Lathrup Village — Deep inside the basement of the Michigan First Credit Union on Evergreen Road lies a secluded bowling alley with eight lanes, the site of the Pistons’ latest community outreach event.
A handful of unsuspecting families thought they were attending a holiday bowling event sponsored by the Detroit Pistons and MFCU, but little did they know what was in store.
At 6:18 p.m., Marvin Bagley III walked through the doors, surprising almost everyone in attendance. After mingling with everyone individually, the Pistons center revealed that he and teammate Alec Burks (who was not in attendance) would pay off more than $80,000 in personal loans for every family in attendance, along with several other pre-selected families who are struggling during the holiday season.
Bagley, 24, said he was sitting at home before Thanksgiving thinking of different ways to make an impact on the Detroit community when he asked the Pistons’ community, social and responsibility team for ideas. Helping families clear their outstanding debts was the resolution.
“It’s a blessing to be in a position to do this,” Bagley said. “To help people and to see the smiles on their faces and to see how happy they are, it’s just a blessing and it’s something that I don’t take for granted or take lightly. I’m blessed to be able to do this.”
Four to five families were in attendance on Wednesday, but approximately 18 families overall benefitted from Bagley’s and Burks’ contributions.
As soon as Bagley made his grand announcement, a woman blurted out, “Oh, my God. Are you serious?” before applause filled the room. Curray Jones, 54, couldn’t believe the generosity of Bagley and Burks, which she says came at the perfect time. As a former season-ticketholder, she was under the impression that the Pistons were holding a customer appreciation event.
“I gasped because I was in shock,” Jones said. “It’s amazing. I’m forever grateful. We had a fire in May and we had to move three times. We were displaced for almost two months. We had to live out of pocket, so this is a tremendous help for us because we are so far back financially.”
The bowling party continued with pizza and refreshments and Bagley, the 6-foot-11 center whose afro nearly touched the ceiling, showed off some of his bowling skills. Despite having to wear size-16 bowling shoes — the largest size available — to accommodate for his size 17, Bagley was more concerned with interacting with the families.
Pistons provide shopping spree at local Kroger
Wednesday’s bowling event at Michigan First Credit Union wasn’t the only community initiative hosted by the Pistons this week.
Four pre-selected families were also surprised with a grocery shopping spree at the Kroger of Oak Park on Tuesday by Jalen Duren, Kevin Knox II and Isaiah Livers. The trio of Pistons players, along with mascot Hooper, helped each family fill shopping carts with groceries, holiday gifts and other essentials and paid for every item in their basket. They also provided each family with additional Kroger gift cards for post-holiday shopping.
After the checkout process, each player ventured around the store surprising random shoppers with gift cards to help support their grocery bills.
“They were excited. It was also good for me to see that, too,” Livers said. “Being out here and just seeing the families, being able to bless them and have a great Christmas and put a smile on my face. Regardless of whatever else is going on, it makes me feel happy. It’s the holiday spirit. I think it’s important for everybody to embrace that. It’s a good time to get out and give back to your community.”
Flint native Morris helps remodel 10 patient rooms
Monte Morris hasn’t been able to play for the Pistons this season due to various injuries, but he’s made several contributions in the community since returning to his home state of Michigan.
The Flint native’s latest assist was a collaboration with Wish Upon a Teen’s ‘Design My Room’ program to help sponsor the makeover of 10 teenage patients’ hospital rooms, particularly those who face long-term hospitalization at Hurley Children’s Hospital in Flint. The charter hospital, which is a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, treats all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Each teen had the opportunity to personalize their room redecoration, designed with their favorite color and interests, which also included custom bedding, accessories, decorations and gifts.
All 10 patients were greeted on Tuesday during their room unveiling with a surprise appearance by Morris.
“My goal was to make the hospital rooms feel more like home and surround these kids with things they enjoy,” Morris said. “Through Wish Upon a Teen, we were able to make each room special by personally selecting items that are unique to each patient. I hope the makeover provides comfort and gives them a little bit of normalcy as they continue their extended medical treatment.”
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