The Detroit Pistons’ last game of the season is Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, and volunteers from the North Oakland Y will be out in force, selling 50-50 raffle tickets to benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign. While the entire Metro Detroit YMCA partnered with the Pistons this year to offer Y Nights and discounted tickets, North Oakland has had a longstanding relationship with the team. The Pistons mascot, Hooper, even attended a youth basketball event last month! Because of that partnership, says Renee Pellegrini, branch campaign assistant for North Oakland, they were offered the chance to partner with the Come Together Foundation to raise money for the Annual Campaign.
Renee is looking for adult (18 years and older) volunteers to help sell the tickets on the concourse during the game. Volunteers need to arrive about 12:30 and be prepared to stay until 5:30, and should wear nice jeans and tennis shoes. A T-shirt will be provided, and parking is free if volunteers mention they are with the 50-50-raffle. Contact her at 248-370-9622 or at rpellegrini@ymcadetroit.org.
The Annual Campaign is is in the community phase now, where volunteers go out into the community and ask for their support. Fundraising has been going well, Renee says, and they should be on track to help at least the 200 people they provided with scholarships last year. The funds go to seniors, people with disabilities, financially disadvantaged families, and children so that they can enjoy all of the Y’s wonderful programming.