Mr. Ilitch believed passionately in giving back to the community. Among his many contributions to others, Mr. Ilitch established the Little Caesars Love Kitchen in 1985. With two trucks on the road to serve those in need, these restaurants on wheels have served more than three million people. Additionally, inspired by the story of a veteran returning to civilian life, Ilitch founded the Little Caesars Veterans Program in 2006. This program provides honorably discharged veterans with financial incentives and other support to help them open a franchise with Little Caesars. Further, Ilitch established the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey Program in 1968, and it has provided opportunities for tens of thousands of youngsters to play the great game of hockey over the years.
Ilitch Charities and its affiliates, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and the Detroit Tigers Foundation, have given more than $35 million in cash and in-kind contributions to deserving organizations across the community since 2005. Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch have personally gifted nearly $50 million to Detroit’s Wayne State University, $40 million of which was dedicated to establish the new Mike Ilitch School of Business, which will train and educate the next generation of the city’s great entrepreneurs.
Ilitch has received numerous business, cultural, and philanthropic awards, including:
• The International Franchise Association Hall of Fame (2016)
• SportsBusiness Journal’s “The Champions: Pioneers and Innovators in Sports Business (2014)
• US Hockey Hall of Fame induction (2004)
• Michigan Sports Hall of Fame induction (2004)
• National Hockey League Hall of Fame (2003)
• Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1997)
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