Detroit, February 26, 2024 – Comerica Bank and the Grand Rapids Griffins have teamed up to support Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) and its mission to reduce hunger in the community through a month-long food drive at participating West Michigan Comerica banking centers. From March 1-April 4, individuals who drop off non-perishable food items from the KFB Wish List will earn ticket vouchers redeemable for Griffins home hockey games at Van Andel Arena throughout the remaining 2023-24 season.
Those who donate can receive game tickets based on total items donated, including one ticket voucher for every five items donated – up to four ticket vouchers for 20 donated items. Those who donate over 20 items will also receive a special Grand Rapids Griffins prize.
“Kids’ Food Basket has not only increased food access in our community but has also empowered children and nurtured healthier lives through impactful education,” said Debra Van Hevele, Comerica Bank Senior Vice President and Retail Regional Director. “We are honored to support Kids’ Food Basket alongside the Grand Rapids Griffins, an outstanding contributor to the West Michigan region focused on helping our communities thrive.”
Community members who would like to donate to the food drive can refer to KFB non-perishable Wish List, which includes staple non-perishable food items such as fruit cups or pouches, pudding cups, meat sticks, pretzels, cheese crackers and Cheerios.
“It is through collaborative efforts like this that gives West Michigan its well-earned reputation as one of the most generous, thoughtful, caring regions on the planet,” commented Bob Kaser, Griffins VP and KFB Board Member. “As Debra mentioned, the work Kids’ Food Basket does is exemplary and life-changing for thousands of kids and families, and made possible, in part, by two highly committed, community minded companies like the Griffins and Comerica Bank.”
Comerica and partners will announce the total amount of food collected for Kids’ Food Basket at the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 5, at Van Andel Arena.
Heralded for their efforts both on and off the ice, the Griffins generate more than $400,000 annually for various schools, organizations and nonprofits in West Michigan through their community programs and charitable initiatives.
In 2023, Kids’ Food Basket, which supports youth and families in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties, served 1.74 million meals, reached 60 schools, and delivered approximately 10,000 meals to schools each workday. The organization hosted 63,000 volunteer hours to support the community last year.
“Our work is made possible due to the generosity of a community that has come together around the fact that all kids deserve good food.” said Bridget Clark Whitney, KFB President and Founding CEO. “We are honored and grateful for Comerica and the Griffins’ continued support as they champion a future that includes good for all.”
Comerica has partnered with Kids’ Food Basket for several years to reduce food insecurity and enrich the lives of those in need. Since 2020, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have contributed $43,500 to KFB’s mission in nourish kids to reach their full potential.
Comerica’s food drive with the Grand Rapids Griffins expands its efforts to reduce hunger in the community through partnerships with local teams. Over the past two summers, Comerica has partnered with the Kalamazoo Growlers on a food drive that has generated approximately 126,000 meals for the South Michigan Food Bank.
This year, Comerica Bank is celebrating 175 years of serving its communities, making it Michigan’s longest-serving bank. Comerica was founded in 1849 in Detroit during a time when all banks in the city were exclusive to the business community. This was the motivation behind Comerica’s decision to gear its banking for the people and for those who wanted to secure their personal and financial future. Since its inception, Comerica has grown in Michigan and throughout the country by focusing on the customer first and offering personal, small business and commercial banking services, as well as wealth management services.
For more information on Comerica’s partnership with the Griffins supporting KFB, including details on the 11 participating Comerica banking centers, visit: Comerica.com/griffinsfooddrive.
About Comerica Bank
This year, Comerica Bank celebrates 175 years of raising expectations for its customers, colleagues and communities. Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has more than 4,500 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 Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, X (formerly known as Twitter): @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank.
About Grand Rapids Griffins
The two-time Calder Cup champion Grand Rapids Griffins are proud members of the American Hockey League and the primary affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. The bedrock of Sports Business Journal’s No. 1-ranked minor league market for 2019, the Griffins make their home at the world-renowned Van Andel Arena and are in the midst of their 28th season as one of the premier franchises in sports. They have sent 205 players on to the National Hockey League since their inception and helped produce 19 Stanley Cup champions. Visit griffinshockey.com.
About Kids’ Food Basket
Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) was founded to nourish children to reach their full potential. We are a community-based food equity nonprofit serving our West Michigan neighbors in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties who are under-resourced and impacted by poverty and food insecurity. Services include flagship Sack Supper program, sustainable farming, community food distribution and educational programming. Kids’ Food Basket is now serving about 10,000 hundred daily evening meals to 60 schools in four counties and works toward a future in which all children have access to the nourishment that fosters their lifelong health and limitless potential. To learn more about KFB’s programs, services and how to make a difference, please visit kidsfoodbasket.org.
