KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- Nearly a dozen Merze Tate Explorers were joined by dozens of family and friends in celebration of receiving the PNC game ball. The game ball was presented at the Western Michigan University women’s basketball game against the University of Massachusetts on February 28th, and was sponsored by PNC Bank (Kalamazoo).

PNC honors area nonprofit organizations for their work to promote education in the community. The ball was presented by Consuelo Shank, vice president and Client & Community Relations Director at PNC, WMU’s Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae, General Manager Matt Arend, and Maria Rodriguiz, director of Latinas with Purpose.

The Explorers received their first game ball in 2024 during a $5,000 check presentation from PNC. The Merze Tate Explorers used the funds to create interactive media books that are read (via QR code) by local authors. In addition, the YouTube videos of the readings allowed Explorers to introduce young viewers to interesting people at places such as a barbershop and the symphony.

The project led to 250 book bags (four books each) to be given to third graders across Kalamazoo County. A second Junior Book Bag project will be produced with the additional $5,000 gift from PNC.

For more information regarding the Junior Book Bag project and PNC’s partnership, visit Girls Talk Books Series.