Think Detroit PAL named 2007 Champion in Action

Charter One Bank and WXYZ-TV 7 provide $25,000 grant, volunteer and promotional support in recognition of excellence in youth programming

DETROIT (April 19, 2007) Charter One Bank and WXYZ-TV 7 have named Think Detroit PAL as the 2007 Champions in Action winner in Michigan in the area of youth programming. As part of this award, Think Detroit PAL will receive a $25,000 grant, public relations and volunteer support in recognition of its outstanding commitment to empowering youth in metropolitan Detroit.

The Champions in Action program was launched in November 2005 by Charter One and WXYZ-TV 7 to recognize and support non-profit organizations that champion change in our communities and work to address the needs of southeast Michigan.
Think Detroit PAL is one of the largest youth organizations in Detroit and one of the largest inner-city sports leagues in the country, serving nearly 13,000 annually. With the support of more than 1,400 volunteers, Think Detroit PAL is focused on building character in young people through athletic, academic and leadership development programs. Think Detroit PAL aims to serve one in 10 Detroit kids.

Detroit-area youth benefit from a wide range of programming offered throughout the year.  Seasonal leagues, camps and clinics are available in 11 sports, encouraging general health, academic success and leadership development. Summer leadership camps emphasize academic growth and personal development and after-school educational and recreational programs are hosted at local community centers. 

“Think Detroit PAL uses the power of sports to encourage young people to excel in school and in life,” said Sandra Pierce, President and CEO of Charter One Bank, Michigan. "We are pleased to partner with WXYZ-TV/ 7 to recognize the important work of Think Detroit PAL and to help provide them with the resources to advance its mission and reach.”

"WXYZ-TV 7 is proud to partner with Charter One Bank to recognize the extraordinary commitment of Think Detroit PAL," said Grace Gilchrist, Vice President and General Manager, WXYZ-TV 7. "We applaud its work and look forward to doing our part to help raise awareness of its important programs to the youth of metropolitan Detroit."

As the 2007 second-quarter Champion in Action, Think Detroit PAL will receive:
• A $25,000 grant in unrestricted funds from the Charter One Foundation;
• Media coverage from WXYZ-TV 7, including public service announcements;
• Volunteer support from Charter One and WXYZ-TV 7 employees;
• Promotional support in all Charter One branches and on its ATMs throughout Michigan; and
• Exposure on both Charter One’s and WXYZ-TV 7’s Web sites.

”There is no better sign of a thriving community than a park with kids in uniform playing ball and parents cheering them on. It’s like the community is giving its kids a big hug,” said Dan Varner, President and CEO of Think Detroit PAL. "We are thankful to be named a Champion in Action.  This recognition will help Think Detroit PAL raise awareness of our programs and expand our outreach to the community.”

A group of community leaders and representatives of WXYZ-TV/7 and Charter One comprise a committee which selects a Champion in Action each quarter for its work on a particular social issue. 2007 categories include: Elder Support; Youth Programming; Job Training & Placement; and Violence Prevention.

About Charter One Bank, N.A.

Charter One Bank, N.A., is a $46 billion bank operating in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. It has 466 branches and more than 780 ATMs. It has 120 branches and 136 ATMs in Michigan. Charter One is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $161 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,600 branches, approximately 3,100 ATMs and more than 25,000 employees. It has a 13-state retail branch network plus non-branch retail and commercial offices in about 40 states. Citizens is the eighth-largest commercial banking company in the United States ranked by deposits and ninth in assets as of September 30, 2006. Citizens is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc).