DTWNews

The Detroit Free Press reports that in conjunction with Farm Bureau Insurance, the Pistons are holding the competition, which is intended to encourage reading and library skills. The contest was announced on April 28th, and the NBA team will be accepting applications through the end of May.

The lucky elementary, middle, or high school will win a complete renovation of their reading room or library, including new paint, carpet, furniture, computers, and other resources. Carpeting, accounting for 51% of the United States’s total flooring market, is a common flooring material for school libraries and reading rooms.

“There’s no greater satisfaction than investing in the communities and schools that cultivate tomorrow’s best and brightest leaders,” said Vic Verchereau, Vice President of Farm Bureau Insurance. “As Michigan’s Insurance Company, we are energized to enrich learning experiences for Michigan youth. Our alliance with Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons is a powerful way to make a difference in students’ lives.”

Since the contest began for the first time in 2012, the Pistons and Farm Bureau Insurance has refurbished and renovated 31 libraries and facilities across the state, including rooms in schools, community centers, and hospitals.

“Making an impact in our community remains a top priority and what better way to give back than to refresh a Michigan school’s reading room or library?” said Dennis Mannion, the CEO and President of Palace Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Pistons. “We are thrilled to be working with Farm Bureau Insurance for a third consecutive year to present this exciting opportunity for our local schools.”

The grand-prize winner will be announced in July. The actual renovation work will be done over the summer. The renovated library or reading will be officially “unveiled” in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in the fall.