Think Detroit PAL leader represented children at the 2008 Detroit Charity Preview
By Raina Harmon, Assistant Director of Programs
It is often difficult to find one child to truly exemplify the mission Think Detroit PAL—the sportsmanship, the scholarship and overall leadership skills. But, I imagine it is even harder to choose one child to represent 11 different charities! Not surprisingly, Eric Perry of Think Detroit PAL was chosen as the child ambassador for the 2008 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview fundraiser.
I have been privileged enough to work with Perry both on and off the field. Perry has been one of the participants in Think Detroit PAL’s golf program in the past few years. Perry was on of the first players I noticed because although he was one of the younger participants, he knew the game as well as the instructors.
Perry is a charismatic young man. He laughs and jokes with the other players, but when he approaches the ball, it is serious business. Perry, while competitive, is an inspiration to his peers on the golf course. He has a very strong work ethic and is constantly working to improve his game. In addition to his golf game, Perry excels in school, he is a Boy Scout and is a great example of the way mentoring programs—with the help of financial support from the auto show preview—can impact our young people.
Perry has express nothing but gratitude for the opportunities presented to him. “I am very happy to represent the more than 13,000 youth of Think Detroit PAL at the Charity Preview,” said Perry. “We are extremely grateful that NAIAS recognizes the importance of youth empowerment.” He has represented Think Detroit PAL at a variety events ranging from the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic to Think Detroit PAL’s annual Ask Event. And every time he speaks, Perry brings the crowd to tears with his story of why he is so thankful for the golf program and how it has helped develop him into the young man that he is today. |
