The 2013 Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Announces $530,000 Net Funds Raised For Detroit PAL

DETROIT, Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tenth Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic on Monday August 12 raised a total of $530,000 in net proceeds for Detroit PAL.  It is the largest amount raised to date for the event.

Supporting the young people served by Detroit PAL, the event is spearheaded by Paul W. Smith, host of "The Paul W. Smith Show," on News/Talk 760 WJR. The event annually raises more than 20 percent of Detroit PAL's annual budget.

Each year, funds raised through the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic have exceeded the previous year's proceeds. Even during times of economic struggle in Detroit, the corporate and community leaders of the city and region have supported Detroit PAL.

"When we conceived this event a decade ago, we certainly did not imagine raising more than $4 M net in such a short period of time," Paul W. Smith said. "As the needs of Detroit's youth grow each year, we have been fortunate to also grow each year to better respond to those needs. This is due to the incredible and important support of our valued and generous loyal sponsors and committed volunteers.  I salute and thank all who continue to champion the needs of our children in all ways, especially through the great work of Detroit PAL."

Many of those who have benefited from the athletic and leadership programs from Detroit PAL were at the event, including cheerleaders who performed at the reception and Rashad Williams, recipient of the Detroit PAL Youth Ambassador Award.  This marked the start of a new tournament tradition when the 13 year-old Williams of Detroit detailed his experiences with Detroit PAL at the afternoon reception.

The State of Michigan presented a tribute for the tenth annual event. In it, Governor Rick Snyder acknowledged the importance of the event and the impact of Detroit PAL's programs on the citizens of Detroit.

Detroit PAL CEO Tim Richey announced at the event that 100 percent of Detroit's PAL's Board of Directors had participated in Paul's PALs, the newest fundraising component of the event.  In doing so their total contributions were matched by another board member. Paul's PALs started at a minimum of $100 donation which makes it possible for at least two young people to participate in Detroit PAL programs.  Paul's PALs raised an additional $12,000 net.

The Title Sponsor of the event for the tenth consecutive year was News/Talk 760 WJR. Presenting Sponsors included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Chrysler Foundation, Compuware Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Other sponsors returning for ten years included Absopure Bottling Company, Aisin World Corp. of America, Delta Air Lines, edmund t. AHEE jewelers, Lear Corporation, PCGCampbell, Starfire Investment Advisors, and Star Lincoln.

A complete list of sponsors is available at www.paulwsmithgolf.com.

About The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic is the single largest annual fundraiser for Detroit PAL. Now celebrating its tenth year, the tournament has raised more than $4M net since 2004. Since the tournament's inception, Paul W. Smith, legendary radio personality and talk show host from News/Talk 760 WJR, has championed the event, serving as a dedicated event chair and sponsor solicitor. Corporate and community support includes Title Sponsor News/Talk 760 WJR, and Presenting Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Chrysler Foundation, Compuware Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Toyota Motor Sales., U.S.A., Inc. For more information, and to view a complete list of sponsors, visit www.paulwsmithgolf.com.

About Detroit PAL

Detroit PAL impacts the lives of nearly 10,000 children each year through athletic and leadership development programs. With roots dating back to 1970, the mission of Detroit PAL is to build character in young people. Detroit PAL offers 11 sports programs for youth ages 4 to 19.

SOURCE Paul W. Smith Golf Classic