Detroit, April 18, 2019 - For the seventh consecutive year, Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) served as the presenting sponsor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County’s annual Rise and Shine for Kid’s Sake! Breakfast. The event, held April 18 at the Barton Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan, supports the organization’s Investing in Children Circle annual fundraising campaign.

Thursday morning’s event, featuring a keynote address on mentoring delivered by University of Michigan Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Beilein, generated an initial donation total of $50,000 for 2019 and $73,000 for the next four years.

“To impact the lives the way Big Brothers Big Sisters does takes outstanding leadership and a team working together for the greater good,” said Kristine Kerns, Comerica Bank Ann Arbor Regional President, when she welcomed the attendees. “A day does not go by without Jen Spitler and this dedicated staff improving the lives of the children they serve. We thank you so much for the tireless effort you put into inspiring and empowering young people.

“When you build strong, long-lasting relationships you also tend to connect with other organizations who are intrinsically motivated like you. Perhaps no one exemplifies this better than Big Brothers Big Sisters who generates wins through powerful one-on-one mentorship.

“It has been a true pleasure to work with you for the past seven years.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County, a 1-to-1 youth mentoring organization, provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported relationships.

“I truly believe that each and every one of them has this amazing light in them,” said Jennifer Spitler, BBBS of Washtenaw County Executive Director. “It’s just hard to let it shine when there are so many outside factors putting pressures on you. So many kids are feeling those pressures.”

BBBS serves an average of 400 kids annually in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and the surrounding communities within Washtenaw County.

“As many of you know, we don’t just take the next kid in line and match them up with the next volunteer that comes through the door,” continued Spitler. “Our work is intentional, and the intentionality behind it is why years of research shows that this type of one-on-one consistent, commitment mentoring relationship works. Comerica, you’ve been a great partner to BBBS, as the Presenting Sponsor of Rise and Shine each year. Thank you.”

Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back 170 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has more than 4,800 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit’s downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Comerica and Twitter @ComericaBank.