Detroit Pistons Foundation, Children’s Foundation of Michigan and Robinson Family Foundation Award $50,000 Grant to SAY Play’s Wellness Program
Fan-supported “Halftime Message” initiative raises $40,000 with additional $10,000 contribution from Pistons guard Duncan Robinson’s Robinson Family Foundation
The Detroit Pistons Foundation, Children’s Foundation of Michigan and the Robinson Family Foundation (RFF) today announced a $50,000 grant to SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL Program, supporting youth mental health and wellness initiatives in the city of Detroit.
Through the Detroit Pistons and Children’s Foundation of Michigan partnership, the organizations raised more than $40,000 during the last two seasons through the Pistons’ Halftime Message project, which allows fans to donate funds to display birthday wishes, anniversaries, graduation messages or marriage proposals on the video board during Pistons’ home games.
“This initiative is a powerful example of how our fans and partners can come together to make a meaningful difference,” said Rob Croll, SVP of Corporate Partnerships & Engagement. “Through our partnership with the Children’s Foundation of Michigan and the generosity of Duncan Robinson and the Robinson Family Foundation, we’re proud to support SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL program and help provide critical mental health resources for young people across our community.”
This a special place you guys have built here, I could tell that by walking through the doors.
Duncan Robinson
Children’s Foundation of Michigan added:
“We are proud to partner with the Detroit Pistons Foundation and the Robinson Family Foundation to support SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL Program and advance youth mental health in Detroit,” said Andrew Stein, President & CEO at the Children’s Foundation of Michigan. “At the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, we believe every child deserves to thrive and that partnership is the path to progress. Together, we are expanding access to support and strengthening the well-being of children and families in our community.”
Pistons guard Duncan Robinson further supported the initiative with a $10,000 contribution through the Robinson Family Foundation, bringing the total grant to $50,000. Robinson joined the LiveWELL Program this afternoon to take part in mental health sessions and share his story around mental health and his ongoing work to advance mental health awareness and support community-based wellness programs through the RFF.
“I think it’s incredible that mental health is being talked about more through programs like LiveWELL. I’ve witnessed firsthand how important and complex mental health is and I feel honored to connect with SAY and the city of Detroit through these initiatives. Our goal is to continue to share the message that my brother Eli so proudly communicated — there is strength and connection in the struggle. “
The funds will benefit SAY Detroit’s LiveWELL Program at the SAY Detroit Play Center at Lipke Park, an after-school youth development program serving 150 students ages 8–18. The LiveWELL initiative prioritizes mental health and wellness by helping students develop critical life skills, build resilience and adopt healthy behaviors in a supportive environment.
“We’ve been grateful partners with the Detroit Pistons Foundation since shortly after we opened the doors at the SAY Play Center in the fall of 2015,’’ said Mitch Albom, SAY Detroit founder. “We’re overjoyed that Duncan and the Robinson Family Foundation are moved by the work of our youth wellness programming to support it with a generous grant, and we commend the Children’s Foundation of Michigan for its commitment to improve the physical and mental health of children in Michigan – and at SAY Play.’’
Weekly LiveWELL sessions are led by a team of social work and counseling professionals who facilitate project-based group programming focused on mindfulness, emotional awareness and restorative practices. The program also incorporates daily interventions designed to help students navigate challenges while fostering a culture centered on well-being.
Follow the story:
CBS Detroit:
- Pistons’ Duncan Robinson donates to SAY Detroit Play Center LiveWELL Program
- Pistons guard Duncan Robinson talks giving back to kids in Detroit community
MLive: Pistons, ex-Michigan guard announce $50,000 grant to youth mental health initiative
WDIV
- Pistons’ Duncan Robinson shares personal story while supporting Detroit youth mental health
- Pistons SG Duncan Robinson talks teaming up with SAY Detroit to expand youth wellness program
WJR: Pistons’ Star Duncan Robinson Teams Up with WJR’s Mitch Albom for $50,000 SAY Detroit Donation
