The Detroit Pistons will recognize one cause per month with a home game devoted to raise funds and awareness beginning with the team’s 2009-10 regular season home opener vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, October 30 at 8 p.m. The opening night program, “Let’s Go To Work For A Cure,” highlights breast health awareness and will benefit breast cancer research programs at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

“Our Opening Night will actually be the first of many community outreach nights that we will host each month during the season,” said Tom Wilson, president and CEO of the Detroit Pistons. “Hosting a rare October regular season game presented us with a great opportunity to get involved in National Breast Cancer Awareness month and contribute to a cause that touches everyone. Obviously, we hope to make a nice contribution, but more so, we see this as a great platform to raise awareness for research, early detection and prevention of a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people each year. We think it is going to be one of the most special Opening Nights we have ever had.”

The series continues with a military salute in support of Veterans as part of the Pistons Nov 11th Veterans’ Day home game vs. Charlotte. As the season progresses additional beneficiaries include Society of St. Vincent De Paul, rewarding volunteerism and the Pistons Care Telethon. Other beneficiaries are to be announced.

During the home opener, the Pistons are celebrating breast cancer survivors and providing them with complimentary tickets and commemorative pink t-shirts. Family and friends will be given the opportunity to purchase specially priced upper level tickets for just $15, with $5 from each ticket purchased being donated to benefit breast cancer research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. To register to attend the event, and to order the specially priced tickets, participants can visit Pistons.com or call The Palace Box Office at (248) 377-0100.

Fans interested in supporting the cause can take advantage of the same $15 upper level ticket offer, with $5 going to Karmanos, by visiting Pistons.com or calling The Palace Box Office at (248) 377-0100.

Before the game and throughout the evening, breast cancer survivors will be celebrated and honored for their courage and inspiration. Breast cancer survivors will be involved in pre-game activities: forming a fan tunnel to welcome the players on the court, involvement in player introductions and being on court during the National Anthem. All breast cancer survivors will be on the court during a special halftime presentation.

Special areas on The Palace’s main concourse will be set aside to provide information on breast cancer awareness, prevention and research.

“We are very grateful for the extraordinary support of the Pistons organization and its fans,” said Nick Karmanos, vice president of development, Karmanos Cancer Institute. “This is a touching way to recognize breast cancer survivors and we are happy to have the Pistons as a partner and a strong advocate for women's health. This special ticket promotion is just another example of the Pistons continued dedication to cancer research and our community. By purchasing a $15 ticket, individuals will help support the important work being done at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in the fight against breast cancer.”

About Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation’s best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to karmanos.org.

National City Corporation, now a part of PNC, one of the nation’s largest financial holding companies, is the presenting sponsor for the Detroit Pistons. For more information about National City, please visit wwwnationalcity.com..