The 2011 Pistons Care Telethon, which culminated in an 18-hour donation drive and telecast of the team’s game on March 18, raised $351,110 in pledges to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs in Michigan with net proceeds being distributed amongst the 35 Boys & Girls Club locations across the state of Michigan. The pledge total will fund over 7,000 Boys & Girls Club annual memberships as well as support the cost of programming for youth in need.
Although the Telethon took place on March 18, there is still opportunity to support the Boys & Girls Clubs in Michigan. Pistons fans can visit pistons.com and click on the red “Charity Auctions” link through March 29 to donate via an online auction of 10 unique Pistons experiences and memorabilia including two hours of play to host a pick-up game with friends on the official Pistons court; golf for two with Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko and two signed Jerebko jerseys; an opportunity for a group of three to play video games against Greg Monroe in the Pistons locker room; a meet and greet with former Pistons “Bad Boy” Dennis Rodman including four lower-bowl tickets to the April 1 Pistons vs. Chicago game in which Rodman’s jersey will be retired; and a trip for two on the Pistons team plane to a road game which includes two lower-bowl tickets and accommodations at the team hotel.
Additional online auction items include an autographed Joe Dumars basketball; a limited edition autographed Rodney Stuckey jersey; a meet and greet with Tracy McGrady including two press row tickets to a future game; a meet and greet with Joe Dumars including two press row tickets to a future game; and even an opportunity to sit courtside with Greg Kelser and George Blaha during one of their in-game broadcasts including an on-air mention, two lower-level tickets and a George Blaha and Greg Kelser autographed basketball.
“Exemplifying the true spirit of teamwork, our fans and sponsors have rallied together to help raise funds for thousands of children who will be given the mentoring and guidance to succeed.” said Alan Ostfield, President & CEO of the Pistons and PS&E. “The Pistons and Boys & Girls Clubs look forward to teaming up to implement Telethon funds to the 35 Club locations statewide throughout the calendar year.”
“The Pistons players and the entire Pistons Sports & Entertainment family went above and beyond for Boys & Girls Clubs across the state. Their leadership will help provide brighter futures for many children.” said, Len Krichko, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.
Pistons partners Amway, Fathead, Marathon Oil Corporation, Powers Distributing, POH Regional Medical Center, Allstate, and Belle Tire all contributed to the cause, as did the team’s television partner Fox Sports Detroit. Numerous television sponsors donated their spots during the telecast to share the message about Boys & Girls Club and various sponsors contributed to the radio telecast on 97.1 The Ticket as well as in-arena throughout the March 18 game.
Area media also stepped up to support the Pistons Care Telethon including WDVD-FM, WXYT-FM, WYCD-FM, WWJ-AM, WNIC-FM, CIDR-FM, WDFN-AM, WCSX-FM, WRIF-FM, WMGC-FM, WJLB-FM, AMP Radio, WOMC-FM, CIMX-FM and WKQI-FM who broadcast live from The Palace throughout the day. WJBK-TV Fox 2, WDIV-TV 4 and WXYZ-TV 7 aired segments to support the event. The Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, The Oakland Press, Macomb Daily, Daily Tribune, Observer & Eccentric, Metro Times and Real Detroit supported the event by donating space for promotional ads. Fox2, WXYZ TV7, WWJ-TV62, CW50, Comcast and WDIV TV4 provided coverage of the telethon. CBS Outdoor donated multiple billboards to promote the telethon.
Entertainers including Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Eminem, Rihanna, Usher and Jimmy Buffett supported the event.
For more information on the Pistons Care Telethon, please contact Vice President of Community Relations Dennis Sampier at (248) 371-2034 or visit Pistons.com.