Medical Weight Loss Clinic Sponsors Detroit Pistons Live, Learn and Play Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Detroit Pistons and PNC Bank Renovate Preschool Exhibit at Detroit Children’s Museum

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons, in collaboration with presenting sponsor PNC Bank, are hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and outdoor carnival to celebrate a newly renovated preschool area inside the Detroit Children’s Museum (6134 Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48202) on Wednesday, August 31. The 25th Pistons Live, Learn and Play Center renovation ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and includes special appearances by Head Coach Lawrence Frank, Pistons ambassadors Rick Mahorn and John Long, mascot Hooper and members of the Automotion dance team. George Blaha, voice of the Pistons, will emcee the “Back to School” themed event in which youth from the Detroit Science Center taking part in the celebration will also receive back to school care packages courtesy of the Pistons and PNC Bank.“The Pistons and PNC Bank are excited to team up to add a unique exhibit impacting the overall experience of the Detroit Children’s Museum,” said Dennis Sampier, vice president of community relations for the Detroit Pistons. “The educational and interactive activities enhance the museum space and we look forward to the general public enjoying the newly renovated area and outdoor carnival free of charge.”The renovation is further supported by the PNC Grow up Great program, a 10-year, $100 million initiative in school readiness to help prepare children from birth to age five for success in school and life. The two-month makeover consists of an “I-75 from Detroit to The Palace” theme with wall graphics showcasing historical buildings where the Pistons have played, Pistons historical factoids and the PNC Bank headquarters in Troy. Interactive elements include: an Eastern Market shopping area, interactive tot tree house, PNC banking station with Hooper money, Pistons Hall of Fame showcase display with championship banners, Pistons basketball texture area, Pistons basketball zone with court, baskets, Pistons basketballs and bean bag chairs, a Pistons legend shoe print zone and replica PalaceVision with Pistons historical video.

“Extensive research indicates that the return on investment in high-quality early education and school readiness initiatives are significant and long lasting – impacting our children, our society and the health of our economy,” said PNC Regional President Ric DeVore, speaking on behalf of The PNC Foundation.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, youngsters will enjoy an outdoor carnival with bounce houses, a bungee run, an inflatable basketball hoop, an obstacle course, Pistons dance team Automotion lessons and jump rope tutorials, balloon animals made by Palace Patrol, basketball shots on the Pistons’ Year Round Hoops truck, Detroit Fire Truck tours and live music by Official DJ of the Pistons Earl “Mixin” McKinney.

“The entire Detroit Children’s Museum staff and the Detroit Science Center are proud to have been selected by the Pistons and PNC Bank for this renovation opportunity,” said Julie Johnson, director for the Detroit Children’s Museum.” This renovation provides new and exciting hands-on areas and educational programming. We are eager to share the Pistons and PNC Bank Zone with our visitors.”

The outdoor carnival will take place from 12 noon-2 p.m. and is free for the general public. Food and beverage will also be available for purchase. Additionally, the Detroit Children’s Museum has waived standard entrance fees for this memorable event.

To date, the Pistons have completed 24 renovations in Metro Detroit and across the state of Michigan. Previous renovations have varied at several locations such as: public and school libraries; outdoor basketball courts; hospitals; community centers, including new flooring, paint, furniture, books, computers, software, additional learning tools and exciting Pistons graphics courtesy of Meteor, a Palace Sports & Entertainment company.

Pistons Care sponsors include: PNC Bank, Sprite, Detroit Medical Center, Absopure, Tim Hortons, Ticketmaster, Metro PCS, and Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

About the Detroit Children’s Museum:

Founded in 1917 by Detroit Public Schools, the Detroit Children’s Museum is the nation’s third oldest children’s museum. With a diverse collection of over 100,000 artifacts, hands-on stations and planetarium demonstrations, the museum offers a unique look at world cultures, history, art and science. The Detroit Children’s Museum is a partnership between Detroit Public Schools and the Detroit Science Center. For more information, please visitwww.detroitsciencecenter.org.

Detroit Pistons and Medical Weight Loss Clinic to Host Outdoor Summer Jam Festival

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons and Medical Weight Loss Clinic are hosting a Summer Jam Camp Day from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. This interactive event includes activities, entertainment and special appearances by Strength and Conditioning Coach Arnie Kander and additional Pistons personalities. The cost of the event is $10 and includes access to all activities and a complimentary ticket for a future Pistons’ home game.

The outdoor event tips off in the parking lot of The Palace and youth activities include: inflatable games, a sport court, balloon animals made by Palace Patrol, basketball shots on the Pistons’ Year Round Hoops truck and live music. The Auburn Hills Police and Fire Departments will be in attendance, showcasing their vehicles to the youngsters.

The event culminates with an indoor pep rally on the Pistons’ basketball court including appearances by Pistons’ mascot Hooper; Flight Crew; Palace Patrol; live music by DJ Earl; and a basketball clinic on the court with Pistons’ School Assembly Director Coach Aaron Smith. Additionally, Arnie Kander will demonstrate fitness techniques and discuss how to maintain a healthy diet. This fitness-driven pep rally is in support of the NBA Fit initiative, which is the league’s comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families through grassroots programs and events.

More than 1,500 children are expected to attend and there is still space available to sign up.

“This is the first year the Pistons have hosted a Summer Jam. We are very excited about the opportunity to have some fun with the community during the off-season and celebrate Pistons basketball,” said Ryan Bertschman, director of group sales and premium events at Palace Sports & Entertainment.

Employees of both Palace Sports & Entertainment and Medical Weight Loss Clinic will be onsite to provide support and to facilitate activities throughout the day.

“With 33 locations throughout Michigan and Northern Ohio and 25 years of experience, Medical Weight Loss Clinic is looking forward to continuing our relationship with the Detroit Pistons to promote healthy lifestyles for adults, teens and kids,” said Alberta Lipinski, community relations coordinator at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

For more information or to register your child, call the Pistons Group Sales department at 248-377-0100.

PNC, one of the nation’s largest financial holding companies, is the presenting sponsor for the Detroit Pistons. For more information about PNC, please visit www.pncbank.com.

About Medical Weight Loss Clinic
During its 25-year history, Medical Weight Loss Clinic has helped tens of thousands of patients lose weight and keep it off. All Medical Weight Loss Clinic programs are supervised by board certified physicians, use regular grocery store foods, and feature unlimited visits to the clinic for nutritional guidance and individual support. For more information, call 800-GET-SLIM or go to www.mwlc.com.

Detroit Piston’s Outdoor Summer Jam Festival