Pistons owner pledges $10 million for Flint recovery

The owner of the Detroit Pistons announced on Thursday that he would raise at least $10 million and deploy resources for short and long-term help to address the Flint Water Crisis.

Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons and Chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity, announced that he would rally support form business and civic leaders to help the people of his hometown.

“The issues facing Flint won’t be solved solely through government intervention and emergency support,” Gores said in a press release. “The private sector needs to play role here, and I am committed to helping drive that effort. I grew up in Flint, my family has strong roots there, and I believe in the people who live there.”

Gores also appointed Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem and Platinum Equity Partner Mark Barnhill to lead a task force to rally support.

He's not just raising money, he also pledged to make personal contributions, but did not provide a dollar amount. He also said that there will be benefits for the people of Flint at Pistons games and other concert venues, plus assistance to small businesses.

“Families and children who live in Flint are suffering, but this is a national issue,”  Gores said.  “Flint was once a cornerstone of American industry that gave a lot to this country. We need help now more than ever and ask that people from coast to coast continue stepping up.”

According to the press release, the campaign will focus on three core priorities:

1.Immediate support for short-term relief efforts to ensure access to safe drinking water and infrastructure associated with volunteer programs, distribution of resources and other logistics.

2.Funding for programs that help children, including healthy food and nutrition campaigns, as well as education and healthcare initiatives.

3.Long-term support for economic development and revitalization initiatives in Flint and surrounding communities.