Ilitch Charities Continues Tradition of Giving Back to Impactful Community Organizations
September 2, 2023
As part of the Ilitch organization’s long-standing dedication of giving back to communities in which it serves around the world, Ilitch Charities and its affiliated charitable foundations recently hosted a weekend of events benefiting organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of many.
On August 24, the Detroit Tigers Foundation held its Keeping Kids in the Game fundraising event at Comerica Park. Focusing on youth health, sports and education, the event benefited Make-A-Wish, providing positive life-changing experiences to local critically ill youth, and the Miguel Cabrera Foundation, which, among other things, promotes recreational baseball and softball to children between 6 and 10 years of age.
A celebration to thank the individuals and organizations who donate their time and efforts to continue moving the community forward took place on Saturday, August 26. Guests mingled throughout the pedestrian-friendly Columbia Street and the historic Fox Theatre, sampling food from area restaurants, enjoying live entertainment, participating in a silent auction benefitting Ilitch Charities, and more. The weekend’s activities wrapped up on August 28, with the 15th Annual Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic, Ilitch Charities’ largest annual fundraiser at Oakland Hills Country Club – which, founded in 1916, has played a significant role in the history of golf in the United States.
These annual events raise funds for vital community programs. This year’s charitable gift recipients were announced during a community celebration in the Grand Lobby of the Fox Theatre. Ilitch Charities donated $100,000 each to three organizations making a positive difference.
This year’s awardees were:
“We remain dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we serve,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies and Chairman, Ilitch Charities. “Through our charities, foundations, volunteerism and impactful programs, we are honored to support hundreds of organizations working to make our cities and towns stronger.”
Over the years, more than $250 million and thousands of volunteer hours have been donated to worthy causes by the Ilitch Companies, Ilitch Charites, and its affiliates and owners.
Ilitch Charities Gives Back Through 14th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic and Community Celebration
August 28, 2023
The 14th Annual Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic took place on Monday, August 22 at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills. The outing is the organization’s largest charitable event, raising funds for vital community programs. This year’s donations were revealed on Saturday, August 20 at the first-ever Detroit Sports + Entertainment Community Celebration, held in The District Detroit on Columbia Street and at the historic Fox Theatre.
Ilitch Charities invests in our community’s future by working to make it a better place for all, which is made possible by support from generous sponsors, celebrity guests, partners and contributions from Ilitch companies and colleagues. The Detroit Sports + Entertainment Community Celebration was a chance to honor and thank all of those who have donated their time and efforts throughout the year to move our community forward.
During the event at the Fox Theatre, Chris Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., presented Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and Downtown Boxing Gym with a donation of $100,000 each. Ilitch Charities is proud to have longstanding relationships with these worthy charitable organizations that each make a significant and lasting impact on the community.
“We cannot run this program without the help of our philanthropic investors.” said Terri Weems, President of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, the non-profit fiduciary for Detroit at Work, which hosts Grow Detroit’s Young Talent. This signature program employees over 8,000 Detroit youth between the ages of 18-24 for a six-week summer employment opportunity each year. “The overwhelming majority of donations end up with the youth to pay wages for the six weeks they are employed. This donation from Ilitch Charities will go to support at least 50 Detroit youth in the summer of 2023.”
For over half a century, the Wright Museum has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. The Ilitch companies have maintained a longstanding relationship with the Wright Museum through support of programs that celebrate this history in Detroit. “This contribution is significant to us because it shows that Ilitch Charities appreciates the work that we do, and they understand the asset we are to Detroit. It’s an important gift that they have made to us, and we are deeply appreciative, particularly from a company that is also such a vital part of what Detroit is.” said Neil Barclay, President and CEO of The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
With a mission to “train kids for life,” the Downtown Boxing Gym provides a free after-school academic and athletic program to students ages 8-18, with continuing mentorship and support through age 25. “This program is a launching pad for the future. These kids are truly our future and will be the next rocket scientists and engineers.” said Khali Sweeney, Founder and President of Detroit Boxing Gym. “It is incredible to have corporate sponsors like Ilitch Charities supportive of our mission, and we are forever grateful for that.”
Amanda Vought Named Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Vice President, Guest Strategy
August 23, 2023
Amanda Vought, who has spent the past six years designing and implementing processes to enhance the guest and colleague experience at venues managed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E), has been promoted to Vice President of Guest Strategy.
Vought was hired as IS+E’s Guest Experience Designer in 2017 and has earned three promotions throughout her tenure with the organization. She was also named Manager of Guest Strategy & Analytics in 2020, before being promoted to Director of Guest Strategy & Analytics in 2021.
In her new role, Vought will identify and measure strategies to elevate the guest and colleague experience at Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. She will also serve as IS+E’s primary liaison to all food and beverage partners across all Ilitch-managed venues.
Vought will apply feedback, data and metrics from guest and colleague experience surveys to formulate short – and long-term strategies and develop training programs for event colleagues and other guest-facing departments. She will continue to be the organization’s primary liaison to KultureCity, which named Little Caesars Arena the 2021 Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year.
“Amanda is well-deserving of this promotion to our senior leadership team, and we’re very happy for her,” said Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “She is passionate about elevating the guest and colleague experience and brings a data-driven approach to those strategies. Providing a tremendous guest experience at all of our venues is at the top of our priority list, and Amanda is the right person to lead those efforts.”
Prior to her current tenure at IS+E, Vought worked in training roles at Hard Rock Park (2008) in Myrtle Beach, S.C., International Theme Park Services (2008-10) in Cincinnati, Six Flags America (2010-13) in Largo, Md., and Sears (2014-16) and London Square (2016-17) in metro Detroit.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this promotion and am thankful to Tim Padgett and Ryan Gustafson for the opportunity,” Vought said. “Metro Detroit is an incredible area for sports and entertainment, and our guests and colleagues bring passionate energy to our venues all year long. I look forward to continuing to serve them and enhancing their experience.”
Vought, born and raised in nearby St. Clair Shores, Mich., earned her bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communication from Michigan State University in 2005.
Detroit Red Wings Re-Sign Joe Veleno to One-Year Contract
August 21, 2023
The Detroit Red Wings today re-signed center Joe Veleno to a one-year contract with an average annual value of $825,000.
Veleno, 23, spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Red Wings and set career highs in games played (81), goals (9), assists (11), points (20), penalty minutes (30), shots (85), hits (152) and blocks (44). The 6-foot-1, 203-pound forward split the 2021-22 campaign between the Red Wings and American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, recording 15 points (8-7-15) and 22 penalty minutes in 66 games with the Red Wings, in addition to 10 points (6-4-10) and four penalty minutes in 11 appearances for the Griffins. Veleno began the 2020-21 season with the Swedish Hockey League’s Malmo Redhawks, notching 20 points (11-9-20) and 20 penalty minutes in 46 games before netting one goal (1-0-1) in five games with Detroit and three points (1-2-3) in four games with the Griffins. Originally selected by the Red Wings in the first round (30th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Veleno has totaled 36 points (18-18-36) and 56 penalty minutes in 152 NHL games since 2020-21. He has also collected 36 points (18-18-36) and 26 penalty minutes in 69 games with Grand Rapids.
Prior to turning professional, Veleno played four seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs and Drummondville Voltigeurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2015-19, racking up 266 points (90-176-266), a plus-82 rating and 106 penalty minutes in 230 games, along with 46 points (27-19-46) and 34 penalty minutes in 61 postseason matchups. In 2018-19, Veleno was selected to the QMJHL First All-Star Team after ranking fourth in the league with 104 points (42-62-104) in 59 regular-season games with Drummondville. Veleno helped Saint John win a QMJHL championship in 2016-17, notching 40 points (13-27-40) and 18 penalty minutes in 45 regular-season games before collecting 11 points (8-3-11) and 14 penalty minutes in 18 playoff contests. A native of Kirkland, Quebec, Veleno became the first Quebec-born prospect to be granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada in 2015. On the international stage, Veleno was a member of Canada’s gold-medal entry at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, tallying five points (2-3-5) in five games. He also represented his country at back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships in 2019 and 2020, earning a gold medal at the 2020 tournament. Additionally, Veleno dished out three assists in four appearances at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and captained Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Pete Soto Named Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Vice President, Game Presentation and Fan Experience
August 21, 2023
Pete Soto, who has spent more than 25 years leading game presentation, event planning and video production initiatives across professional sports, has been named the Vice President of Game Presentation and Fan Experience for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E).
In his new role, Soto will direct the fan experience for the Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park. Soto will oversee game presentation and live event experience elements at both venues, and his direct reports will include the game presentation, promotions and special events team at the Tigers, and the game presentation team at the Red Wings. Soto reports directly to IS+E Chief Marketing Officer Alexis Lee.
Soto has spent more than 25 years working for teams across MLB, the NHL and NFL, producing and innovating groundbreaking in-game experiences for fans of the Los Angeles Chargers (2019-23), Atlanta Falcons (2014-19), Florida Panthers (2011-14), Carolina Hurricanes (1998-2011) and Miami Marlins (1993-98).
“We are very excited to welcome Pete Soto to Detroit and our organization,” said Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “Providing a best-in-class fan experience at our venues remains at the top of our priority list, and Pete brings nearly three decades of expertise in providing immersive experiences for guests across sports and entertainment. We look forward to the energy and engagement that Pete and his team will bring to Tigers and Red Wings fans on game days.”
Throughout Soto’s career, he has helped produce game presentation and digital experiences for nine Super Bowls, three Stanley Cup Finals, three Olympic Games, the 1997 World Series and much more. He has received five championship rings.
“I’m thrilled to join Ilitch Sports and Entertainment at such an exciting time for the organization,” Soto said. “The Tigers and Red Wings are iconic brands, and Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena are world-class venues, located within steps of each other in the heart of The District Detroit. I’m looking forward to helping create unforgettable experiences and memories for our fans.”
The District Detroit Opportunity Center Now Open to Assist Detroiters Seeking Jobs, Training or Affordable Housing
August 21, 2023
Today, August 9, marks the grand opening of The District Detroit Opportunity Center. Located at 2277 Woodward Avenue and accessible via public transportation, the center aims to connect Detroit’s current and future residents with various services, including jobs, workforce training and housing. The District Detroit Opportunity Center is part of the Community Benefits Agreement that was created between Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies and the Neighborhood Advisory Council as part of the 10 new and restored building developments planned in The District Detroit.
Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan, said: “The District Detroit Opportunity Center is a tangible example of our shared commitment to improving the lives of Detroiters by working with various partners in bringing jobs and opportunities to our community. We encourage anyone who is seeking a job, job training or housing assistance to come by or reach out by phone or email.”
Participating state and local partners helping connect people with services include American Interiors, the City of Detroit, Detroit Home Connect, Detroit at Work, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Little Caesars, Michigan Secretary of State, MillerKnoll, Wayne County Community College District and the Workforce Development Institute.
“Through our partnership with The District Detroit, we are providing clear pathways for youth and adults to build careers in real estate, construction management, and/or the skilled trades,” said Dana L. Williams, Chief Strategy Officer of Detroit at Work. “With the employment and educational experiences designed, Detroiters can work onsite at construction sites with our union partners through the Fast Track program, Detroit youth can gain knowledge about working in this field, and all eligible Detroiter participants can take advantage of the barrier removal services the Detroit at Work system provides, maximizing the untapped talent we all know is here.”
“The District Detroit Opportunity Center is an important tool to help us reach our resident employment and business participation goals,” said Yanet Garcia, Vice President of Construction at Related. “We are and will continue to work hard to ensure that Detroiters are participating and benefiting from our real estate development projects in The District Detroit.”
Pre-development work continues for the planned 10 new and restored buildings in The District Detroit. The first Contractor Fair was held in June and bid packages and construction permits are under development. Inclusive development in The District Detroit will positively impact the city, state and region and includes thousands of jobs and much needed affordable housing along with other community benefits agreed to through a robust community engagement process.
In addition to The District Detroit Opportunity Center, Olympia Development and Related hosted their first community input design charettes and contributed to Detroit’s Affordable Housing Fund.
Current hours of operation for The District Detroit Opportunity Center are Monday through Thursday 10am to 2pm or by appointment. For more information call 313-471-3045, email info@TheDistrictDetroitOC.com or visit TheDistrictDetroitOC.com.
New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers to Play in Williamsport at the “MLB Little League Classic” on Sunday, August 18, 2024
August 20, 2023
The New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers will compete in the 2024 “MLB Little League Classic,” in Williamsport, Pa., as announced by Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. today during the Little League World Series on ABC. The game, which will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024 and serve as a home contest for the Detroit Tigers, will air nationally that evening exclusively on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The special event, hosted in connection with the Little League Baseball World Series, also will be available on ESPN Radio, the ESPN App and ESPN Deportes.
As is tradition for this annual occasion, Major Leaguers from both the Yankees and Tigers will attend Little League World Series games earlier in the day on August 18th, demonstrating their commitment to helping grow the game at the youth level and engage with young fans. Later that evening, Little League World Series players and their families will fill Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field for the Little League Classic game.
The Little League Classic was launched in August 2017 between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals. The inaugural event was followed by the Philadelphia Phillies hosting the New York Mets in 2018, the Pirates returning to face the Chicago Cubs in 2019, the Cleveland Guardians facing the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox in 2022, and the Washington Nationals hosting the returning Philadelphia Phillies in this year’s event.
The Little League Baseball® World Series is an international championship tournament for children, ages 10- 12, held annually in Williamsport, the headquarters for Little League International. Countries from around the world compete on a global stage each year, with games airing on ESPN, ABC and streamed via the ESPN App. Little League International expanded the pool of teams in 2022, increasing it to 20 total teams.
Detroit Red Wings Announce Promotional Calendar and Fan Giveaways for 2023-24 Season
August 16, 2023
The Detroit Red Wings today announced the promotional calendar and exciting fan giveaway items for the highly-anticipated 2023-24 season. With single-game tickets and 10-game plans currently available, Red Wings fans are encouraged to visit DetroitRedWings.com/tickets to secure their seats now.
The Red Wings will host 18 weekend home games. Marquee matchups include Opening Night (Oct. 14 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning), the debut of Sweden Night (Nov. 9 vs. Montreal Canadiens), Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 22 vs. New Jersey Devils), Kids Day (Nov. 26 vs. Minnesota Wild), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31 vs. Boston Bruins), Fan Appreciation Night (April 15 vs. Montreal Canadiens) and much more.
Mike Vernon Hockey Hall of Fame Night will be celebrated at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 9 vs. the Ottawa Senators. Vernon, who received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs during the Red Wings’ 1997 Stanley Cup run, will return to Detroit and be honored as part of the celebration.
The Red Wings will also introduce three “Hockeytown Heritage” Nights on Dec. 14 against the Carolina Hurricanes, Jan. 25 vs. the Philadelphia Flyers, and Feb. 22 against the Colorado Avalanche. Hockeytown Heritage Nights will celebrate the iconic championship eras of Red Wings hockey, and in 2023-24, will feature special Stick Case giveaways for Dominik Hasek, Sergei Fedorov and Darren McCarty.
Four Bobblehead Nights this season will feature four-time Stanley Cup champion Tomas Holmstrom (Nov. 9 vs. Montreal Canadiens), Jake Walman (Jan. 21 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning), recent acquisition Alex DeBrincat (March 2 vs. Florida Panthers) and Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan (March 16 vs. Buffalo Sabres), who captured three Stanley Cup championships with the Red Wings.
Popular ticket packages will return to Hockeytown this coming season including Star Wars Night on Oct. 26 against the Winnipeg Jets, the fan-favorite “Love Your Melon” beanie returns on Nov. 9 vs. Montreal and Nov. 30 for the annual “Hockey Fights Cancer” game, and Tigers Night – featuring a co-branded Red Wings/Tigers hat giveaway – on April 5 vs. the New York Rangers.
As part of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative, Pride Night will return to Little Caesars Arena on Jan. 31 against the Ottawa Senators, Black History Night will be held on Feb. 24 vs. the St. Louis Blues, and Women’s History Night will be hosted on March 14 vs. the Arizona Coyotes.
The 2023-24 season promotional calendar, including Theme Nights, fan giveaway items and group ticket specials, is as follows. Fans interested in group ticket packages can contact the Red Wings group sales team at 313-471-7575 or visit the Group Tickets page on DetroitRedWings.com.
Red Wings Promotional and Giveaway Calendar
Oct. 14 vs. Tampa Bay – Opening Night Rally Towel Giveaway (presented by Coke Zero Sugar and Meijer)
Oct. 18 vs. Pittsburgh – Magnet Schedule Giveaway (presented by Belle Tire)
Oct. 26 vs. Winnipeg – Star Wars Night
Nov. 9 vs. Montreal – Sweden Night Tomas Holmstrom Bobblehead Giveaway Night (presented by Huntington Bank)
Nov. 11 vs. Columbus – Military Appreciation Night Camo Hat Giveaway (presented by Chevrolet)
Nov. 22 vs. New Jersey – Thanksgiving Eve Zamboni Gravy Boat Giveaway (presented by Meijer)
Nov. 26 vs. Minnesota – Knit Hat Giveaway (presented by National Coney Island)
Nov. 30 vs. Chicago – Hockey Fights Cancer Night (presented by Comerica Bank)
Dec. 7 vs. San Jose – Hometown Heroes Night First Responders Patch Giveaway
Dec. 9 vs. Ottawa – Mike Vernon Hockey Hall of Fame Night & Mini Mike Vernon Goalie Mask Giveaway
Dec. 14 vs. Carolina – Hockeytown Heritage Night Dominik Hasek Stick Case Giveaway (presented by Coke Zero Sugar)
Dec. 22 vs. Philadelphia – Happy Holidays Night Ugly Sweater T-Shirt Giveaway (presented by MotorCity Casino Hotel)
Dec. 31 vs. Boston – New Year’s Eve (presented by Planet Fitness)
Jan. 11 vs. Edmonton – Mo’ Flow Grow a Hair Giveaway (presented by DMC)
Jan. 21 vs. Tampa Bay – Jake Walman Bobblehead Giveaway (presented by Little Caesars)
Jan. 25 vs. Philadelphia – Hockeytown Heritage Night Sergei Fedorov Stick Case Giveaway (presented by Coke Zero Sugar)
Feb. 10 vs. Vancouver – Kids Day
Feb. 22 vs. Colorado – Hockeytown Heritage Night Darren McCarty Stick Case Giveaway (presented by Coke Zero Sugar)
March 2 vs. Florida – Alex DeBrincat Bobblehead Giveaway (presented by Comerica Bank)
March 16 vs. Buffalo – St. Patrick’s Day Brendan Shanahan Bobblehead Giveaway
April 5 vs. New York Rangers – Tigers Night Dual-Branded Hat Giveaway (presented by MotorCity Casino Hotel)
April 15 vs. Montreal – Fan Appreciation Night (presented by Coke Zero Sugar and Meijer)
10-Game Plans Now Available
The Red Wings recently announced a trio of 10-Game Plans for the 2023-24 season, presented by Coke Zero Sugar. The Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve and Fan Appreciation Plans start at just $47 per game and include Original Six matchups, rivalry nights and Atlantic Division clashes, allowing fans to select the plan that works best with their schedule. Visit DetroitRedWings.com/10GamePlans to learn more and choose your plan today.
2023-24 Winged Wheel Nation Season Ticket Memberships
Winged Wheel Nation is the Detroit Red Wings Season Ticket Membership Program. Designed with your unique needs and interests in mind, Winged Wheel Nation membership offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences, and exclusive benefits for the Red Wings’ most loyal fans on a year-round basis.
All members enjoy year-round benefits, including access to a flexible payment plan, a ticket exchange program, invitations to VIP events and much more. You can choose from multiple membership types tailored to your schedule and fandom. Learn more about becoming a member by clicking HERE or by calling the Red Wings’ Ticket Sales & Service Office at 313-471-7575.
Tickets, Fan Travel Packages Available for NHL Global Series in Sweden
The Red Wings will join the Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs for four regular-season games at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden as part of the 2023 NHL Global Series. Detroit will face off against Atlantic Division foe Ottawa on Thursday, Nov. 16, before a rivalry clash against Toronto on Friday, Nov. 17. After the Senators take on the Wild on Saturday, Nov. 18, the Maple Leafs will play Minnesota on Sunday, Nov. 19.
Red Wings fans can inquire here about fan travel options, including packages that include airfare, hotel accommodations, tickets to both Red Wings games, ground transportation, sightseeing, select meals and more.
313 Presents Announces The Launch of “Hello, Pine Knob” Podcast and Releases First Three Episodes
August 15, 2023
313 Presents, Detroit’s premiere live entertainment company, is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new, limited run podcast “Hello, Pine Knob.” In honor of Pine Knob Music Theatre’s historic 50th anniversary this summer, the miniseries will release weekly episodes offering interviews, insights, and guided conversations focusing on the venue’s legendary history, music and memories.
In partnership with Audacy, “Hello, Pine Knob” is hosted by award-winning Detroit area music and entertainment journalist Gary Graff, who was also the editorial director of Pine Knob’s 50th anniversary photo exhibit housed at the venue’s West entrance. The first three episodes include fan memories of the very first Pine Knob concert — by David Cassidy on June 25, 1972 — a discussion about the return of the Pine Knob name with 313 Presents President Howard Handler and an interview with Chicago, which has played at Pine Knob 82 times, more than any other act.
Pine Knob Music Theatre opened its doors in 1972, immediately establishing itself as a trend-setting, 13.5-acre music mecca in northern Oakland County that would usher in a new era in popular culture. The largest amphitheater of its kind at the time, Pine Knob became a home for all forms of music, from rock and pop to R&B, jazz and country and, later, hip-hop and EDM, along with family shows and special attractions in the parking lot areas. It’s become a legendary stop on any act’s touring itinerary and a launch pad for some of the most historic music festivals. Pine Knob has hosted more than 3,100 events during its first 50 years and was named the world’s top amphitheater by Pollstar in 2019. As we begin the next 50 years, join us each episode as we celebrate its renowned legacy through nostalgia, stories, and shares.
Listen to the latest episodes of “Hello, Pine Knob” at 313Presents.com or on any device by downloading the free Audacy app.
Pine Knob Music Theatre is presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally.