March 10, 2011

The spring semester has been action-packed across all programs in the Oakland University Department of Athletics, both inside competition and out. Some of the department's most important efforts come in service to the community.

Oakland University student-athletes and athletic staff have already taken part in several community service and outreach events thus far this semester, with several more events scheduled.

"One of the core values of our department is that we approach all of our relationships with a spirit of service," said Director of Athletics Tracy Huth. "I can not think of many relationships that are more important than the relationship that we have with our community. As important is it is for our program to have community support, it is equally important that we use our time and energy to serve those who support us."

Here is a current list of some of the OU athletics department's recent and future community outreach events.

Light House Mission - Swim & Dive Mitten Toss - 1/6
The 4th annual OU Swimming and Diving Mitten Toss took place at halftime of OU Men's Basketball vs. IUPUI on Thursday, January 6. Fans participated by throwing slightly used or new gloves or mittens on the Golden Grizzlies Court at halftime. All donations went to benefit the Light House Mission in Pontiac.

Light House Mission - Summit League Food Fight - 1/29- 2/12
Fans joined the Golden Grizzlies for the 2011 Summit League Food Fight food drive January 29 through Saturday, February 12. All fans were encouraged to help OU student athletes team up to fight hunger by bringing monetary donations or canned food items to the O'rena during this two week period. All donations went to benefit Light House of Oakland County in Pontiac. Fans received a free reusable grocery bag at the beginning of the Food Fight and all who donated received two free tickets to a Detroit Pistons game at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Wednesday, February 16. For more information about the Summit League Food Fight and totals collected from OU fans, please click HERE.

R.E.D.C.O.W. (as part of African American Celebration Month) - 2/17
Fans joined the fun at the OU Men's Basketball vs. NDSU on Thursday, February 17 for the REDCOW Dance Contest. The contest concluded the African American Celebration Month festivities at Oakland University and is brought to the O'rena by the REDCOW and on-campus Student Organization which stands for Revive, Educate, Dream, Change Our World.

Pink Zone in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness & Research (Kay Yow Foundation) - 2/19
Golden Grizzlies Basketball held the 4th Annual WBCA Pink Zone Game in support of breast cancer awareness and research on Saturday, February 19. This doubleheader event will featured a free breast cancer awareness giveaway to the first 250 fans. All fans in attendance were encouraged to support the Golden Grizzlies and breast cancer research by wearing pink attire. All breast cancer survivors were recognized at halftime of each game. Total fundraising for the Kay Yow Foundation amounted to over $475.00.

Coaches vs. Cancer - 2/22 (at bd's Mongolian Barbeque)
Fans supported the Golden Grizzlies and the American Cancer Society for the 2011 Coaches vs. Cancer event on Tuesday, February 22 at bd's Mongolian Barbeque in Auburn Hills. Greg Kampe, Beckie Francis and members of the OU Men's and Women's Basketball staffs were guest grillers cooking fan meals on the 2,000 pound, 600° grill. All grill tips were donated to the American Cancer Society totaling over $400.00.

Grizz Kidz Club Program Participation Recognition Dates

• Thursday, January 6
• Thursday, January 27
• Saturday, February 12
• Thursday, February 17

Program participants were recognized and honored for their reading accomplishments in conjunction with Auburn Hills Public Library. Participants are 1st through 6th grade and are encouraged to read four books to make a Slam Dunk with reading by scoring a free throw (1 book), jump shot (2 books), layup (3 books), slam dunk (4 books). All youth who complete a Slam Dunk earn two general admission tickets.

Click HERE for club information and participation rules.

Upcoming Outreach Activities

March is Reading Month at University Hills, Rochester

• Date: Wednesday, March 23
• Time: 8:40am
• Location: University Hills Elementary School, 600 Croydon Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309

Global Youth Service Day

• Date: Friday, April 15
• Time: 4pm-7pm
• Location: Southgate, MI

Special Olympics Superstars Fundraiser/Competition

• Date: Sunday, May 1st, 2011
• Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm
• Location: Ultimate Soccer Arena, 867 South Blvd., Pontiac

McGregor Elementary School Carnival, Rochester

• Date: Friday, May 6
• Time: 6pm-9pm
• Location: McGregor Elementary School, 1101 1st Street, Rochester, MI 48307

Field Day at Bruce Collins Elementary, Sterling Heights

• Date: Friday, June 10, 2011
• Time: 9am-3pm (we could break this into shifts as we have with other events)...can be shorter span if needed
• Location: Bruce Collins Elementary School, 12900 Grand Haven Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48312

-OAKLAND-