The 2014 Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Raises More Than $500,000 Net For Detroit PAL

DETROIT, Aug. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 11th Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic on Monday, August 11 raised more than $500,000 in net proceeds for Detroit PAL.  It brings the total amount raised from the event to more than $4.5M net over the last 11 years.

The event, held at the historic Detroit Golf Club, is considered one of the most productive charity golf events in Michigan.  The sold-out event is spearheaded by Paul W. Smith, host of "The Paul W. Smith Show," on News/Talk 760 WJR and is designed to support the athletic, academic and leadership programs of Detroit PAL. The event is the largest fundraiser for Detroit PAL, raising funds to support more than 20 percent of Detroit PAL's annual budget.

"As we start the second decade of the event, the enthusiasm within the corporate community has not waned," Paul W. Smith said. "Our sponsors and supporters recognize the growing need for the work Detroit PAL does championing the needs of the children.  And they want to be a part of that work.  Thanks to their commitment and generosity 11,000 kids each year are enriched through Detroit PAL programs. "

Attending the event were many who have benefited from Detroit PAL's athletic and leadership programs including the Detroit PAL cheer team; former Miami Heat's Shane Battier who played sports with Detroit PAL for three years as a youngster; and Detroit PAL's Youth of the Year, Roy Ridgle, who shared his Detroit PAL experiences at the afternoon reception. Also in attendance were City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and nearly 250 corporate and community representatives.

Proceeds from the event included donations from Paul's PALs where a minimum $100 donation makes possible the participation of at least two young people in Detroit PAL programs.  This year, two couples, Dan and Karin Akerson and Alan and Nicki Mulally, were awarded Honorary Lifetime Paul's PALs Memberships for their continuous personal and corporate support.  Detroit PAL CEO Tim Richey announced at the event that 100 percent of Detroit PAL's Board of Directors had participated in Paul's PALs for the second year.  Donations can still be made to Paul's PALs online at http://www.paulwsmithgolf.com.

Title Sponsor for the 2014 event 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.

Additional sponsors included Official Golf Equipment: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations; Official Airline: Delta Air Lines; Golf Cart: Meijer; Driving Range and "Lunch on Lear" sponsored by Lear Corporation; Registration: The Diez Group/Delaco Kenwal Steel; and Clubhouse: The Suburban Collection.

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 eleventh year, the tournament has raised more than $4.5M 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 is a nonprofit organization positively impacting the lives of more than 11,000 children each year through athletic, academic and leadership development programs.  With roots dating back to 1970, Detroit PAL empowers the community by training volunteer coaches and creating safe places for kids to play. Each year, Detroit PAL teaches nearly 1,500 caring community members how to be encouraging and effective mentors. Detroit PAL strives to create positive, energetic, and safe experiences for young people. These experiences will help them grow into responsible citizens who appreciate the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle, and the importance of giving back to the community. Visit www.detroitpal.org.

SOURCE Paul W. Smith Golf Classic