2012 Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Raises $520,000 For Think Detroit PAL

DETROIT, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 9^th Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic concluded yesterday evening at the historic Detroit Golf Club, raising $520,000 – a record high – to benefit Think Detroit PAL.  Local business and community leaders joined together with title sponsor News/Talk 760 WJR and Presenting Sponsors Ford Motor Company, Compuware Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, General Motors Co., The Chrysler Foundation and Ambassador Bridge for this annual fundraiser that supports the youth of Detroit.

"Sponsors are providing the opportunity for these kids to have officials, clean fields, new uniforms and equipment and the ability to participate like they should – like they deserve to participate – in the city," said Tim Richey, CEO of Think Detroit PAL.  "I guarantee you that an investment in Think Detroit PAL is absolutely an investment in the community, the young people and the future."

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser benefiting Think Detroit PAL, and has raised over $3.5 million in net funds since the inaugural event in 2004. The tournament connects Detroit area corporations with the largest nonprofit youth organization in the city. 

Think Detroit PAL provides athletic and leadership development programming for over 10,000 youth in Detroit, utilizing nearly 1,500 trained and dedicated volunteers to act as coaches and mentors for the youth they serve.  Think Detroit PAL aims to build character and instill the values of teamwork, perseverance and integrity, allowing those in their programs to grow into productive members of society.

Visit the tournament website to view photos from yesterday's tournament, and check back soon for information about sponsoring the 10^th Annual event, at paulwsmithgolf.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About Think Detroit PAL

Think Detroit PAL is a non-profit organization positively impacting the lives of nearly 10,000 children each year through athletic and leadership development programs. Formed through a merger of Think Detroit and the Detroit Police Athletic League in 2006, Think Detroit PAL has roots dating back to 1970.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company