The Sam Bernstein Law Firm and CBS EcoMedia Partner to Help Detroit PAL Empower More Detroit Youth

July 31, 2014 /3BL Media/ - In support of Detroit youth development through athletic, academic and leadership programs, The Sam Bernstein Law Firm has partnered with CBS EcoMedia to help Detroit PAL offer safe, reliable transportation to the children served by its programs. Through funding provided by The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, Detroit PAL is able to expand the access of its programs to more youth in Detroit through the purchase of a 15-passenger van.

With limited options for public transportation, the van will allow young people a better opportunity to enjoy college tours, once-in-a-lifetime experiences with professional athletes, attendance at professional games and other specialized athletic experiences. Detroit PAL estimates that the van will transport more than 700 youth approximately 10,000 miles per year for the next 10 years.

Mayor Mike Duggan will join a ceremonial ‘unveiling’ of the van to celebrate the partnership on August 6 at Lighthouse Academy. Other notable guests will include Mark Bernstein, President and Managing Partner, The Sam Bernstein Law Firm; Sam Bernstein, Founder, The Sam Bernstein Law Firm; Tim Richey, CEO, Detroit PAL; Josh Sobel, Director, Sales and Business Development, CBS EcoMedia; Richard Bernstein, Head of Public Service Division, The Sam Bernstein Law Firm; Tom Canedo, Vice President/General Manager, CBS 62/CW 50 TW. Jim Madaus, CBS Detroit’s Chief Meteorologist will conduct a special weather report for guests on site.

“Detroit PAL is extremely grateful to the Sam Bernstein Law Firm for their generosity in supporting the purchase of a 15 passenger van,” said Tim Richey, CEO of Detroit PAL. “The van, the first new addition in several years to an aging fleet, will allow us to continue to provide safe and reliable transportation for Detroit PAL's youth for years to come.”    

In partnership with the Detroit Police Department, Detroit PAL is a youth development agency utilizing athletic, academic and leadership programs to build character in youth ages 4-19. By collaborating with schools, community organizations and churches, among others, and providing rosters and equipment, the organization offers various programs throughout Detroit neighborhoods and surrounding cities.

 “Throughout the three generation history of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, and reinforced by the launch of our public service division 10 years ago, the focus for us has always been on providing support for Michigan families who need it the most,” said Mark Bernstein, president and managing partner at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. “Sports is one example of organized programs that benefit families, and Detroit PAL is an excellent resource for kids throughout Detroit to learn more about themselves, leadership and teamwork.”

Last year Detroit PAL served more than 11,000 girls and boys, with the help of 1,500 trained and certified adult volunteers. Athletic programs include basketball, volleyball, track and field, soccer, baseball, softball, tee ball, lacrosse, golf, contact football and cheerleading.

“Detroit PAL programs give kids in Detroit an opportunity to learn through athletics and develop confidence and motivation that will stay with them when they’re off the playing field,” said Paul Polizzotto, president and founder, CBS EcoMedia. “The Sam Bernstein Law Firm has a long history of public service, and the purchase of this van is a fine example of their commitment to the community.”

Detroit PAL and Ronald McDonald House Charities also are contributing funding toward the purchase of the passenger van.

About Detroit PAL
Detroit PAL is a nonprofit organization positively impacting the lives of more than 11,000 children each year through athletic, academic and leadership development programs. With roots dating back to 1969, Detroit PAL empowers the community by training volunteer coaches and creating safe places for kids to play. Each year, Detroit PAL teaches nearly 1,500 caring community members how to be encouraging and effective mentors. Detroit PAL strives to create positive, energetic, and safe experiences for young people. These experiences will help them grow into responsible citizens who appreciate the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle, and the importance of giving back to the community. Visit www.detroitpal.org.

About The Sam Bernstein Law Firm
The Sam Bernstein Law Firm specializes in personal injury law including medical malpractice, workers’ compensation and social security disability. Through its Public Service Division, the firm has been an advocate for disability rights, providing a voice to those who would otherwise be forced to be silent. The firm has helped more than 100,000 Michigan personal injury clients and recovered more than $500 million in damages, as well as setting national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities. Visit www.callsam.com.

About CBS EcoMedia Inc.
At EcoMedia, we’re propelled by the desire to create positive social change; that’s been our mission since we founded the company in 2002.  In 2010, after successfully partnering with CBS on a wide range of environmental projects, EcoMedia became the newest addition to the CBS Corporation portfolio, exponentially scaling our reach across television, radio, interactive, publishing and outdoor media. 

Through our patent-pending EcoAd, WellnessAd and EducationAd programs, an innovative twist on traditional advertising, advertisers are able to support much-needed local projects which in turn creates jobs, saves taxpayer money and improves the quality of life in communities nationwide.  In the process, we’re fundamentally altering the advertising landscape, elevating the ordinary, traditional commercial – and media, in general – into a catalyst for tangible, quantifiable social change.  Please visit ecomediacbs.com, like us at facebook.com/EcoMediaCBS or follow us at Twitter.com/EcoMediaCBS.

By participating in EcoMedia’s EcoAd, WellnessAd and EducationAd advertising programs, EcoMedia’s advertisers agree to provide funding for projects we believe will have a beneficial effect upon the environment, health and/or education within local communities.  EcoMedia’s advertising programs are not certification programs nor are the EcoAd, WellnessAd or EducationAd logos seals of approval. EcoMedia does not in any way certify, endorse or make any representations about EcoMedia program advertisers, their products or services.