Steve Ballmer awards $5M to SAY Detroit for restoration of historic St. Cecilia youth center

SAY Detroit has received $5 million from Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO and former Los Angeles Clippers owner, to renovate and transform the St. Cecilia Catholic School and Gymnasium in Detroit, Michigan, into the Bea Dworkin SAY Detroit Play Center. The anchor gift, the largest in the nonprofit’s history, advances a $20 million capital campaign supporting stabilization, roof repairs, and major building system upgrades. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with an opening planned for 2028, creating a youth recreation center that preserves a historic Black sports landmark while expanding opportunities for Detroit’s underserved youth.