Lloyd Carr And George Perles Headline VIP Mentoring's Coaches For Kids Maize 'N' Green Tailgate Fundraising Event At Ford Field Thursday, October 18, 2012 Beginning At 5:30pm

DETROIT, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Former University of Michigan head football coach Lloyd Carr and former Michigan State University head football coach George Perles will speak about the importance of coaching and mentoring youth at the Coaches for Kids Maize 'N' Green Tailgate benefitting VIP Mentoring at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, October 18, 2012 beginning at 5:30pm. The event will also include performances by the Michigan State University Marching Band and the University of Michigan Fanfare Marching Band. While the event is sold-out, some individual tickets may become available (go to www.vipmentoring.org if interested).

The event will celebrate the significance of mentoring and coaching youth with a rally to guests regarding the VIP Mentoring mission and vision. Tours of Ford Field, entertainment by The Carr Center Jazz Ensemble, live and silent auctions, as well as other friendly activities between the "maize" and "green " guests will also take place.

"Once we were aware that Lloyd Carr and George Perles would be supporting our event, we knew a maize 'n' green tailgate celebration was the perfect way to recognize and honor them," said VIP Mentoring President and CEO Jerry Dash. "Both former coaches have a wealth of experience in mentoring young people, so they are ideal spokespersons for our nonprofit's mission. "

The event is sponsored by Lear Corporation and by other businesses. The Little Caesars Pizza Bowl has also committed as a platform for VIP Mentoring's 2012 fundraising and mentoring efforts, and has helped to make this event possible.

Event Timeline:

5:30 pm Registration, Silent Auction Open, Cocktails, Entertainment

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Strolling Tailgate Dinner

7:20 pm – 8:30 pm Speaking Program including George Perles and Lloyd Carr and Live Auction

8:30 pm – 9:00 pm Michigan State University Marching Band and University of Michigan Fanfare Marching Band

9:00 pm Ford Field Tours

Ford Field: Enter through Gate G located on St. Antoine Street. Complimentary valet parking is available.

VIP Mentoring's vision is to create and support long-term mentoring relationships for youth who are statistically vulnerable for school failure and involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems, which result in youth feeling connected to and of value to their community, youth who attach importance to education, and youth who as adults value the power of mentoring to the point of engaging, donating, and volunteering themselves.

Neither VIP Mentoring nor the "Coaches for Kids Maize 'N' Green Tailgate" event are affiliated with or endorsed by either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University.

SOURCE Lear Corporation