Detroit Pistons Host Third Annual Pistons Care Telethon Benefiting Food Bank Council of Michigan 

All proceeds help feed Michigan residents in critical need

DETROIT, Michigan (January 31, 2010) – The Detroit Pistons announced today that the 2010 Pistons Care Telethon benefiting Food Bank Council of Michigan will take place on Tuesday, Mar. 2. The team is devoting the entire day leading up to the Pistons’ game against the Boston Celtics, including their in-arena presentation and game broadcasts, to raise money for FBCM. The telethon begins at 6 a.m. with live radio and television broadcasts at The Palace and runs throughout the day, culminating with Pistons-Celtics game at 7:30 p.m., broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket.

As Michigan families struggle to weather the state’s troubled economy, the demand on community food banks is higher than ever. This year’s telethon benefiting FBCM will dedicate all proceeds to feed Michigan residents in critical need throughout the state. The FBCM also supports Michigan farmers by working with them to provide fresh produce to those in need. The team and entire Palace Sports & Entertainment organization is asking for the support of the Pistons community.

“The Food Bank Council of Michigan has the ability to stretch minimal donations into maximum efforts,” said PS&E President and CEO Tom Wilson. “Just $10 feeds a family for a week; $100 provides a student a backpack that can be refilled throughout the school year and $200 feeds a senior for an entire year. We have the opportunity this year to do something great for our friends and neighbors right here in Michigan.”

Donations can be made immediately by visiting www.pistons.com and clicking the “Donate Now” button. Online donations will be accepted until March 2. Donors interested in participating on the day of the telethon will be provided a toll free number to call throughout the day. To learn about other fund-raising programs that allow individuals, businesses, schools or churches to get involved, please call the Pistons community relations department at 248-377-0100.

The FBCM provides statewide leadership to food banks in their efforts to alleviate hunger through the distribution of surplus food to those in need. FBCM gathers food and funds to help stock Michigan's food banks. The food is then distributed throughout the statewide food bank network. Millions of pounds of this food are surplus vegetables, fruits and other grocery items that, for one reason or another, cannot be sold. For more information, please visit www.fbcmich.org.

“It is always heartwarming to see a community come together to help one another,” said Jane Marshall, executive director of the FBCM. “Michigan food banks are stretched beyond the limit and cannot keep food on their shelves to keep up with the increased demand. The financial disaster of Michigan is taking a toll on Michigan families, so we hope those who can donate help in some way.”

In 2008, the Pistons became the first professional sports team in Detroit and in the NBA to present an entire home game as a charitable fundraiser. The 2009 Pistons Care Telethon benefiting Feed The Children raised more than $450,000 in pledges and helped to provide food and personal care items to 25,000 families across Michigan.

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Media Contact: 
Jamie Murdoch
Community Relations Coordinator
O: 248-375-4055  M: 248-860-6337
jmurdoch@palacenet.com