April 20, 2011
Press Release

NEVER TOO YOUNG TO GIVE BACK
Two Michigan teens collect nearly $8,000 in baseball and softball equipment donations

Detroit, Mich.—Think Detroit PAL is thrilled to be the proud beneficiary of nearly $8,000 worth of baseball and softball equipment donated by two extraordinary student athletes. Emma Coury of Birmingham and Matthew Hagstrom of Macomb solicited new and used batting helmets, catchers gear, bats, equipment bags, catchers gloves, cleats and balls from their schools, teams and local sporting goods stores in an effort to help equip girls and boys in Think Detroit PAL’s baseball and softball programs.

“It is very inspirational to know that in the greater Detroit community, there are students willing to assist in providing opportunities for their peers,” said Dewayne Jones, Think Detroit PAL director of athletics.

Coury is a junior at Seaholm High School and plays second base and outfield for their varsity softball team as well as the Birmingham Jaguars.  She was able to collect a staggering $7,481 dollars worth of baseball and softball equipment by soliciting The Varsity Shop in Birmingham and the North Farmington/West Bloomfield Baseball League. She also collected equipment from the players and coaches of the Birmingham Jaguars, Motor City Hit Dogs and the Seaholm High School softball team.

Emma Coury (right) and Think Detroit PAL Assistant Athletic Director Chris Clough are pictured with her donations.

“The more I learned about [Think Detroit] PAL, the more I wanted to be able to help out and contribute,” Coury said. “I love softball and it is a great game, and anyone that wants to play the game should get that opportunity. [Think Detroit] PAL gives the kids in Detroit this opportunity and wanted to do anything in my power to help as well.”

Hagstrom is an eight grader at St. Thecla Catholic School who pitches and plays first and third base for their baseball team. By setting up a donation box at his school, he was able to secure almost $200 worth of equipment.  When asked why he felt inspired to help Think Detroit PAL kids play the same sport he enjoys, he said, “I wanted to help the underprivileged kids because I saw how much I have.”

Coury and Hagstrom’s efforts have essentially doubled Think Detroit PAL’s equipment budget for its expanding baseball and softball programs.  In 2010, over 1,300 girls and boys aged 4-19 participated in Think Detroit PAL diamond sports.

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 10 sports, 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.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Think Detroit PAL at 313-833-1600 or on the web at www.thinkdetroitpal.org.