Pitch for Detroit to raise money for DIFD microgrants to benefit city
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By ALEXIS WILEY MyFox Detroit Reporter
SOUTHFIELD (MyFox Detroit) -- Do It For Detroit (DIFD) will be awarding microgrants for projects that will help the City of Detroit. This weekend's Pitch for Detroit softball tournament will raise money to support that endeavor.
"I grew up in the suburbs, but we've always been to Detroit whether it was concerts, all the art culture down there," said Gabe Neistein.
So it makes sense that young metro Detroiters like him are moving into the city.
"This is my home. This is my community."
However, being part of this community also means you've got to take ownership of its problems and help create solutions. That's where Pitch for Detroit comes into play. It's a softball tournament sponsored by CommunityNEXT and the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit.
"This year we have 18 teams, close to 300 players," said Rachel Lachover.
Together they're raising money for the Do It For Detroit Fund. It will bankroll microgrants for projects that support Detroit and the people who live there.
"Anyone who has a really strong idea can come to us, apply for these microgrants, specifically in the City of Detroit. They'll be under categories and themes like arts and culture, education and literacy," Lachover said.
"Anything from restoring an old park to helping some Detroit public schools get a field trip somewhere unique they've never been before. Really anything that can benefit our city," Neistein said.
The grants will range from $500 to $3,000, and they're available to anyone who wants to help make a difference.
"Anybody can move to Chicago and New York and you're one of thousands of people, but in Detroit you're really part of something. You feel that," Neistein remarked.
"The competition is on. We're really excited to have a full, fun day of softball," said Lachover.
Pitch for Detroit is Sunday at Inglenook Park in Southfield. Come down and have some fun, or even better, come up with a project and apply for a microgrant. Who knows? You might hit a home run.
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