– The Detroit Pistons also support campaign by offering special ticket promotion. –

Detroit, Mich. – Oct. 29, 2007 – The American Red Cross – Southeastern Michigan Chapter is proud to announce the 20th year of the Blanket Days for the Homeless campaign, which kicks off on Tuesday, November 6. Since 1988, the Red Cross, its volunteers, sponsors, and drive leaders have come together to help the homeless in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties keep warm this winter.

Home Team Red Cross corporate partner Rock Financial/Quicken Loans has joined together with WJBK-FOX 2 for the third-straight year to present the Red Cross Blanket Days campaign.

The Detroit Pistons, an associate sponsor for seven years, are continuing their support of the campaign and have expanded their role by hosting the Blanket Days invitation-only reception at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Wednesday, November 21. The Pistons are also offering the public a regularly-priced $40 ticket for $25 to the November 21 game versus the New York Knicks, and for each ticket sold the Pistons will donate a fleece blanket to the Red Cross. Call (248) 377-8768 to purchase tickets.

Long-time partner World Medical Relief of Detroit, where the blankets are stored and distributed, is also a part of this annual campaign.

With a goal of collecting 8,000 blankets-7,300 were collected last year-the Red Cross and its sponsors will work tirelessly to aid even more homeless persons this year.

“With the cold winter months just around the corner, it’s vitally important to support the southeast Michigan community through programs such as the Red Cross Blanket Days drive,” said David Hall, vice president of Rock Financial/Quicken Loans. “Last year Rock Financial helped the Red Cross collect a record number of blankets and we look forward to doing our part to surpass that number this year. This is one way we all can make a significant difference for many in the community.”

An estimated 10,000 homeless people in southeast Michigan depend upon the Red Cross for support. In the last 12 months, the Red Cross provided emergency relief to 8,000 people left temporarily homeless by house fires-a 15 percent increase over the previous year. These figures emphasize the importance of having a sufficient number of blankets this winter.

“We are very proud to have provided warmth in our community for the past 20 years,” added Freman Hendrix, board chair of the American Red Cross – Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “Our Red Cross is part of the fabric of southeast Michigan and helping the homeless through Blanket Days during the winter months fits with our mission and is close to our hearts. We applaud Rock Financial, FOX 2 and the Detroit Pistons for increasing their support during our 20th year. We also welcome our new campaign sponsors the Detroit Salt Company, Art Van Furniture and 93.9 The River, as well as thank returning partner World Medical Relief and long-time sponsor Meijer.”

To celebrate the 20th year of Blanket Days, the Red Cross and its sponsors have organized launch events that will be announced in the coming days.

Organizations are encouraged to host drives to benefit the Red Cross Blanket Days campaign. Community collection sites are provided promotional materials and a collection box. The 2007 Red Cross Blanket Days campaign, presented by Rock Financial/Quicken Loans and WJBK-FOX 2, with partner World Medical Relief, Inc. and associate sponsors the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Salt Company, Meijer, Art Van Furniture and 93.9 The River, will help thousands of people in southeast Michigan with the gift of warmth this winter. To register your organization’s drive, or for more information, visit www.detroitredcross.org and click on the “Special Events” tab or call (313) 494-2744.

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About the American Red Cross – Southeastern Michigan Chapter

Your home team American Red Cross, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is the organization that turns caring into action by providing disaster relief and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity worldwide. To learn more about the Red Cross, call (313) 833-4440 or log on to www.detroitredcross.org.

About Rock Financial/Quicken Loans

Founded in 1985, Rock Financial, a Quicken Loans company, is Michigan’s largest mortgage company and Quicken Loans is the nation’s largest online lender, closing nearly $18 billion in home loans in 2006. The company has been ranked in the “top 20” of FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for four consecutive years. Computerworld magazine has ranked the company #1 on its “100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology” list for three consecutive years. And the Michigan Business and Professional Association has named the company #1 on its list of “Metro Detroit’s 101 Best and Brightest Places to Work.” To learn more about the company, visit www.quickenloans.com.