Ilitch Charities Inaugural Celebrity Golf Classic to Benefit the Greening of Detroit...

Ilitch Charities Inaugural Celebrity Golf Classic to Benefit the Greening of
Detroit & the Guidance Center
Golf with a Celebrity - Foursomes Available Now

DETROIT, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Ilitch Charities Chairman Christopher
Ilitch today 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
MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080722/CLTU032LOGO )
"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 MotorCity Casino Hotel.
SOURCE Ilitch Charities.

Liz Manasse, +1-313-983-6081, or liz.manasse@ilitchholdings.com; or Karen
Cullen, +1-313-983-6079, or karen.cullen@ilitchholdings.com, both of Ilitch
Holdings