The state of Michigan is obviously in dire financial straits. The economic depression is hitting crisis mode for many Michigan communities.
Mateen Cleaves, an icon in the whole state, but especially in the communities of East Lansing, Flint and Detroit is leading a charge to help. This holiday season the state’s sports, business and entertainment communities have joined forces to launch the Mateen Cleaves “1 Goal, 1 Passion: Hope for the Holidays” campaign to bring holiday cheer to over 1,000 struggling Michigan families.
Buoyed by a partnership with Fox sports Detroit, and supported by the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Fathead, and numerous partners, the Mateen Cleaves 1 Goal, 1 Passion: Hope for the Holiday project seeks to bring relief to families hard hit by the economic crisis in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Flint and Detroit.
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“We are Michigan and this is our community,” said Mateen Cleaves a Flint native, Fox Sports Detroit, Sirius XM Radio and CBS Sports Analyst. “1 in 4 families throughout the state are living paycheck to paycheck, children are going hungry, and jobs are scarce. With the collective efforts of our top sports and business organizations, we hope to make a positive impact and bring some relief and joy to Michigan households during this holiday season.”
Working with non-profit partners the United Way, Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Clubs, selected families will receive a holiday package that includes payment of their utility bills including electric, gas and water; meals, toys and gifts for family members, plus access to financial counseling, healthcare assistance, and saving & budget development. Some of the Mateen Cleaves events coming up:
- Flint:1 Goal 1 Passion Celebrity Bowling Tournament & Raffle; Saturday, November 16
- Lansing: 1 Goal 1 Passion Tailgate at Michigan State University vs. Minnesota Football game; Saturday, November 30, 2013
- Detroit: 1 Goal 1 Passion Holiday Party, Musical Performance & Silent Auction; Friday, December 6, 2013
In addition to the professional Michigan-based sports teams, and the efforts of Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State University’s Coach Tom Izzo, Fox Sports Detroit/Pistons’ Announcer George Blaha, and Detroit Piston Chauncey Billups have lent their voice and support to a special Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign for the initiative.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also an analyst for multiple news talk radio stations across the country; with regular weekly segments on NBC and Fox Sports Radio. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks) and RSS Catch him Tuesdays talking Illini and Northwestern for KOZN 1620 The Zone, Fridays talking Chicago Bears for WAOR 95.7 The Fan