Detroit Lions 2018 Community Report

2018 COMMUNI TY REPORT

GREETINGS FROM MARTHA FORD It is with great pride that I share with you the 2018 Community Impact Report for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Lions Charities.

Since 1991 the Detroit Lions have donated more than $13 million to support organizations working to build stronger, more vibrant and thriving communities. Our impact has been possible because of our committed staff, coaches, players – current and former –, cheerleaders, family members and fans working alongside us to strengthen communities.

In 2018, approximately $2 million in contributions and countless hours of support helped organizations throughout Detroit and beyond.

This year, yea along with continuing partnerships with Detroit Lions Academy, Detroit PAL, Eastern Market, the Empowerment Plan, Haven and Playworks, we introduced a new partnership with City Year Detroit. Through this collaboration, nearly 700 students at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary-Middle School are benefiting from the increased academic and emotional support needed to excel in and out of the classroom and to reach graduation.

NF Inspire Change initiative, our players demonstrated their commitment to moving the needle on In response to the NFL’s social justice in Detroit. With an investment from the team and their own contributions, players thoughtfully selected nine organizations to receive more than $600,000 for medical aid and health assistance, social-educational programming and scholarship support. While these are not the first and only investments of this kind, it is the beginning of an intentional and long-term commitment to level the playing field for some of our most vulnerable populations.

We continue to offer ways for our fans to engage with Detroit Lions Charities, and by extension, support critical community needs. This year, we hosted a raffle for tickets to Super Bowl LIII which made it possible for us to provide a $25,000 contribution to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation and their efforts to bring clean water to more than 100 schools.

Our gameday 50/50 raffle continues to raise record amounts and events like Taste of the Lions and our Annual Golf Outing make our collective impact even more powerful. o As we look to the year ahead, we will continue to offer unique opportunities for our fans to engage with our charitable efforts and will strive to deepen our impact through meaningful partnerships. Our commitment to the Detroit Lions community is stronger than ever and we thank you for your shared passion.

Owner and Chairman of the Board

2018 BY THE NUMBERS CONTRIBUTIONS TO NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATIONS

~~ $2 MILLION

DONATED TO

LOCAL COMMUNITY

ORGANIZATIONS

4

RAISED BY HOSTED AT 50/50 TRAINING

$987,58

,931 6 GAME TICKETS

COMMUNITY 800+ GUESTS

RAFFLE

53+

CAMP

PLAYERS PARTICIPATED IN

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

DETROIT LIONS CHARITIES

DETROIT LIONS CHARITIES

City Year helps to close gaps in high-need schools by supporting students' academic and social-emotional development while also providing schools with the additional capacity to enhance school culture and climate.

Teams of City Year Americorps members provide research-based classroom and school-wide support to help students stay on track to graduate from high school, prepare for college and for career success. Support from the Detroit Lions is currently funding a City Year Detroit Team at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary-Middle School in the Fitzgerald Neighborhood. This team of 10 provide academic and emotional support for students every day of the school year.

SCHOOLS PARTNERING WITH CITY YEAR* ARE MORE LIKELY TO MORE LIKELY TO IMPROVE ON MATH IMPROVE ON ELA ASSESSMENTS ASSESSMENTS

AND

2X

COMPLETED OVER 69% OF STUDENTS MILLION SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL IMPROVED MILLION SERVICE CHILDREN HOURS SKILLS

SERVED

MORE THAN

2

3X

57

*

AS COMPARED WITH SIMILAR SCHOOLS WITHOUT CITY YEAR

COUNT DAY

In all public school districts throughout the state of Michigan, Count Day is a crucial part of the state’s determination of how much funding they will receive. With limited resources, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary-Middle School depends on this funding each year to help with ongoing infrastructure and educational needs. The Lions joined in to help by incentivizing students with morning greetings from Roary and cheerleaders, giveaways at the front door, and lots of cheering to energize them for the day ahead.

TRAININGS AT FORD FIELD

Throughout the school year, City Year Detroit hosts monthly trainings for their 91 Americorps members. As part of the Lions’ support of City Year, Americorps members are welcomed to Ford Field for several of their training days. These sessions give the Americorps members, young people dedicating 11 months of their life to service, a chance to strengthen their skills and become better advocates for their students.

Established in 2001, Detroit Lions Academy (DLA) is a Detroit Public Schools alternative middle school located on the east side of Detroit. It provides students the opportunity to learn and achieve in a structured and safe environment which addresses their individual learning needs. Support from the Detroit Lions provides school supplies, resources and tools for students to succeed in the classroom. A steady presence of players, cheerleaders, Legends and Detroit Lions sta and partners provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities to help students succeed beyond the classroom.

ROBOT GARAGE

For an exciting day of hands-on learning, Robot Garage, an organization dedicated to promoting creativity and educational opportunities, brought the robot experience to DLA. Lions players joined in on the fun as they partnered with students to compete in the ultimate robot battle. Aſter huddling up to strategize and build, players and students faced off against one another and showed off their team’s skills. To cap off the day, each student leſt with a brand-new Lions sweatshirt, hat and tickets to the game against the Minnesota Vikings!

GRADUATION

To celebrate the hard work and perseverance of DLA students, Lions cheerleaders and staff joined school staff and parents for a graduation ceremony for the 8th grade class.

Along with hearing inspirational remarks from the Lions, students received personalized giſts to commemorate their accomplishment and took keepsake photos.

MS. KING SURPRISE

In an on-field video announcement during the last game of the season, with DLA students in attendance, Quarterback Matthew Stafford announced that DLA Principal Ms. King would be attending Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, all accommodations included! Ms. King consistently works to put her students and staff first and ensure that they have the resources they need to foster growth and opportunity. The Lions couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to take time for herself and enjoy the ultimate football game.

Increasing access to good food is at the core of Eastern Market's mission to nourish a healthier, wealthier, and happier Detroit. This goal of access isn't only with regards to their most popular markets but resonates in all their additional resources, programs, and partnerships as well. Funding from the Detroit Lions supports fresh food education and access to nutritious food for underserved areas and individuals in Detroit.

MEET UP AND EAT UP

Throughout the summer and fall, students from five Detroit Public School Community School District classes were invited to participate in Meet Up and Eat Up, a program sponsored

by United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Meet Up and Eat Up is designed to promote active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. Lions Legends, cheerleaders and Roary joined in, along with Detroit Lions Charities partner Playworks, to play with the children and even show off their jump rope skills! Each child leſt with fresh produce they selected from Eastern Market and knowledge about the availability of local resources, so they could continue healthy habits down the road.

COOKING COMPETITION

With students from their schools on hand to cheer them on, four aspiring culinary students from Detroit Public Schools had the opportunity to compete for a $1,500 scholarship on behalf of Baker College. Their sous chefs were none other than Lions players themselves, who were testing their off-field skills in the kitchen! Focusing on healthy dishes and continuing education, the cooking competition highlighted the importance of working together to create nutritious food. The Detroit Lions surprised the three remaining students with $1,000 scholarships at the end of the event.

DETROIT COMMUNITY MARKETS

The partnership between the Detroit Lions and Eastern Market centers around increasing awareness of the Detroit Community Markets, food outlets that provide opportunities for Detroiters to purchase fresh, nutritious food at convenient locations. Ranging from farm stands to food box programs, these markets reach residents who may not otherwise have the chance to utilize the local, healthy food options, creating a sense of accessibility for all.

6TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE LIONS

Taste of the Lions is an extension of the league’s own Taste of the NFL program, dedicated to fighting hunger, which began in 1992. Attendees had the chance to stroll the concourse of Ford Field, stopping to meet their favorite Lions players, coaches and Legends along the way. The event featured some of Michigan’s top restaurants serving up delicious cuisine and drinks, live music and a silent auction, a portion of the proceeds benefit Eastern Market’s community outreach programming.

IN 2018

130.7%

ATTENDANCE INCREASE @ DETROIT COMMUNITY MARKETS

The Empowerment Plan focuses on permanently elevating families from the generational cycle of homelessness by hiring single parents from local shelters who are trained to become full-time seamstresses to earn a stable income, ďŹ nd secure housing, and regain their independence.

Funding from the Detroit Lions covers the cost of 500 sleeping bag coats manufactured by these seamstresses. The coats are then distributed at Lions supported events throughout the winter.

THANKSGIVING DELIVERY

To spread holiday cheer and ease the financial burden of the season, the Detroit Lions delivered Thanksgiving pies and Meijer giſt cards to the Empowerment Plan seamstresses and staff at their manufacturing facility in Detroit.

ROOKIE EVENT

At the beginning of the season, 20 Lions rookies toured the Empowerment Plan to learn about the impact the organization is making on the homeless population. The players jumped right in and helped the seamstresses sew pockets in the sleeping bag coats that would soon be distributed in the community.

COAT DISTRIBUTIONS

Throughout the year, Lions staff, Legends and partners joined the Empowerment Plan as they teamed up with organizations like the Neighborhood Service Organization and Piquette Square developed by Southwest Solutions to give 500 coats to those in need throughout Detroit during the frigid months of winter. Many coat recipients shared stories with the Legends, reminiscing about watching them on the field, adding laughter and smiles to an already rewarding experience.

Gloves, handwarmers and socks oſten accompanied the coats, adding extra bits of warmth for the coldest days.

60+

HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS PROVIDED WITH EMPLOYMENT

As Oakland County's only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, HAVEN provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to nearly 30,000 people each year. Funding from the Detroit Lions is utilized to implement the Redefine program in Oakland and Wayne Counties. This program is a 16-hour leadership development course for high school and college-aged young men to equip them with the skills to alter cultural contexts that allow domestic and sexual violence to occur.

REDEFINE Young men who completed HAVEN’s Redefine program were honored with a celebration in the locker room for dedicating their time to educate themselves on preventing gender-based violence and creating healthier lives. Lions players attended the celebration to share their own experiences and commend the young men on being willing create change in their communities.

HAVEN BACK TO SCHOOL

Families who utilize services provided by HAVEN celebrated the upcoming school year with a party featuring special guests, Legends, Roary, and cheerleaders. For a final taste of summer, children enjoyed ice cream, face painting and dancing to a DJ, ensuring that all families spent fun time together before the start of classes. Along with the entertainment, the Detroit Lions provided students with school supplies to set them up for a successful year of learning and growth.

HAVEN TAILGATE As the Lions took on the Miami Dolphins at an away game in October, HAVEN and their supporters took on domestic and sexual violence at their annual “Tackling Domestic and Sexual Violence Tailgate” fundraiser to support the crucial services that they provide for survivors and their families. Lions Legend Eric Hipple served as the event’s keynote speaker. Hipple’s fellow Legends and Roary also joined supporters of HAVEN as they celebrated the organization’s impact with a silent auction, delicious food and a Lions win!

COURAGE HOUSE DINNER

CONTACTED

THE CRISIS CHAT LINE

PROVIDED SHELTER TO

208 AND 217

HAVEN STAFF HELPED

HAVEN AND

THE CRISIS

INDIVIDUALS

COMPLETE

721 ORDERS

PERSONAL PROTECTION

ADULTS

852 INDIVIDUALS

CHILDREN

973 INDIVIDUALS

RECEIVED

COUNSELING SERVICES

SUPPORT

LINE ANSWERED

14,946

CALLS

The Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) positively influences the lives of thousands of children each year through sports.

With roots dating back to 1969, PAL works to create safe and supportive places for kids to play. With year-round programs, Detroit PAL helps its athletes learn the skills needed to succeed both on and off the playing field. The Detroit Lions provide support for the Detroit PAL Youth Football League through grant funding, used for site monitors, sports officials and helmet refurbishing.

PAL CORNER PARK The Detroit Lions made an investment in the development of the new PAL Corner Ballpark, located on the site of old Tiger Stadium.

As PAL’s first permanent home, the ballpark is open to the community four days a week and will serve as a space for many sports teams to play in a state-of-the-art facility, a resource many children did not have prior to this construction.

DETROIT PAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Detroit PAL is the only youth football league to hold their championship games in an NFL stadium, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for over 1,000 young athletes. Similar to a true Lions game day, players warmed up on the field, ran out through the tunnel like their favorite professional players, and competed against each other to the roaring cheers of family and friends.

QUICK LANE BOWL As part of the Quick Lane Bowl hosted at Ford Field every December, PAL athletes received brand new equipment, as part of a commitment to youth football on behalf of the Quick Lane Bowl and the Detroit Lions. During game weekend, University of Minnesota and Georgia Tech football players playing in the bowl game welcomed PAL athletes to participate in celebrations at both Big Ten and ACC hotels. PAL athletes and families also received all-star treatment on game day, with the opportunity to participate in a fan-tunnel, cheering on the college teams as they ran onto the field. During the game, PAL received a special spot on the video board, recognizing their contributions as a valued community partner, partne rounding out an unforgettable weekend.

2,900+YOUTH MORE THAN 95%

PARTICIPANTS OF PARENTS IN FOOTBALL PROGRAM BELIEVE

215 STUDENTS

PARTICIPATE

IN YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS AND CLINICS

THEIR CHILD

IMPROVED TEAMWORK

SKILLS AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATION IN DETROIT PAL YOUTH FOOTBALL

Playworks is a non-profit organization committed to helping schools and youth programs create recess and play environments where every child can join. Playworks helps schools and districts make the most of recess through on-site staffing, consultative support, professional development and free resources. Funding from the Detroit Lions supports implementation of recess and play-based programs in schools, where they otherwise may not have had the means to provide them.

REAL PLAYERS DON’T BULLY

As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, Playworks facilitates a poster contest for students to artistically express the importance of kindness in their lives. The class with the highest participation in the contest at Hutchinson Elementary-Middle School was joined by Lions players and cheerleaders to participate in collaborative gym activities facilitated by Playworks, sharing lots of laughs and even some secret handshakes along the way. Following the games, players and cheerleaders shared their personal experiences with bullying to the students, encouraging compassion for others in all aspects of life.

Students asked many questions of the players and cheerleaders, highlighting the importance of positive and relatable role models in tackling this tough topic.

THE DETROIT LIONS ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

The Detroit Lions Annual Golf Outing was held at TPC Michigan, raising more than $100,000 to benefit Playworks and their mission of creating safe and kind spaces for kids to be active. Lions executives, staff, coaches, players and Legends attended the outing in support of this cause, as many of them have personally witnessed the impact Playworks makes in local schools to encourage collaborative and healthy play.

IN SCHOOLS WITH PLAYWORKS, OF EDUCATORS OF EDUCATORS OF EDUCATORS

REPORT 98% REPORTED 96% REPORTED 86%FEWER

MORE STUDENTS PHYSICALLY

ACTIVE AT RECESS

STUDENTS ARE

BETTER ABLE TO

FOCUS

DURING

CLASS

BULLYING INCIDENTS

DURING RECESS

FUNDING IS SUPPORTING

SAFE AND HEALTHY

PLAY AT 19 HIGH NEEDS SCHOOLS, IMPACTING STUDENTS

7,204

DAILY

SUPER BOWL RAFFLE

For the first time, the Detroit Lions raffled off two (2) tickets to Super Bowl LIII, giving fans not only a chance to win tickets to the big game, but to support the work that Detroit Lions Charities does in the community. Net proceeds from the raffle benefitted Detroit Lions Charities and the Detroit Public Schools Foundation and the permanent water solution at the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

106 schools in DPS have been shown to have elevated levels of lead or copper in their water, leading to a lengthy district-wide water shutdown and the need for a $3.2 million-dollar filtration system. The Super Bowl Raffle put DPS one step closer to a solution and clean water for thousands of students.

TO THE

$25,000 DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS DONATED FOUNDATION

MONEY RAISED

:$987,584

G A M E

D A Y

50/50

R A F F L E

Partnering with Henry Ford Health System, a 50/50 raffle is held every home game benefitting Detroit Lions Charities and Game on Cancer, an initiative dedicated to cancer research and enhancing patient care. Sold throughout the concourse by enthusiastic volunteers, raffle tickets are a huge hit among fans, hoping to win big and support a great cause at the same time.

SEASON LAUNCH WEEK PRESENTED BY

DLA BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

Students at Detroit Lions Academy were surprised to find Lions players, cheerleaders, staff and Roary, as well as eager volunteers from partners like Rocket Mortgage, Hungry Howie’s, Aetna, MOS and NIKE waiting for them on their first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

The school was presented with all new equipment and supplies to prepare for their first gym and art class in more than a decade. Students also received new backpacks and school uniforms and thanks to Lions Cornerback Nevin Lawson, a new pair of Nike shoes. Not to be forgotten, the staff was presented with a brand new copy machine. The cherry on top – Monday Night Football tickets for everyone!

Aſter a particularly grueling practice on a humid Michigan summer aſternoon, Allen Park High School football players and cheerleaders were surprised when Lions players, cheerleaders and Roary stormed the field. The high school teams were thrilled to hear the news that the Lions would be replacing their dated and nonfunctioning scoreboard with a top-of-the-line LED updated version. They also received Xenith helmets, and Monday Night Football tickets. Young athletes across many sports will now be able to proudly utilize the new technology powered by the Lions throughout the year.

550+

STUDENTS IMPACTED

SEASON LAUNCH WEEK

ALLEN PARK SCOREBOARD DONATION

LEAGUE INITIATIVES

PRESENTED BY

MEN’S EVENT @ TOP GOLF More than twenty prostate cancer warriors brought their A-game to give Lions players and Legends a run for their TopGolf glory at MGM Detroit. Along with providing patients, survivors and their families an opportunity to kick back and relax with some of their favorite NFL players, they heard up to date progress on cancer research and treatments from Henry Ford Health System doctors.

SUPERHERO BALL

More than 100 children and their families affected by pediatric cancer gathered at the 2nd Annual Superhero Ball at Ford Field. Players decked out in superhero costumes, cheerleaders and Roary hosted Sandcastles Grief Support Program and Kids Kicking Cancer for an evening of games, dancing, food and fun. Above all else, the Superhero Ball is a chance for children and their loved ones to focus on fun and time spent together.

HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM PATIENT VISITS

Legends, cheerleaders and Roary made surprise visits to cancer patients receiving treatment at two Henry Ford Hospitals in Macomb and Detroit. Roary is known to bring a smile to many, no matter the circumstances, and the time spent talking with Lions Legends and cheerleaders provided much-needed reprieve for the patients.

LEAGUE INITIATIVES

Throughout October, the Lions hosted on-field, in-stadium and community events to shine a light on multiple cancers and to provide meaningful experiences for patients and caregivers impacted by the disease. An NFL initiative that has raised more than $18 million since inception to support cancer initiatives across the country, Crucial Catch focuses on education, early detection and screening.

PRESENTED BY

Salute to Service is an NFL initiative designed to honor, empower and connect with our nation’s service members and their families. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and military bases, the Lions hosted and participated in a variety of initiatives for service members, veterans and families of the fallen to provide support, express gratitude, and foster community.

MILITARY BBQ

In classic Americana fashion, service members and their families joined the Detroit Lions and Kroger for a summer barbeque at the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). Lions Legends, cheerleaders and Roary joined in on the day of appreciation for the dedication of military families. Nothing is more fitting of a celebration of our military servicemen and servicewomen than a summer celebration with BBQ staples and football.

PROS VS. JOES

Service men and women were welcomed to Ford Field for a night of videogaming with Lions players in the locker room. Along with spending time with players at Ford Field, each service member leſt the event with a custom jersey on behalf of Humanetics, as well as a helmet and headphones on behalf of Lions partners Caniff and Bose. Gaming, custom swag and up-close and personal time with Lions players made for a standout night.

MILITARY BABY SHOWER

Expecting service women and military spouses were treated to a celebration in appreciation of the sacrifices their families make. The shower included lunch, a mini shopping spree, and giſts on behalf of Lions partners, Aetna, Kroger, and Humanetics.

Each mom-to-be also received a spa giſt card, on behalf of the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders, to take some much needed rest, relaxation and time for herself. Oſten times, the true extent of sacrifice that military family separation is can go unnoticed and the Lions were determined to ensure that didn’t happen.

VA HOSPITAL VISIT

Patients and families at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center were surprised when Legends and current player Eric Lee visited to hear their stories and share some laughs to brighten their day.

TAPS VISIT

To honor the sacrifice of United States fallen heroes, the Detroit Lions hosted nine families from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) for the weekend of the Salute to Service Game. On Saturday, the families were invited to spend time with Lions players and coaches during practice. To show their support, players and coaches each displayed the name, branch and a photo of one of the fallen service members on their game day attire. Head Coach Matt Patricia and the Lions players involved insisted that the honor was all theirs and were proud to have met the families that gave so much in honor of our country. countr

COAT DISTRIBUTION

In partnership with the Empowerment Plan, Legends, staff and Humanetics representatives helped to distribute 250 sleeping bag coats, handwarmers, food and educational resources to homeless veterans in Detroit. Lions Legends were also on-hand to pass out coffee, donuts and to listen to the veteran’s stories – as well as swap some of their own.

SALUTE TO SERVICE AWARD

Legend Eric Hipple was the 2018 Detroit Lions nominee for the Salute to Service Award, an honor given to members of the NFL who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community. Following the suicide of his 15-year old son, Jeff, Hipple dedicated his life to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness, focusing on the military and NFL. As part of his work, Hipple has led Army, Navy and Air Force suicide prevention initiatives and Mental Fitness training, and his book, “Real Men Do Cry,” received a publisher Presidential Award for its contributions to society. Hipple was selected as the NFL’s runner-up for the award and the Lions made a contribution of $5,000 to the organization of his choice to honor this prestigious accomplishment.

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My Cause My Cleats gives players the opportunity to represent causes they are passionate about through custom designed cleats during weeks 13-15 of the season. Each design exemplifies the mission of the player’s chosen cause. More than 20 Lions players wore the special cleats during the Lions vs. Rams game to raise awareness for their organization on a national stage.

EZ EKI

EZEKIAL AL ANSAH ANSAH FO UNDATIO N

HONOR FU ND

COACH P WORD OF ATRICIA

Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford was named the Lions 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year, an award given to players who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field. In the community, Stafford has devoted his time to supporting S.A.Y Detroit, an organization that aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged citizens in the city. Additionally, Stafford highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle in children through his partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Stafford and his wife Kelly also sponsor families suffering hardship during the holiday season, an initiative that began his rookie season in 2009.

2018 DETROIT LIONS HOMETOWN HUDDLE

Hometown Huddle is a league-wide day of service during which NFL teams commit to improving resources so local children can stay active through a variety of volunteer opportunities.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BEAUTIFICATION

60-100

CHILDREN IMPACTED DAILY

The Lions joined The Mission Continues, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans to continue their service through volunteerism, to revive and improve a local Boys and Girls club that serves thousands of children each year. Along with the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, corporate partners Comerica Bank and Caniff, as well as Lions Legends, volunteers painted, built benches and loſts, and cleaned activity spaces. Because of this work, the Boys and Girls Club will be able to enhance their work of providing a safe aſter-school space for education and play for the more than 100 youth who visit the center each day.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

The NFL, Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Nationwide partnered for the eighth annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards, recognizing the contributions of Hispanic leaders in their communities. The Lions award recipient was Dr. Felipe Lopez-Sustaita, the Executive Director of the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. The commission strives to market the state’s career development services to Michigan Hispanics, and encourage Hispanic student success in high school and beyond. As part of the award, with support from Nationwide, Lopez-Sustaita selected the Flint Area United Soccer Club to receive a $2,000 donation on his behal behalf. The organization works to create safe spaces for children on Flint’s south side, an area oſten plagued with violence, through the sport of soccer.

YOUTH FOOTBALL

FOSTERING A LOVE OF FOOTBALL CITIES THAT HOSTED YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Rick Bailey of Reading High School was selected as the 2018 Detroit Lions/Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan High School Coach of the Year. In recognition of his dedication to his athletes for almost 40 years, Bailey was presented with a $4,000 donation to his school’s football program and a Gatorade performance package. Bailey was also the Detroit Lions nominee for the Don Shula NFL High School High School Football Coach of the Year.

313 BY ROARY TEAMS HOSTED 12 CHILDREN 38,700 FOOTBALL CAMPS 35 CONDUCTED FOR APPEARANCES

HALFTIME REACHED BY YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS AND ASSEMBLIES

SOCIAL JUSTICE

As part of the NFL’s Inaugural Inspire Change Social Justice initiative, Detroit Lions players, coaches and the Ford family have committed an initial $600,000 toward the launch of a multi-year social justice initiative in the City of Detroit. Funds will be directed to organizations and programs determined by players and will put into action the important concerns and discussions surrounding social justice in Detroit, as outlined by the 3 pillars below.

PILLAR

PILLAR

3

PILLAR

2

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING

SOCIAL-EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

MEDICAL AID/HEALTH ASSISTANCE

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Detroit Youth Violence Prevention Initiative: The Brotherhood and Sisterhood, Detroit Lions Academy

Detroit Justice Center/ Prison and Family Justice Project, Covenant House of Michigan, Detroit Public Schools Foundation Water Relief Fund, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary-Middle School

CATCH Charity for Children, Mariner’s Inn

SOCIAL JUSTICE

1

PLAYER INITIATIVES

OPPORTUNITY

IMPACT

COMMUNI TY

MILITAR Y

WELLNESS SOCIAL JUSTICE HEALTH

ROBERT PORCHER LION OF THE YEAR Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard was named the 2018 Robert Porcher Lion of the Year. The award honors a player who fully embodies a desire to help grow the team’s culture through sportsmanship on the field, as well as a dedicated commitment to team community engagements, media responsibilities and various business initiatives each season. On behalf of the entire Lions organization, a donation was made to the Midnight Golf Program in Devon’s name.

THE DETROIT LIONS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Comprised of the spouses of players, coaches, and front office personnel as well as female staff members, the Detroit Lions Women’s Association (DLWA) supports organizations working in and around metro-Detroit. Each year, DLWA engages in service projects together, specifically focusing on youth, hunger and community development.

THE EMPOWERMENT PLAN TOUR AND COAT MANUFACTURING Similar to the rookies earlier in the year, DLWA members toured the Empowerment Plan and spent one-on-one time with seamstresses to learn about the hard work it takes to manufacture the warm sleeping bag coats.

The women then tried their hand at sewing and beautifully created some of the pockets for the final products to be distributed to the homeless community.

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK FOOD DRIVE AND PREPARATION DLWA partnered with Blessings in a Backpack, a non-profit that provides food on the weekends for children across America who might otherwise go hungry, to pack 500 bags of food for metro-Detroit students. The women also wrote notes of affirmation and encouragement to include in each bag, to brighten the weekend of each child a little more. Filling a crucial gap in food for children, the women leſt the event knowing they had guaranteed hundreds of students a weekend without hunger.

MILITARY CARE PACKAGE PREPARATION In partnership with Military Families United and Military Working Dog Team Support Association (MWDTSA), DLWA Members prepared care packages for over 250 members of the military currently serving overseas. The packages were stuffed with snacks, toiletries, and games, along with a note from the women expressing their gratitude for the sacrifice service men and women make every day. Items were also sent to 200 working dog teams serving overseas, so our four-legged service members could receive the essentials they need.

500FILLED PREPARED 50 BASKETS 250SENT BACKPACKS

THANKSGIVING

STUDENT

PACKAGES

MILITARY CARE

THANKSGIVING BASKET PREPARATION FOR COTS

An annual tradition, members of DLWA collected items to be packaged in Thanksgiving baskets for COTS homeless shelter. COTS provides services and programs for more than 900 individuals daily and assists families in breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. The baskets, filled to the brim with food, kitchen supplies and grocery giſt cards, were distributed to families COTS has helped place in transitional or permanent housing, to ease the financial burden of the holidays.

BETHUNE GIFTING As part of the Season of Sharing, DLWA purchased, wrapped and helped deliver giſts to more than 675 students at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary-Middle School. The women read holiday stories to the children and played with their new toys, ensuring that the joy of the season reached the whole school.

DLWA

LEGENDS IN THE COMMUNITY

The Detroit Lions Legends are former Lions players who engage in the community and strive to be a positive example for those around them. The Legends are involved in a variety of community service projects throughout the year, as well as many of their own charitable initiatives.

DALLAS SERVICE PROJECT Each year, Lions Legends travel to an away game and spend time giving back with the opposing team’s alumni in the community. On the weekend of the Lions game in Dallas, Cowboys and Lions Legends joined forces to build bikes for 50 youth served by Mission Arlington, an organization dedicated to impacting their community through service. Aſter assembly, the bikes and helmets were giſted to the children, a few Legends even taking a spin, bringing smiles to the faces of many!

PEER PRIDE

YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS Throughout the year, Lions Legends volunteer their time to coach and mentor youth athletes at youth football camps across the country. These camps are oſten free of charge, offering a unique experience for kids of all backgrounds to learn from a former professional athlete. Extending their leadership to younger generations, Legends’ legacies reach far beyond their time spent on the playing field.

LEGENDS

The first of its kind, the Peer Pride program was created to engage, reconnect, and provide peer support for transitioning Lions Legends. Peer Pride captains, who are also former Lions players, have been trained in outreach and mental health awareness to help players deal with the isolation they sometimes feel as they leave the NFL. Captains make calls to former players, offer a shoulder to lean on, and continue to promote emotional wellbeing during and aſter a career in professional football.

PRESENTED BY

300

INDIVIDUALS

FED

THANKSGIVING

DINNER

675+

CHRISTMAS

GIFTS DELIVERED

120 CHILDREN GIVEN HOLIDAY

SHOPPING SPREE

THANKSGIVING DINNER To kick off the Season of Sharing, families from Orchards Children's Services, the Children’s Center and Yatooma Foundation for The Kids were invited to Ford Field for a Thanksgiving dinner unlike any other. Instead of chefs serving up the turkey and gravy, Lions players donned aprons and filled the families’ plates with delicious food. The fun didn’t stop there —when dinner was over, attendees decorated cookies, got their faces painted, posed in a photo booth and danced the night away with players and Roary.

HOLIDAY GIFTING FOR MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE ELEMENTARY-MIDDLE SCHOOL For an unforgettable day of holiday festivities, players and their wives, cheerleaders, Legends, Roary, staff, and Santa Claus surprised over 675 students at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary-Middle School with holiday giſts from their Christmas wish-lists as part of the Season of Sharing initiative. Students had the chance to hear holiday stories from their favorite players, eat cookies with Santa, and share a smile with Roary as he joined in on playing with their new toys.

SHOP WITH A LION SEASON OF SHARING

In the midst of the busy holiday season, the Detroit Lions and Meijer partnered to provide a special shopping experience for children from Detroit Lions Academy and Orchards Children’s Services. Lions players and cheerleaders joined groups of students as they wandered the aisles picking out Christmas giſts for themselves and their families, items that they may not have otherwise been able to purchase. To add to the excitement, the students from DLA received their second pair of Nike shoes of the year, courtesy of Cornerback Nevin Lawson.

THE LIONS EXPERIENCE MAKE-A-WISH

Throughout the season, the Detroit Lions hosted special Lions fans, children and their families from Make-A-Wish, for an unforgettable experience including a visit to Lions practice, time spent with players and coaches, as well as tickets and sideline passes for a home game. These special weekends highlight the resilience of children going through unimaginable circumstances and gives them a chance to get the 5-star treatment they deserve.

2018 TRAINING CAMP

For an exciting day of football in the summer sun, the Detroit Lions hosted more than 800 individuals representing 15 community organizations at training camp to get a first glance at the 2018 team. Sitting in exclusive reserved seats, military members, youth athletes, and children battling illness got an up close and personal view of the players and coaches in action.

DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT PIZZA PARTY

Third-graders from Maybury Elementary School in Detroit were welcomed to the Lions locker room for a pizza party, as a reward for their perfect attendance during Count Day, a day that affects the amount of funding schools receive. Roary, cheerleaders and Legends Lomas Brown and Jason Hansen even joined in on the fun, playing games, telling jokes and running drills in a mini football clinic. The students also received a tour of Ford Field, capping off the day with a photo in a suite above the field!

THE LIONS EXPERIENCE