Teamwork on the Court and in the Community: Michigan and Oakland Basketball Teams Unite for Forgotten Harvest

The University of Michigan and Oakland University basketball teams came together on a mission to make a difference in their local community. Joining forces with Forgotten Harvest, a leading food rescue organization in Metro Detroit, the players and coaches packed thousands of apples to help feed those in need. This collaborative effort not only showcased the teams' athletic prowess but also their commitment to using their platform to positively impact the lives of others.

Empowering the Community through Collective Action

Addressing Food Insecurity in Metro Detroit

The University of Michigan and Oakland University basketball teams recognized the pressing issue of food insecurity in their region and took action to make a tangible difference. According to Forgotten Harvest's Chief Marketing Officer, Christopher Ivey, there are over 550,000 people in Metro Detroit who are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to adequate, nutritious food. By partnering with Forgotten Harvest, the teams were able to directly contribute to addressing this critical need.

Teamwork on and off the Court

The players and coaches from both programs worked side by side, packing thousands of apples that would be distributed to those in need throughout the community. This collaborative effort not only demonstrated the teams' athletic skills but also their dedication to using their platform to make a positive impact. As Oakland University's men's basketball coach, Greg Kampe, expressed, "What I'm proud of is how hard they've worked at. It's easy to sit here and say we're doing this, but those were some really big boxes and they really worked their butts off to get through there."

Building Bridges and Fostering Friendly Competition

The event was organized by 313 Presents, a company that aims to create meaningful connections within the community. By bringing the two basketball programs together, 313 Presents facilitated a unique opportunity for the teams to engage in friendly competition while also contributing to a greater good. As 313 Presents' President, Howard Handler, stated, "We wanted to create a relevant reason for these two teams to clash and Forgotten Harvest is an amazing force really helps people with food insecurity."

Preparing for a Charity Exhibition Game

The collaborative effort between the University of Michigan and Oakland University basketball teams served as a prelude to a highly anticipated charity exhibition game scheduled for October 20th. The game, which will benefit Forgotten Harvest, will feature new faces on the sidelines, including Michigan's new head coach, Dusty May. As May expressed, "It's going to be fun just to be in front of our fans in the City of Detroit and also it's going to be exciting just to see our team play together. It'll be the first time they've put on the uniforms and have officials and the lights on, so we're anticipating it."

Fostering a Sense of Community and Camaraderie

The joint effort between the two basketball programs not only addressed a pressing community need but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity. By working together to pack apples for Forgotten Harvest, the players and coaches from both teams were able to set aside their competitive rivalry and focus on a shared goal of making a positive impact. This experience not only strengthened the bonds within each team but also created a sense of community and collaboration that transcended the boundaries of their respective institutions.