The Old Newsboys’ Goodfellow Fund of Detroit was founded in 1914 to ensure no child goes without a Christmas. Each holiday season, the Goodfellows distribute holiday gift boxes to kids filled with warm clothes, toys, books, dental kits and more. The Detroit Goodfellows’ 2020 fundraising goal of $1 million will help provide 30,000 holiday gift packages for needy children in Detroit, Highland Park, Harper Woods, River Rouge, Hamtramck and Ecorse.

To help the Detroit Goodfellows reach their annual fundraising goal, Chris Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, joined a panel discussion during WJR Cares, an all-day radio special on Friday, Oct. 16, to talk about the importance of Detroit Goodfellow’s work in the community. The panel included City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, former chairman and CEO of DTE Energy Gerry Anderson, and UAW president Rory Gamble.

“For us, being in business is really about taking care of the people in the community,” Ilitch said. “Goodfellows has been doing tremendous work for a very long time. For me personally, to be involved and affiliated with the Goodfellows is an honor and a privilege.”

The Detroit Goodfellows honored Ilitch with the Edward H. McNamara Goodfellow of the Year award in 2015, a prestigious designation given to those who have significantly contributed to the community. His parents, Mike and Marian, were also honored by the Detroit Goodfellows in 1992.

The full roundtable discussion can be viewed on YouTube.

Learn more about Detroit Goodfellows at DetroitGoodfellows.org.

In baseball, you play to win. But in life, you play for your family and for your community. That’s what Willie Horton says. You play with the hope that the next generation has a better life than you did.

Horton, a hero in Detroit for nearly 60 years, has been building a better life not just for his own children but for children and fans of baseball across the city of Detroit. And he still does today.

Horton’s commitment to his own family is extraordinary. He and his wife, Gloria, have been pillars of strength for their family, and he’s proud to boast about his 45 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“I’m fortunate in the journey that I’ve been on,” said Horton. “That journey has taught me to reach back and make it better for everybody else.”

The youngest of 21 children, Horton’s family moved to Detroit in the 1950s. By 13, he was turning the heads of area baseball scouts, and on Aug. 6, 1961, he signed his first professional contract with the Tigers after an outstanding career at Detroit’s Northwest High School.

Horton went to earn All-Star recognition four times in his career with the Tigers and to win the World Series with the team in 1968.

This Sunday, for the 17^th year, the Detroit Tigers celebrate “Willie Horton Day.” The celebration honors Horton’s career in baseball and his lifelong achievements in shaping our community.

Horton is known for his strong values and generosity. His work with the Detroit Police Athletic League encouraged more kids from the city of Detroit to learn the game of baseball, with the organization doubling over the years.  

“Every kid should have the opportunity to play sports,” Horton said. “God gave me the ability to play this game. I wanted to represent all people.”

For that spirit, Horton has been a legend on and off the field, and is recognized for his incredible community impact.

“Willie Horton’s values and commitment to inspiring youth and community continue to influence us all,” said Christopher Ilitch, Chairman and CEO of Detroit Tigers. “What’s so endearing about Willie is his humble approach and his genuine love for people.  We are blessed to have a man of Willie’s stature and integrity represent the Olde English D, and it’s only fitting we celebrate him.”

On July 15, 2000, the Detroit Tigers retired Horton’s uniform number 23, and a statue in Horton’s likeness was unveiled in Comerica Park, where it stands today.

These, just a few markers of Horton’s great career, stand as a reminder of a man who put his family and community first.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has selected Little Caesars Arena as the host of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Regionals — the first-ever Regional round hosted at the award-winning arena in The District Detroit.

“We’re thrilled for Little Caesars Arena to host the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regionals,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “We look forward to showcasing the great city of Detroit to our fans and visitors, and to creating a tremendous experience for the competing student-athletes. We’d like to thank our partners at Detroit Mercy and Oakland University and the Detroit Sports Commission for their passionate commitment, and especially the NCAA for entrusting our organization to host world-class events for Detroiters and collegiate sports fans across the country.”

The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament takes place the second weekend of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, after which the winning regional champions will advance to the Final Four.

“Bringing this elite event to our guests from near and far is the epitome of our mission — to provide access to amazing entertainment and alive moments inspired by the soul of Detroit,” Howard Handler, 313 Presents President, said. “We look forward to showcasing the best in collegiate athletics at our world-class venue and creating memorable experiences for the student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

With the NCAA’s selection, metro Detroit has also been selected to host the 2023 Division I Men’s Golf Championships, the 2024 Division I Field Hockey Championship and the 2024–‘26 National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championships. Little Caesars Arena had also previously been selected and will host the 1^st and 2^nd Rounds of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and the 2022 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Al Kaline is considered one of baseball’s all-time finest hitters and defensive outfielders.

Since Kaline’s passing earlier this year, there has been an outpouring of appreciation for the legendary Hall-of-Famer. Prior to the home opener on Monday, July 27, the Detroit Tigers held a tribute to Kaline. And, during the 2020 season, in memory of his Hall-of-Fame career where he wore number 6, the team’s on-field uniform featured a “6” patch stitched on the right sleeve of every Tigers jersey.

Now Tigers fans can join in remembering Mr. Tiger himself with their own commemorative “6” jersey sleeve patch. In loving memory of Kaline, proceeds from sales will benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation to support youth baseball and softball programs in the greater Detroit community.

Patches are available, while supplies last, at Tigers.com/patch and in The D Shop at Comerica Park near the corner of Witherell and Montcalm.

Learn more about “Mr. Tiger” and his outstanding achievements on and off the field at Tigers.com.

Roy Roberts has had a distinguished career, including head of sales and marketing for General Motors; president of the Boy Scouts of America; an officer in the NAACP; and recipient of the Michigan Chronicle’s Legacy in Motion Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

Now, Roberts is turning his attention to a new endeavor: historic residential development. As one of nine partners at Bagley Development Group, Roberts is helping restore the historic former United Artists Building at 150 Bagley into new market-rate and affordable residential housing and street-level retail at 150 Bagley.

The redevelopment of the 18-story, C. Howard Crane-designed building will bring about 140 apartments to a prime location on Grand Circus Park, of which 20 percent will be affordable.

“I am happy to bring residential housing to The District Detroit, and, in so doing, creating hundreds of construction jobs while building it out and permanent jobs once it’s completed. That’s what’s turning this city around.”

Watch Mr. Roberts discuss The Residences @ 150 Bagley in the video below.

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Little Caesars Delivery Now Available on Both Little Caesars and DoorDash Apps Nationwide

Little Caesars and DoorDash announced a major expansion of their exclusive partnership, extending the availability of Little Caesars delivery to the DoorDash app and website. Little Caesars delivery, already available directly through the Little Caesars app and website in the U.S. and Canada, will now also be available on DoorDash’s third-party delivery marketplace for the first time.

“Little Caesars is committed to providing quality, convenience and value to our customers, which is why earlier this year, we partnered with DoorDash to make fast and affordable Little Caesars delivery possible through the Little Caesars app and website,” Ed Gleich, senior vice president of innovation at Little Caesars, said. “Today, we’re excited to expand our product availability to the DoorDash app so pizza lovers can have even more options for having America’s Best Value delivered right to their door.”

The news comes nearly 10 months after the two companies teamed up to offer delivery through the Little Caesars app and website for the first time in Little Caesars’ 60-year history. Little Caesars delivery has been powered by DoorDash Drive since day one, pairing DoorDash’s quick, reliable on-demand delivery with Little Caesars quality, convenience and value.

Little Caesars offers contactless options for both delivery and carry-out through the Little Caesars app and website, and now also through the DoorDash app. Little Caesars is home of the Pizza Portal®, an order pickup method where customers can scan their phones and retrieve their orders from heated compartments, making the brand the only national chain to feature this type of contactless pickup in stores across the country.

“During this unprecedented time, DoorDash’s goal has been to empower its partners to build and grow their off-premise channels, whether through their own app, in-store with pickup, or through our marketplace,” Toby Espinosa, Vice President of Business Development at DoorDash, said. “The HOT-N-READY® model was built on ease, value, and efficiency, and we’re proud to expand our exclusive partnership with Little Caesars to continue to build a lasting off-premise strategy that matches the legacy they’ve worked decades to achieve.”

Customers getting pizza delivered will experience a contactless drop-off of their order. The chain has also reinforced cleanliness and sanitization procedures, increasing the frequency of cleaning commonly touched surfaces including door handles, glass, countertops, Pizza Portal surfaces, phones, and cash registers. Pizzas are baked in 475-degree ovens and are never touched after baking.

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Fall is a beautiful time in The D, and three fun-filled, socially distanced outdoor events on Columbia Street (right next door to the Fox Theatre) are the perfect opportunities to enjoy the crisp October weather.

• The District Detroit Workouts presented by Saint Joseph Mercy Health System on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. promises sweat-inducing, high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, followed by a 40-minute yoga session led by premier local instructors. Each workout costs $5, and includes a new yoga mat for each attendee, plus a Rush Bowls gift card. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. Register today and find more information at DistrictDetroit.com/Workouts. Parking is free at the Fox Theatre Garage.

• The District Detroit Acoustic Nights presented by Jack Daniel’s on two consecutive Fridays, Oct. 9 and 16, give adults a chance to enjoy free, live acoustic music outdoors from 7-10 p.m. Some of metro Detroit’s best acoustic artists will perform. Masks are required, and seating will accommodate six-feet social distancing. Entry is free. Pre-register here for free parking at the Fox Theatre Garage.

• The District Detroit Comedy Night on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. is packed with local talent, featuring Michigan natives Pat Sievert and headliner Josh Adams for 90 minutes of laughs. Tickets cost $29.00 and are available on Ticketmaster.com.

To help keep attendees safe, temperature checks will be conducted at all events, and the completion of a health screening form is required upon entry. Learn more about all the upcoming events at DistrictDetroit.com.

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the community. Earlier this year, the foundation announced the Learn, Play, Score program. The Program, which is designed to increase hockey access for kids, is rooted in a commitment to build confidence in character, promote positive values and part enduring life skills to thousands of youth across Detroit.  

As an extension of the groundbreaking Learn, Play, Score program, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Labatt Blue are donating a total of $60,000 to three hockey rinks in the city of Detroit. The announcement was made during the Red Wings’ NHL Draft Virtual Show on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Jack Adams Memorial Arena, Clark Park and East Side Foundation Hockey Arena will each receive $20,000 to enhance programming and make facility improvements.

“We are committed to providing kids throughout Detroit with access to the game of hockey,” Kevin Brown, Red Wings director of community impact, said. “And this donation, to these rinks, all located in the city, is central to that effort.”  

Anthony Benavides, director of the Clark Park Coalition, said he’s excited to safely welcome hockey players back to the rink.

“This donation from the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Labatt will help the Clark Park Coalition engage more Detroiters in ice hockey and provide for a safe outdoor hockey experience,” Benavides said. “We are extremely grateful for this support.”

Brian Francis of the East Side Youth Sports Foundation echoed Benavides’ excitement.

“The East Side Youth Sports Foundation would like to thank the Detroit Red Wings and Labatt for donating $20,000 to be allocated for building improvements at the ESH Ice Arena in Detroit,” Francis said. “This investment will help us continue to keep our rink safe and efficient.”

Earlier this year, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, through the Learn, Play, Score initiative, caught up with Detroit Ice Dreams Hockey Association founder Jason McCrimmon and 13-year-old King Moore — just one of the Detroit kids who has flourished on the ice.

Learn, Play, Score is funded through a $1 million investment in partnership with the Red Wings, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund to grow and expand access to hockey across Detroit. Learn more at DetroitRedWings.com/LearnPlayScore.

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Serve Detroit, a City of Detroit initiative, began this year to connect willing and dedicated volunteers with meaningful ways to help Detroiters. Shawnise Brown, administrative coordinator in the Little Caesars finance department, is one such volunteer.

Through Ilitch Charities’ “I Care Colleague Engagement Program,” which connects colleagues with an array of opportunities to give back, Shawnise is working with Serve Detroit to deliver meals to Detroiters who lack access to food due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Follow Shawnise as she spreads kindness and delivers essential meals to Detroiters in the video below.

For more than 20 years, Ilitch Charities has developed programs and made significant donations to causes like Serve Detroit that uplift the community. Learn more about Serve Detroit and how you can help at DetroitMI.gov.

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