The Detroit Pistons, Quicken Loans Inc., Fathead LLC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan are hosting a summer tipoff festival at the Lloyd H. Diehl Club in Detroit (4242 Collingwood, Detroit, MI 48204-1614) on Tuesday, June 21. The outdoor event begins at 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Club and includes interactive activities, entertainment, and a special appearance by Greg Monroe and other Pistons ambassadors, Pistons mascot Hooper and members of dance team Automotion.
Approximately 300 Boys & Girls Club members will enjoy bounce houses, a bungee run, an inflatable basketball hoop, an obstacle course, carnival games with the chance to win Pistons prizes, a craft making station, fitness clinics, Automotion dance tutorials, balloon animals made by Palace Patrol, basketball shots on the Pistons' Year Round Hoops truck, live music and an aerial performance by Pistons' mascot Hooper and the Pistons Flight Crew. A barbeque lunch will be provided for the youngsters.
The event is an inaugural celebration of the partnership between the Pistons and Boys & Girls Clubs in Michigan via the 2011 Pistons Care Telethon. The Pistons, along with their sponsors and fans, raised more than $350,000 on March 18 in support of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state of Michigan.
Several special guests will be present at the event to serve food and interact with the children, including: Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) volunteers, Pistons season ticket holders, Pistons personalities, Quicken Loans and Fathead team members and media.
“Through teamwork and dedication, our fans and sponsors were able to help raise funds for thousands of children who are now receiving the impactful mentoring and guidance they need most,” said Alan Ostfield, President & CEO of the Pistons and PS&E. “Seeing our dollars come to fruition through this special event is very exciting for all of us.”
Additionally, Club members will receive a Pistons Fathead wall graphic, Pistons bracelet and tickets to a future Pistons game at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
“We are very proud of the relationship that has been built with the Pistons Care Telethon and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan,” said Wendy Kemp, Director of Community Relations for Quicken Loans. “Our team members are very excited to be part of this special day and are really looking forward to creating an absolutely amazing experience for the kids.”
Net proceeds from the 2011 Pistons Care Telethon are being distributed amongst Boys & Girls Club locations statewide and provide memberships and programming for thousands of Club members across Michigan.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan reports that its members have a proven track record of excellence both scholastically and professionally with 90% of members graduating from high school and 95% of those members going on to higher education. Members can participate in many programs and activities with each receiving the individual attention they need when they visit their Club, which is often the third most frequented location in that child’s life besides their home and school. Members are given the opportunity to interact with professional staff that serve as much-needed role models and mentors and encourage them to set goals, build on their strengths and fulfill their potential. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs, visit www.bgca.org.