NFL draft week takes off with more than $1 million in community investments

Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press

Detroit kicked off NFL draft week with the Community Impact Draft on Monday afternoon, rolling out more than $1 million in nonprofit investments before an energetic crowd.

Local and national officials gathered at the Corner Ballpark in Detroit for the event, announcing programming and grants for 30 nonprofits in education, sports, business, and more across the region.

"The community impact is equally important. Once the NFL leaves town, what's left behind? Part of our mission in the NFL was that we wanted to have a positive legacy impact once they're gone," said Dave Beachnau, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission.

Modeled after the NFL draft format, donors and recipients took the stage in turns, delivering speeches and taking photographs, with recipients leaving with a Detroit Sports Commission 2024 jersey and hat. Attendees demonstrated high enthusiasm throughout the event, with repeated applause, cheers, and laughter as speakers discussed their grants and the draft impact. The room buzzed with excitement as attendees chatted and listened to remarks while enjoying complimentary food and beverages.

"The NFL is thrilled to be in Detroit for the 2024 NFL draft as we welcome fans and prospects. One of the most exciting times and the most hopeful in the NFL season," said Christina Hovestadt, senior manager of Community Relations for the NFL.

Detroit Sports Commission Community Engagement Committee Co-Chair Faye Nelson speaks at the April 22 Community Impact Draft at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit as Detroit Sports Commission Executive Director Dave Beachnau, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, NFL Senior Manager of Community Relations Christina Hovestadt and NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico listen.
Detroit Sports Commission Community Engagement Committee Co-Chair Faye Nelson speaks at the April 22 Community Impact Draft at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit as Detroit Sports Commission Executive Director Dave Beachnau, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, NFL Senior Manager of Community Relations Christina Hovestadt and NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico listen.

The Detroit Sports Commission will fund local nonprofits through its Living Legacy Initiative to coincide with the NFL draft. Additional grants to nonprofits will come from Amazon, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and more.

"Our Living Legacy Initiative was developed as a significant element of the successful bid for the NFL draft, and today’s announcements are the tangible delivery on the commitment made to the NFL and the Detroit community as we continue our efforts to infuse community support into locally hosted sporting events beyond the NFL draft," Beachnau said.

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Wayne County Executive Warren Evans speaks to attendees at the April 22 Community Impact Draft at The Corner Ballpark as NFL Senior Manager of Community Relations Christina Hovestadt listens.
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans speaks to attendees at the April 22 Community Impact Draft at The Corner Ballpark as NFL Senior Manager of Community Relations Christina Hovestadt listens.

The NFL is hosting local events throughout NFL draft week to promote public engagement.

"We are thrilled to be making an impact here in Detroit by hosting community events that highlight the unique role that football plays in bringing people together to leave a positive impact on the city," Hovestadt said.

The event featured appearances by community leaders, including Mayor Mike Duggan, several Detroit City Council members, and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. The crowd erupted in cheers as Duggan announced the start of NFL draft week, tossing a football to mark the official commencement.

Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate speaks at the April 22 Community Impact Draft at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit while Councilmembers Coleman Young II, Scott Benson, Mary Waters, Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Fred Durhal III listen.
Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate speaks at the April 22 Community Impact Draft at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit while Councilmembers Coleman Young II, Scott Benson, Mary Waters, Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Fred Durhal III listen.

"I now declare the events and festivities of the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit officially open," Duggan said.

The investments will ensure the 2024 NFL draft's long-term positive impact on the region, Hovestadt said.

"The NFL is committed to serving the Detroit community and we look forward to making an impact that resonates long after the final pick is made," Hovestadt said.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit welcomes NFL draft week with $1M in nonprofit investments

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