Lions Urge Metro Detroiters To 'Text To Give'
DETROIT (97.1 The Ticket) — The Detroit Lions will team up with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit to help put metro Detroiters facing employment challenges back to work through a text-to-give campaign during the Lions' December 2 game vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
Lions' fans at Ford Field and abroad are encouraged to give a $5 donation to Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit by texting the word GOODWILL to 80888. Fans who donate during the first half of Sunday's game will receive one free short Caramel Marvel coffee drink from participating Southeastern Michigan Biggby Coffee locations Monday, December 3. Second half contributors will receive a free doughnut with any hot beverage purchase at Metro Detroit Tim Hortons' locations through December 16.
Fans attending Sunday's game will also have the opportunity to make a donation in front of the Make it a Real Michigan Christmas tree inside Gate G between 11 AM – 12:30 p.m. Volunteers from Goodwill will be on hand to take pictures for fans with their smartphones or cameras.
Earlier this season, the Detroit Lions joined forces with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit as part of its Living for the City initiative to help local residents overcome employment challenges and earn jobs.
"The Detroit Lions are committed to workforce development and creating jobs in Metro Detroit," said Tom Lewand, President of the Detroit Lions. "Every Lions fan has been touched directly or indirectly by the unemployment crisis and now our team and its fans can contribute to an organization whose mission is creating local jobs and helping people get back to work. This partnership mirrors the values of the Detroit Lions organization – dedication and working together can help us accomplish our goals."
In addition to the text-to-give campaign, the partnership included a "Dollars for Jobs: Pass it Forward" campaign encouraging community giving to provide employment opportunities for those in need and the "Rock for Jobs" concert, a celebration of Detroit's musical past and present, and a fundraiser supporting its bright economic future.
"Goodwill's text to give campaign in partnership with the Detroit Lions provides an opportunity for all Metro Detroiters to join the fight against unemployment in our community," said Lorna Utley, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit.
"For as little as $5, Lions fans can support job training, education and placement programs that put our friends and neighbors back to work," Utley said. "We are grateful for the generosity of Lions fans and the Detroit Lions' commitment to supporting workforce development in Southeast Michigan."
