DR. PHIL, WWJ TV AND MITCH ALBOM TEAM UP TO BRING A MESSAGE OF HOPE TO DETROIT

                                                                           

Special Episode to Air Monday

(Los Angeles, CA, April 30, 2009) – “This is something these people will remember for the rest of their lives,” is how bestselling author, columnist and Detroit radio personality Mitch Albom described Dr. Phil McGraw’s recent visit to the troubled city in early April.  That trip will now be the focus of Monday’s DR. PHIL episode entitled “Reinvent Yourself” (check local listings). 

Invited to Detroit by CBS affiliate WWJ TV, Dr. Phil spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,000 who welcomed the talk show host at the Music Hall.  He spoke about the realities of the economic downturn, how families had been affected and how they can cope.  In addition, he answered questions submitted to the station’s web site.  

“It is the spirit of the people of Detroit that is especially moving and I want to thank WWJ TV for inviting me,” Dr. Phil said.  

In addition he paid a visit to The Pilgrim Church, which is also in downtown Detroit.  Once a thriving place of worship and the largest Presbyterian congregation in the Midwest, the building is now a homeless shelter and home of the I Am My Brother’s Keeper Ministry.  The structure, which has a large hole in the roof and is in disrepair, was the focus of a recent Sports Illustrated article written by Albom called “The Courage of Detroit.”  Albom and Pastor Henry Covington, who heads up the Ministry, took Dr. Phil on a tour of the facility, followed by a free town hall meeting.  Albom served as the moderator and Dr. Phil spoke to the crowd of nearly 500 and later answered several questions from the audience. 

“I believe he is the first national celebrity of any kind that didn’t live in or have some connection with Detroit to ever set foot in this neighborhood, let alone the church” said Albom.   

Before leaving the city, Dr. Phil, on behalf of the Dr. Phil Foundation, made a $25,000 donation to both the Ministry and the S.A.Y. (Super All Year) Detroit Family Health Clinic, which has been largely funded through Albom's efforts and S.A.Y. Detroit.

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