DETROIT -- Ilitch Charities Chairman Christopher Ilitch
announced that the organization's inaugural Celebrity Golf
Classic will benefit The Greening of Detroit and The Guidance Center,
two nonprofit organizations based in southeast Michigan. The golf
classic is scheduled for August 25, at Oakland Hills Country Club in
Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with a special Summer Soiree preview party
the previous evening at Motor City Casino Hotel in Detroit.
"We're pleased that this inaugural golf event promises to raise
important funds to help so many in our community. The innovative
programs at The Greening of Detroit and The Guidance Center create
positive change in our community and improve the quality of life for
people in need," said Christopher Ilitch, who is also president and
CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. "Their programs address matters such as
unemployment, homelessness and poverty, ultimately making a
measurable, long-term, positive impact in the community.
The beneficiaries were selected by a panel including representatives
from Ilitch Charities and independent third-party entities following a
formal Request for Proposal process. Each organization will receive
a$100,000 grant to support the following initiatives:
-- The Greening of Detroit - Conservation Leadership Corps Program
The Corps program provides jobs and job training for Detroit youth who
care for the city's trees and green spaces. Through the program, youth
earn money while being educated in urban ecology and environment, job
skills, leadership skills, individual responsibility and philanthropy.
Now in its tenth year, the Corps project has employed over 500 Detroit
teens and young adults who have earned a combined $850,000 working in
the program. It is one of the only programs in Detroit that offers
gainful summer employment to low-income African-American youth. The
Greening of Detroit guides and inspires the reforestation of the
Detroit area and is located downtown.
-- The Guidance Center - Project CEO (Career Employment Outcomes)
Project CEO helps vulnerable youth and young adults secure and retain
meaningful employment, despite barriers to vocational success. Through
the program, nearly 400 youth and young adults will receive
high-quality academic, life skills and employment readiness
programming, as well as resources to connect them to the labor market.
Participants in Project CEO become career-minded, working residents
with the power to positively influence their peers and future
generations. The Guidance Center is located in Southgate, Mich., and
serves children, adults and families throughout southeast Michigan.
Foursomes on Sale Now
Golfing opportunities are available to the general public for the
Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic, including the chance to join
a foursome with celebrity guests such as current and former Detroit
Tigers and members of the 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings. In
addition, several national celebrities, many with ties to Michigan,
are expected to attend. To join a foursome, contact Ilitch Charities
Manager, Kim Haranczak, at (313) 983-6340.
About Ilitch Charities
Ilitch Charities invests in the community's future by supporting
innovative, collaborative and measurable programs that promote
economic development and spur job growth. The organization funds
programs that improve the well being of individuals in areas such as
human services, job creation, education and recreation. For more
information, visit IlitchCharities.org.
Ilitch Charities is affiliated with the companies owned by Michael
and/or Marian Ilitch, long-time Detroit entrepreneurs. Ilitch
companies include: Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Little Caesars Pizza, Blue
Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, the Detroit Red Wings,
Olympia Entertainment, Little Caesar Pizza Kits Fundraising Program,
Olympia Development and Uptown Entertainment. Additionally, Michael
Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers, Inc. Marian Ilitch owns Motor City
Casino Hotel
Sue Bolen
(914) 238-3162
