The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Helps Think Detroit PAL Create Success Stories

DETROIT, June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The eighth annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic, benefitting Think Detroit PAL, is scheduled for Monday, August 15 at Detroit Golf Club.  Over the past seven years the tournament has netted nearly $2.5 million to benefit more than 10,000 girls and boys in Detroit.

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic is a vital contributor to the values-based athletic, academic and leadership development programs of Think Detroit PAL. These character-enriching programs continue to produce accomplished scholars and athletes.

Detroit Police Officer Darnell Hall, an Olympic gold medalist and former Detroit Police Athletic League participant, is one of many success stories proving why it is crucial to support Think Detroit PAL through the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic.

"The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic helps out in a million ways," says Hall. "Going back to when I was growing up, PAL gave me a dream. PAL helped me become an Olympian by teaching me leadership and responsibility. It kept me active and on the right path. Supporting the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic doesn't just give these kids a chance, it gives them hope that they can go out there and follow their dreams and be somebody and do something positive."

Hall, a Detroit Pershing High School graduate, became involved in the Detroit Police Athletic League at an early age. He became an accomplished athlete, winning a track and field gold medal in the 1992 Olympics. He is currently an officer in the Detroit Police Department and stays actively involved in Think Detroit PAL by coaching their successful track and field program. Ninety-eight percent of the track and field program's participants have secured college scholarships.

Ford Motor Company has been a presenting sponsor of the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic each year of the event, playing a key role in the tournament's development and ongoing management.  Recognizing the benefits of supporting youth athletic programs in the city, Ford became involved with the Detroit Police Athletic League (Detroit PAL) in the 1970's and the company's involvement continues now with Think Detroit PAL.

News/Talk 760 WJR is the event's title sponsor.  Ford Motor Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Compuware Corporation, The Chrysler Foundation and General Motors return as long-time presenting sponsors.  

Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact the tournament office at 313-203-7248 or visit www.paulwsmithgolf.com.

About Think Detroit PAL

Think Detroit PAL was formed in 2006 with the merger of Think Detroit Inc. and the Detroit Police Athletic League.  In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic and leadership development programs.  In 2010, Think Detroit PAL served over 10,000 girls and boys through a combined 24 sports and academic programs, making it one of the largest youth organizations in the state of Michigan. More than 80 cents of each dollar donated to Think Detroit PAL goes directly into programming.

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.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company