November 21, 2011
Press Release

CHEVROLET WILL SUPPORT THINK DETROIT PAL BASEBALL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS
DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH CORP. FACILITATES DEAL THAT WILL ENHANCE AN ESTABLISHED FACILITY FOR YOUTH BASEBALL

Released by: Detroit Economic Growth Corp.

Detroit, Mich – Detroit Economic Growth Corporation President and CEO George W. Jackson, Jr., Director of Chevrolet Advertising Promotion Kevin Mayer, Think Detroit PAL Interim CEO Tim Richey and City of Detroit Recreation Department Director Alicia Minter announced today that Chevrolet will help refurbish part of the Jayne Field youth baseball complex in Detroit with a financial contribution and volunteers. The offer to work with Think Detroit PAL came as a better alternative to creating a youth baseball field at the site of the former Tiger Stadium.

“Chevrolet fully supports the City of Detroit and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation in their revitalization efforts of the former Tiger Stadium location,” said Mayer. “As such we are pleased to be able to work with DEGC and Think Detroit PAL to rebuild another facility which is already a significant facility for youth baseball in Detroit.”

Jayne Field has 11 baseball diamonds and Think Detroit PAL operates the largest youth baseball program in the city. "Last year 1,400 young people played on almost 100 teams in PAL baseball leagues," said Richey. "We are quite excited about working with Chevrolet and the City of Detroit to enhance a great baseball park. And we are grateful to them and DEGC for making it possible." Overall Think Detroit PAL sports programs serve 10,000 youth in the city every year.

Think Detroit PAL uses the Jayne Field complex under an agreement with the City of Detroit, which owns the park. Minter said, "This is another great example of how collaboration between city government, nonprofit partners and good corporate citizens can make a huge difference for young people and the community as a whole."

Jackson praised Chevrolet for its commitment to Detroit’s young people and making a choice that serves everyone well. “Chevrolet’s support of Think Detroit PAL baseball turns their commitment from a single to a grand slam home run,” said Jackson. “By working with an established partner and helping to refurbish part of a major facility of baseball diamonds at Jayne Field they will have far greater impact on youth than trying to fix up a single field. And their decision also preserves an important economic development asset for the city.”

For the last two years, Chevrolet has supported youth baseball by providing support to more than 100 communities across the country. It’s support includes field refurbishments, equipment donations, and baseball clinics, with 25 fields constructed to date. “We are delighted to have such a great opportunity to do the same work right here in our hometown of Detroit,” added Mayer.

Media contact:
For DEGC
Bob Rossbach
313-402-9831
bob@rossbach.tv

For Chevrolet
Mike Albano
313-820-6564

For Think Detroit PAL
Garrett Jackson
313-833-1600
garrettjackson@thinkdetroitpal.org

Think Detroit PAL was formed in 2006 with the merger of Think Detroit Inc. and the Detroit Police Athletic League.  In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic and leadership development programs.  In 2010, Think Detroit PAL served over 10,000 girls and boys through 10 sports, making it one of the largest youth organizations in the state of Michigan. More than 80 cents of each dollar donated to Think Detroit PAL goes directly into programming.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Think Detroit PAL at 313-833-1600 or on the web at www.thinkdetroitpal.org.