×

Verlander, Upton Donate $100K to Michigan Humane Veterans Program

Oct 2, 2026 | 9:26 AM

Photo: Duane Burleson ~ AP

PODCAST

Chris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, and Jaime Edmonds talk with Matt Pepper, CEO of the Michigan Humane Society, to talk about Justin Verlander and his wife donating a large sum for the veterans program before he retired.

DETROIT ~ As Justin Verlander steps away from baseball, his impact is continuing far beyond the mound. Verlander and his wife, Kate Upton, recently donated $100,000 to Michigan Humane’s For Military program, helping veterans and active-duty service members adopt pets while supporting ongoing veterinary care for their new companions.

Michigan Humane CEO Matt Pepper said the donation will strengthen a program that changes lives on both ends of the leash. From veterans finding comfort and companionship through pet ownership to animals gaining permanent homes, Pepper said the gift reflects Verlander’s longtime commitment to military families and animal welfare.

More From WJR

Lions Look to Stay Hot in Road Matchup Against Panthers
The Detroit Lions head to Carolina this week looking to build on a strong start to the season after improving to 2-1 with a 31-24 win over the New York Jets. Detroit has averaged 3...
10h ago
Dispute Over Missing Cell Phone Leads to Deadly Detroit Shooting
Three people were killed and four others were injured after a dispute escalated into a mass shooting on Detroit's west side. Authorities say the violence stemmed from an argument o...
6h ago
No Vote on Gas Tax Holiday Leaves Drivers Searching for Answers
Michigan drivers feeling the sting of higher prices at the pump were hoping state lawmakers would provide some relief, but a proposed gas tax holiday never received a vote in the M...
6h ago
On Air Now
SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

GET THE WJR APP

  

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SPOTLIGHT PODCAST

Oct. 2, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson talk with David Sowerby about how money managers are asking clients to give the housing market another try.

Oct. 2, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson talk with Ted Woerner about the American Speed Festival being held at M1-Concourse.

Oct. 2, 2026 ~ Kevin Dietz talks with Andrea Bitely, founder of Bitely Communications, about the latest Fox News poll on Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, what the numbers reveal about voter sentiment, and which candidate may have the momentum heading into the final stretch of the campaign.