AUBURN HILLS, MI - The WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter will honor Krista Putnam with The Detroit Shock and American Red Cross “My Personal Heroes” Award on July 26 on The Palace court at halftime of the Shock game vs. Sacramento at 7:30 p.m. Stan Sleight, a representative of the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter, will present the award to Putnam for her outstanding effort and initiative in the community.

Putnam, 18, of Lake Orion, is a dedicated volunteer who has shown extreme selflessness after personal tragedy. In 2003, her mother suffered a life-threatening stroke and her father was killed in a car accident. With the help of her community, she was able to overcome this tragedy. The positive response in her time of need motivated her to get involved and help others.

Putnam, a recent honors graduate of Lake Orion High School, has accumulated over 500 hours of service, including involvement in Project Alert, which teaches middle-school students about peer pressure, and began Adopt a Michigan Marine, which sends letters and care packages to soldiers in Iraq. In May, Krista received the Girl Scout Gold Award for Adopt a Marine.

Krista is devoted to volunteering because she believes, “When you volunteer, you can see the effect on not just the person you’re helping, but on the whole community.”

The WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross My Personal Heroes Program is a second-year initiative that encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Shock home game during the 2006 season.

To nominate a hero, who can come from any walk of life, fans only need to complete an on-line nomination form at www.detroitshock.com or send name(s), address, phone number and name of school or organization to:

“WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross My Personal Heroes”
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Four Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Only one entry per person per email address per household will be accepted. Please see www.detroitshock.com for a complete list of rules/regulations and additional information. For more information on the My Personal Heroes program or to purchase tickets for any upcoming home game, please contact The Palace at (248) 377-0100 or visit www.detroitshock.com.

Lennox is the presenting sponsor for the 2006 Detroit Shock. For more information about the Detroit Shock or to purchase tickets for any upcoming Shock game, call 248-377-0100 or go online at www.detroitshock.com.

- For information on NBA Pistons & WNBA Detroit Shock Community Programming, please visit www.pistons.com or www.detroitshock.com