Pistons' Owner Tom Gores Pledges $10 Million To Help In Flint
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (CBS Detroit/AP) - Tom Gores — a Flint native and owner of the Detroit Pistons — is pledging to raise $10 million to address the short- and long-term needs of his Michigan hometown, where the drinking water is contaminated with lead.
Gores said in a statement Thursday he has appointed two associates to raise money from other business leaders and identify priorities in Flint.
"The issues facing Flint won't be solved solely through government intervention and emergency support," Gores said."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."
The city's water is currently undrinkable after it became contaminated when Flint switched from the Detroit water system to the Flint River as a cost-cutting move. The corrosive water lacked adequate treatment and caused lead to leach from old pipes.
Gores' 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.
Gores, who is chairman of Los Angeles-based Platinum Equity, also will contribute. He says Flint once was a "cornerstone of American industry," and that people "from coast to coast" need to step up.
Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem and Platinum Equity partner Mark Barnhill will lead the effort.
Barnhill says the residents' immediate needs are important but that long-term opportunities in Flint will also be explored, such as small business assistance.
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