Site Visit - Detroit PAL

On Friday, March 24, our group visited one of Detroit PAL’s baseball fields and met with three of their staff members, Communications & Grant Manager Andrea Ray, Central Advancement Officer Russ Russell, and Associate Athletic Director Mike Bradley. We had the privilege of seeing firsthand where Detroit PAL makes its greatest impact on Detroit’s youth. At the Maheras-Gentry Park, there are five beautiful baseball and softball fields that Detroit PAL saved and restored for the use of their program.

First, Andrea, Russ, and Mike explained to us the path that Detroit PAL has taken to get where it is. Not only did they explain the work they do for their kids, but they elaborated on how they have taken care of the city’s parks, keeping them open so the kids can play. For instance, Maheras-Gentry Park, where we met, was on Detroit’s park closure list before Detroit PAL stepped in and kept up maintenance out of its own pocket. Detroit PAL’s work for the city’s facilities enables them to do their work for the city’s kids.

We discussed more specifically what this program does and how significant of an impact it has on the youth of Detroit. Andrea, Russ, and Mike revealed the struggles that many of the impoverished families in Detroit face everyday, and how Detroit PAL works to make a difference in the lives of their children through providing them with a coach and mentor, and a program to engage in after school as a safer outlet.

As a whole, group 4 has been greatly moved by the work that Detroit PAL does for the children of Detroit. We were the fundraising group, and through discussions with the staff, we were able to gain a much better understanding of how difficult, yet important, fundraising is to organizations. It was incredible to have this hands-on experience with this site visit, and we can’t wait for Decision Day on Monday!