violence situations.
HopeLine collects wireless phones that are no longer being used. The used phones are refurbished and recycled or sold. With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless purchases wireless phones and donates airtime to victims of domestic violence through human services and law enforcement agencies.
“This collection program with the Detroit Pistons is a natural extension of our HopeLine program, which uses previously owned wireless phones to help domestic violence victims in threatening situations, go about their day-to-day lives with less fear,” said Wayne White, president of Verizon Wireless, Michigan Region.
For more information regarding the cell phone collection program or to purchase tickets for the 2003 Detroit Pistons Playoffs, presented by Capital Mortgage Funding, the Best Mortgage Bankers please contact the Palace at (248) 377-0100 or log on to the Detroit Pistons Web site at www.pistons.com.
