MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Ks for Kids Throws In $5,740 for Five Local Charities

Published on October 1, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, MI - With the Great Lakes Loons recently ending their 2009 season, Deloitte LLP will donate $5,740 to five local charities, thanks in large part to hard throwers like Ethan Martin, Josh Walter and Bobby Blevins.

Deloitte is contributing the funds under the Ks for Kids program whereby the accounting and consulting firm committed to give $5 for every Loons strikeout during the regular season and playoffs. The team notched 1,148 Ks in winning a franchise-record 84 total games and drawing more than 279,000 fans.

The money will benefit Shelter House, Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America, Girls on the Run and West Midland Family Center. The organizations were chosen by Deloitte for their ability to address both short and long-term needs in the community, whether its temporary housing or programs that help pre-teens build self esteem and values.

"The Loons had a great year, which means these non-profits will have a better season than they would have had otherwise, particularly in light of how the economy has hurt charitable giving nationwide," said Don Riegger, managing partner of Deloitte's Midland office.

Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau said Ks for Kids was one of the most successful fundraising programs supported by the franchise.

"The value was not just in the dollars, but in using Dow Diamond and our great fan base to shine a spotlight on these agencies and the critical value they provide."

Events were staged at the ballpark to showcase each non-profit, including first-pitch ceremonies, public address announcements, table displays in the concourse and live interviews on ESPN 100.9-FM. Each agency also received a week-long cycle of PSAs on ESPN 100.9-FM.

"We were quite surprised at how much attention the Loons were able to draw to our cause," said Sara JacobsCarter, director of Girls on the Run in Midland, which provides running events and coaching to help build confidence among third-, fourth- and fifth-grade girls. "The funds were essential in helping us wade through the short term, and the visibility will definitely help us recruit volunteers and scholarship donors down the road."

Riegger added that Ks for Kids has sparked more interest among his 35-person office to support the community. The number of Deloitte staff involved in local non-profits has nearly doubled, with employees serving as instructors for JA and as coaches for Girls on the Run, among other new activities. Employees have even donated their professional skills in providing business advisory services to the United Way and other local agencies.

"In addition to the external benefits, Ks for Kids has been a catalyst for us internally," said Riegger. "It's helped us focus on being more involved, and not just in donating dollars but in how we can donate our time and talents more strategically in creating a better community."

About Deloitte: As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

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