Auburn Hills, MI – The entire Detroit Pistons team will tip-off their 2006-07 community efforts by unveiling a renovated “Live, Learn and Play Center” at Madison School in Pontiac on Friday, October 20 at 1:45 p.m., as part of the NBA Cares and Read to Achieve initiatives. This marks the Pistons’ 12th project of this magnitude, as they have completely renovated the school’s existing library – adding books, 13 new laptop computers, carpet, paint, furniture and creative design elements.

“The first Read to Achieve event of the season is always special and to renovate a library close to home is really rewarding, particularly because we have so many fans in the Pontiac area,” said Pistons CEO Tom Wilson. “National City, the local management and staff, really stepped up on this project for us, providing man hours and materials that helped us get this renovation done. All of our sponsors deserve recognition for all that they provide for our Read to Achieve programs, but on this particular event, National City deserves an extra pat on the back.”

In conjunction with the Learn and Play Center grand opening, Pistons players, coaches and personalities will participate in a “Historical Halloween Rally” to celebrate influential figures throughout history. The rally will take place in the school’s gymnasium and feature four pre-selected Madison students performing skits while dressed as an important positive historical character. Each student’s presentation will be geared towards helping their classmates learn about a positive meaning behind Halloween, while educating the audience on the achievements and contributions of their character. Of the four presentations, a winner will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges to receive a brand new laptop computer, provided by National City Bank and the Pistons. Madison’s entire student body of more than 800 sixth, seventh and eighth graders will be in attendance for the “Historical Halloween Rally” in the gymnasium.

“It’s great to do something like this right in The Palace’s own backyard,” said 2006 NBA All-Star and Pistons team captain Chauncey Billups. “The library will be there long after my teammates and I are gone, serving as a great motivator for the students to read, learn and improve their education.”

Pistons Public Address Announcer Mason will emcee the rally, and voice of the Pistons George Blaha will emcee the ribbon cutting. The panel of judges will be made up of a mixture of Read to Achieve All-Stars, including Pistons players and Read to Achieve Partners. Pistons Mascot Hooper, Pistons Dance Team Automotion, Palace Sports & Entertainment President and CEO Tom Wilson, United States Senator Debbie Stabenow, County Commissioner Tim Melton and representatives of Pontiac Public Schools will also be present.

Madison is the second “Live, Learn and Play Center” that the franchise has unveiled this fall. In September, the Pistons renovated a library at Lewton Elementary School in Lansing and plans are already underway for additional renovation projects to take place during the 2006 – 2007 season.

Madison Middle School – 1275 N. Perry, Pontiac, MI 48340
Timeline for Event:
1:30 p.m.	Arrival of VIP's, Sponsors, Read to Achieve All Stars, players and coaches
1:45 p.m.	Program begins with welcome and introductions, emceed by Mason
2:10 - 2:40 p.m.	“Historical Halloween” competition in gymnasium
2:45 p.m.	Announcement of winner
2:55 p.m.	Ribbon cutting ceremony in library with entire Pistons team, emceed by George Blaha
3:00 - 3:15 p.m.	Educational and literacy activities
3:15 p.m.	Event concludes