Tom Gores Donates $350,000 to Support Youth Initiatives in Detroit

Tom Gores Pledges $350,000 to SAY Detroit

In a significant move to support youth initiatives, Tom Gores, the founder of Platinum Equity and owner of the Detroit Pistons, has announced a $350,000 commitment to SAY Detroit. This pledge was shared during the 13th annual SAY Detroit radiothon, an event aimed at raising funds for the nonprofit organization founded by Mitch Albom in 2006 to assist underserved communities with issues like homelessness and healthcare access.

During the radiothon, Dwane Casey, an associate at the Detroit Pistons' front office, detailed that $100,000 of Gores' donation is earmarked specifically for mental health programs targeting children at the SAY Detroit Play Center. Casey emphasized Gores’ deep commitment to mental health resources, stating, "He’s really strong into mental health. That’s one thing with the Pistons that we started to do was ensure our players and our employees have access to mental health experts. We have quite a few on staff right now. That’s just the kind of guy he is, to make sure that our kids are provided for, too. The mental health piece is so important to our community."

Mitch Albom, the driving force behind SAY Detroit, praised Gores’ focus on mental health, highlighting the importance of understanding the challenges faced by inner-city communities. "That shows an incredible understanding of some of the problems in inner-city communities," Albom noted, applauding the foresight behind Gores' contributions.

The positive impact of this commitment is evident as it contributed to raising over $2.2 million during this year's radiothon. Since the event's inception in 2012, it has amassed more than $16 million in total funds raised for SAY Detroit initiatives. Notably, Gores' contributions to this cause have exceeded $2.1 million since 2017, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the community.

Gores has a history of collaboration with the SAY Play Center, where he has been involved in creating educational programs focusing on philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and life skills for children. Albom remarked, "We know how generous Tom is and not just from large gifts at the end of a radiothon. He has come out to the SAY Play center and he has met with our kids. He takes a vested interest."

In 2023, Gores made a notable donation of $250,000 to SAY Detroit, additionally allocating $100,000 for a community center project. He encouraged children to partake in planning the Rouge Park Community Center on Detroit's west side, linking the youth to the overall development and aesthetics of their future space. The children decided to create a mural for the facility, showcasing their artistic talents and community spirit.

Looking ahead, Gores is set to continue this collaborative work, reinforcing his dedication to improving the lives of Detroit's youth through tangible support and community engagement. SAY Detroit’s initiatives, backed by Gores' generosity, ensure that mental health and personal development resources are available to children who need them the most.

For those interested in supporting SAY Detroit's charitable efforts, further information and donation options are available at saydetroit.org.

This commitment is not merely about philanthropy; it represents a long-term vision for the empowerment of Detroit’s youth, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient community.