LISLE, IL
Nathan’s Famous and KaBOOM! brought the Ready. Set. PLAY. program and the fun of Coney Island to the Greater Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club.
"We feel both honored and thrilled to be chosen by Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! for the recognition of our commitment to the children of the Smyrna Community," said Trisha Moses, regional Operations Team Leader and Executive Director, Greater Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club. "We feel this Ready. Set. PLAY. event is an excellent and exciting way to jumpstart the school year. It's through our continued partnerships and support that we are able to offer year-round activities in the areas of academics, sports, and prevention related programs. I would like to extend a very special thanks to Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! for making this special event possible."
Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! chose to honor the Greater Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club because if its commitment to inspiring and helping young people from all walks of life to realize their potential, according to a press release. Another factor was also the Club’s emphasis on gross motor skills and healthy eating and play.
"We are really proud of our partnership with KaBOOM! and to have the opportunity to create a program like Ready. Set. PLAY." said Mike Paribello, Senior Director of Marketing for the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods and licensing partner of Nathan's Famous. "We've had a tremendous amount of fun traveling across the country this year honoring the organizations, such as the Greater Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club, and the schools who are working hard to promote and protect active play for children and their communities. We're also thankful for the support from Acme Markets and are thrilled they could join us for a play-filled afternoon."
The fun-filled day celebrated balanced and active play as well as honoring the playmakers who make play possible in communities around the country with Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, carnival-like games, and giveaways.
"The fundamentals of balanced and active lifestyles begin at home with our parents and in our communities," said KaBOOM! CEO and Founder Darell Hammond. "With support from Nathan's Famous through Ready. Set. PLAY., we are able to bring play opportunities to communities across the nation and inspire kids and families to incorporate play in their everyday lives."
Leading up to the event, kids aged five to 12 had an opportunity to submit an essay about what play means to them and why play matters for all kids. At the event, seven winners were selected and given tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware.