October 20, 2008 - Grand Kids Foundation sends $17,000 to Flint schools to help pay for renovations to city track

by Bryn Mickle | The Flint Journal
Monday October 20, 2008, 7:02 AM

FLINT, Michigan -- Curtis Granderson is one of the fastest guys in baseball and now the Detroit Tigers center fielder has given a big assist to Flint runners.

Granderson recently sent the Flint School District a $17,000 check to help pay off a major renovation of the track at Flint Northwestern High School through his Grand Kids Foundation.

The donation was Flint's split from a celebrity basketball game Granderson sponsored in January featuring sports stars from Flint and Detroit.

Detroit received the same amount as Flint and used some of the donation for books and supplies.

As one of just a few Major League Baseball players with a college degree, Granderson has made schools a focus for his help.

"It's a big priority for him," said John Fuller, spokesman for Granderson's foundation.

The Guy Houston track at Northwestern reopened in April and Fuller said he was told the district is now close to paying off the $371,000 price tag.

The track is used by students, as well as the community.