Detroit Pistons' All-Day Telethon Benefits Hungry Michigan Residents

I'm a lifelong Detroit Pistons fan. I was born in Detroit and even though I grew up in Hawaii, I religiously followed the Pistons. Like many teams, they've had their struggles for periods of time, but unlike fans of many teams, I've also been rewarded with three NBA championships. And while the team seems to be on another downswing, I can still take an immense amount of pride in the fact that the team's generosity is on a major upswing.

Throughout the day Tuesday, the team threw a telethon to benefit the Food Bank Council of Michigan. Every dollar given will help provide five meals for those people facing hunger, while a donation as generous as $200 will feed a senior citizen for an entire year. The telethon began at 6 a.m. in Detroit, with live TV and radio broadcasts from The Palace (where the Pistons play their home games). In addition, there's an auction going on through March 8 at NBA Auctions, and all the proceeds from the auction will benefit the telethon. Fans can bid on a chance to go bowling with former Pistons great Rick Mahorn, the opportunity to play a game of H.O.R.S.E. with Pistons player Ben Gordon, or a gourmet dinner prepared by Piston Richard Hamilton's personal chef, among others.

The day was capped off by the Pistons game against the Boston Celtics (sadly the Pistons lost 105-100), and the team sold tickets that will provide meals to Michigan families, with a $20 ticket translating to 50 meals and a $50 ticket meaning 125 meals.

This is the third annual Pistons Care Telethon. The first one in 2008 was the first time an NBA team presented a home game as a charitable fundraiser. Last year's fundraiser, which benefited Feed the Children, raised $450,000 in pledges and helped 25,000 families across the state of Michigan.

Even if you're not in Michigan, you can still help. Go to pistons.com to donate or call 877-499-2010.

Image courtesy of the Detroit Pistons.