Former Detroit Tiger’s centerfielder Curtis Ganderson will be bringing his annual celebrity All Star basketball game to Seaholm next weekend to raise funds for underprivileged city youth.
The game, which tips off at 2 p.m., Jan. 24, features past sports stars and television personalities.Among those scheduled to appear: former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, poker star Joe Cada, NBC personality Chris Hansen, former NBA star Jalen Rose, NFL running back and former Detroit Lion T.J. Duckett.
The celebrities will be coached by former U of M Football Coach Lloyd Carr and Piston’s guard Ben Gordon.
Granderson will serve as referee.
“I always bring in people with a Michigan connection,” Granderson said in an email through his publicist. “It's a lot of fun for me too since I get to establish relationships with all of them. I haven't met Chris Hansen yet, he's the one I'm most excited about.”
The event was brought to Seaholm in 2010 after last year’s weather delayed celebrities scheduled to compete at Lake Orion High School. This year, event organizers were looking for something closer to the Townsend Hotel.
“Those who organized the event went to high schools around the area and met with many athletic directors,” athletic director Aaron Frank said. “After considering different locations and facilities, they chose [Seaholm].”
Tickets are $30 for general admission and $25 for students with their ID. Seaholm will not be receiving money and all proceeds will be going toward the Grand Kids Foundation.
Donations to the Grand Kids Foundation go towards purchasing school supplies for less fortunate families and children. The program purchases books and supplies for schools which do not get adequate funding and provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors.
“I am one of only 26 MLB players and coaches with a four-year college degree, so education is something I am passionate about,” said Granderson. “I wanted [to support a program] really close to my heart.”
In addition, the foundation helps establish baseball programs and provide equipment and facilities to some of Michigan’s inner cities.
Before the game begins a video production company will install screens and commercial projectors to play video displaying Grandersons time here in Detroit and what the charity focuses on.
“My relationship with this city has been very interactive,” said Granderson.” I just want to encourage our nation's youth to try different things.”
Granderson is looking forward to the event and hopes to meet some of his Seaholm fans.
“At Seaholm I get to come in and have fun with a lot of my friends, but also see the fans and thank them,” Granderson said. “They are truly the people that have made me what I am.”
