Allen Park, Mich. — Detroit Lions Charities (DLC) has awarded 92 grants totaling $372,173.57 to non-profit agencies in 2010-2011. This year's awards bring DLC, the football organization's philanthropic foundation, to nearly $6 million in total donations in its 21-year history.
DLC was established in 1990 to assist all age groups in a diverse range of needs and programs in Michigan. Particular emphasis is placed on programs that benefit the children of Detroit.
"Detroit Lions Charities is honored and privileged to partner with so many worthwhile charitable organizations that have demonstrated success in serving our community," said Lions' President Tom Lewand. "Their continued dedication to uplift the people of their communities is more proof of the commitment and pride citizens have for Detroit and the entire state of Michigan."
For the 13th consecutive year, a $60,000 grant will sponsor the Think Detroit PAL Football League. The league involves 3,200 Detroit youngsters, ages eight through 14, playing in one of the nation's largest tackle football leagues. The Think Detroit PAL season will conclude with its annual championships to be held in November and hosted by the Lions at Ford Field.Another major commitment to Detroit was made through a $50,000 grant to Communities in Schools (CIS) of Detroit for the Detroit Lions Academy. The Academy will celebrate its 11th year this fall and has a student body of 125 sixth, seventh and eighth grade Detroit children who have had difficulties in traditional school settings. The Academy is a cooperative effort between the Lions, Detroit Public Schools and CIS in association with several corporate sponsors including Costco Wholesale and Ford Motor Company.
A grant for nearly $25,000 sponsored fitness equipment in the new "Lions' Den" at the James & Lynelle Holden Boys & Girls Club in Detroit. The donation was made in partnership with United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the NFL's Play 60 initiatives that encourage children to be active at least 60 minutes each day. Also, in partnership with American Heart Association, DLC awarded a $10,000 grant to support the Lions' Kids Zone at the Start Heart Walk held at Ford Field, the NFL Play 60 Challenge and a pilot program called Football for Heart.
The Lions' High School Football Coach of the Week program awarded grants totaling nearly $24,000 to 10 Michigan prep football programs from Detroit to Hudsonville and from Ithaca to St. Joseph. Lake Orion's Chris Bell was named High School Coach of the Year. The Lions have donated $268,000 to Michigan high school football programs through the "Coach of the Week/Year" program since 1997.
A grant for $24,500 went to the Athletes with Disabilities Network to promote programs for persons with disabilities. This grant among several others came from the proceeds from the annual Lions' Tony Filippis Memorial Bocce Tournament at Palazzo di Bocce in Orion Township.DLC and the Lions continue to be major supporters of HAVEN, Oakland County's premier center for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The annual Detroit Lions Courage House Dinner has raised approximately $2 million for HAVEN since 1994.DLC and the Lions supported various relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti including a $3,150 grant to American Red Cross International Response Fund.
Among others, grants of $5,000 or more were made to support the
DLC raises funds from several sources. Major support comes from corporate sponsors as well as funds raised through NFL auctions of Lions' memorabilia and game-worn items. Lions' players, coaches and staff support the "CATS for Kids" program that provides free game tickets to youth groups and also raises funds for DLC. Donations also come from the "Up in Lights" program on game days.
DLC fundraisers include the Lions' Kickoff Luncheon, Detroit Lions Invitational (DLI), and the bocce tournament. This year's DLI, a golf tournament open to the public and featuring current and former Lions' players, will be held at TPC Michigan in Dearborn on June 7. The date of the Lions' Kickoff Luncheon has yet to be determined.For tax-exempt Michigan organizations interested in filing for future funding, grant requests will be accepted from October 1 through December 31. Further information on grant eligibility guidelines and application procedures is available by going to the Lions' web page www.detroitlions.com or by writing Detroit Lions Charities, 222 Republic Drive, Allen Park, MI, 48101.
DETROIT LIONS CHARITIES GIVING SUMMARY
| 1991 | 21 | $ 59,200.00 |
| 1992 | 50 | $ 93,494.44 |
| 1993 | 65 | $103,458.50 |
| 1994 | 85 | $110,877.10 |
| 1995 | 115 | $133,187.22 |
| 1996 | 110 | $146,565.28 |
| 1997 | 137 | $180,247.83 |
| 1998 | 139 | $192,303.16 |
| 1999 | 125 | $210,678.07 |
| 2000 | 133 | $225,628.76 |
| 2001 | 78 | $255,571.82 |
| 2002 | 111 | $306,757.20 |
| 2003 | 80 | $330,583.98 |
| 2004 | 98 | $400,089.39 |
| 2005 | 109 | $496,181.38 |
| 2006 | 81 | $582,113.93 |
| 2007 | 108 | $500,663.70 |
| 2008 | 102 | $508,884.00 |
| 2009 | 87 | $392,788.34 |
| 2010 | 88 | $345,829.13 |
| 2011 | 92 | $372,173.57 |
| TOTAL | 2,014 | $5,947,276.80 |
2010-2011 DETROIT LIONS CHARITIES GRANT RECIPIENTS
92 Grants Totaling $372,173.57
- Dearborn High School (Dearborn)
- Detroit Cass Tech High School (Detroit)
- Hudsonville Unity Christian High School (Hudsonville)
- Ithaca High School (Ithaca)
- Lake Orion High School (Lake Orion)
- Marine City High School (Marine City)
- Monroe Jefferson High School (Monroe)
- Saginaw Swan Valley High School (Saginaw)
- St. Joseph High School (St. Joseph)
- Wyandotte High School (Wyandotte)
- High School Coaches Reception
- High School Coach of the Year Billboards
