National City Saves First Tee of Detroit

A couple of days ago, I noted that the First Tee of Michigan was facing a major budget deficit and that it might have to close its doors at the end of the year.

Not any more. National City Bank has stepped in to donate $300,000 to the First Tee. It’s the first part of a planned three-year, $3 million fundraising campaign.

David Boyle, National City’s president of banking in Michigan and northwest Ohio, said the $300,000 gift would be dispersed at the discretion of the First Tee of Detroit. Boyle, whose company employs 2,000 people in southeast Michigan, said he viewed the donation as an investment in the community and its children.

“I just felt it would be way too problematic not to have this program here in southeast Michigan,” he said. “Given everything that we’re facing, this is the type of program that keeps kids actively engaged in something that’s going to enhance their lives.

“And it actually keeps them out of trouble. ... Boy, if we can get a couple of them—just a couple of them—not to get into trouble, it’s worth every penny that we spend to do that. And it’ll help southeast Michigan, make it a better place.”

Kudos to National City and David Boyle.