AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons will unveil a new library at Carver S.T.E.M. Academy in Detroit on September 25 at 2 p.m. as a part of the “Reading Room Makeover” contest presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.
Pistons player Greg Monroe, along with Pistons Legends Rick Mahorn and Earl Cureton will be on hand during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Carver S.T.E.M., located at 18701 Paul Street, Detroit, MI, 48228.
“We are thrilled to have worked with Farm Bureau Insurance to present a new library to the deserving students and staff at Carver S.T.E.M. Academy,” said Dennis Mannion, CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. “This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact in the community and give these kids a functional space that is inviting and makes learning fun.”
The Carver S.T.E.M. library, renovated by Pistons and Farm Bureau volunteers, has seen a six-week facelift with new paint, carpet, furniture and themed graphics including a basketball themed reading area. Twenty schools from across the state of Michigan submitted applications including images of their school’s library to be considered in the selection process. Palace Sports & Entertainment and Farm Bureau Insurance representatives then narrowed the applicants, visited the finalist’s sites and selected Carver as the winner.
“Farm Bureau Insurance’s goal for this makeover was to provide the Carver S.T.E.M staff and students with an organized, clean and safe reading room and library,” said Vic Verchereau, Farm Bureau Insurance Vice President of Marketing. “With the help of many of our staff members and of course the dedicated team at the Pistons, this new space is that and so much more. The real gift is what each of us took home after completing work at the school. We couldn’t be more proud to have been a part of something so wonderful and can’t wait to see the Carver S.T.E.M. educators and students in their new reading room and library. I personally look forward to hearing about all the wonderful things that this staff and their young students will achieve in the years to come.”
Following the unveiling, students will have the opportunity to join Monroe on the court as part of a Pistons FIT clinic. The clinic will focus on promoting health and wellness through the game of basketball.
The Detroit Pistons have renovated 30 facilities as part of the NBA’s Live, Learn and Play Program at schools, community centers, and hospitals in Michigan. The Carver S.T.E.M. Academy library will be the 31st facility renovated through the program.
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About Live, Learn or Play: The NBA’s commitment to youth and family development is highlighted by the creation of Live, Learn and Play spaces. These new and refurbished basketball courts, libraries, playgrounds, homes, fitness facilities and technology rooms are created in conjunction with NBA league and team community and business partners. Upon completion of each project, NBA family members officially dedicate the project by participating in educational activities and games with the local community. These spaces provide the critical resources that pave the way for children’s future success. Since October 2005, there have been more than 525 of these places created in more than 22 countries.
About Farm Bureau Insurance: Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan was founded in 1949 by Michigan farmers who wanted an insurance company that worked as hard as they did. Those values still guide the company today and are a big reason why they are known as Michigan’s Insurance Company, dedicated to protecting the farms, families, and businesses of this great state. Farm Bureau Insurance agents across Michigan provide a full range of insurance services—life, home, auto, farm, business, retirement, Lake Estate®, and more—protecting nearly 500,000 Michigan policyholders.