DETROIT, MI
Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! brought their Ready. Set. PLAY. program to Detroit this week, giving some lucky kids the full Coney Island experience.
Together with generous grocery donations from Kroger Supermarkets and the support of the Brightmoor Alliance, these kids were treated to a fun filled day of carnival-like games and giveaways. The kids even got to take part in an essay contest on the importance of play and what play means to them. All children aged 5-12 were eligible to enter and 4 winners were selected to attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, August 17 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.
"We joined forces with KaBOOM! earlier this year and together, we wanted to create a way to give back to organizations and schools who are working hard to support children and their communities by promoting and protecting active 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. "Ready. Set. PLAY. was born and we've had a blast bringing some summer fun along with a piece of Coney Island to youth across the country. We are honored to work with and celebrate Brightmoor Alliance and are thrilled to partner with Kroger Supermarkets to host this play-filled day here in Detroit."
"The fundamentals of balanced and active lifestyles begin at home with our parents and in our communities," agreed 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."
Riet Schumack, Brightmoor community resident and Brightmoor Alliance board member, spoke gratefully about the efforts of Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! in his community.
"Our children are our future and we believe a key element for a successful future is to lead an active, well balanced lifestyle," he said. "We are truly thankful for the efforts of organizations such as KaBOOM! and Nathan's Famous. Their work through programs such as Ready. Set. PLAY. enhance local efforts to ensure our children and our communities have safe and active lives."
According to a press release, the Brightmoor Alliance is a coalition of Detroit residents, stakeholders, and organizations dedicated to uplifting their community and enhancing the power of its residents to turn it into a community of choice.
This is truly great work that KaBOOM! and Nathan's Famous are doing. It's great to see them making a difference in these kids lives.
Nathan's Famous
Kroger Supermarkets
KaBOOM!
Brightmoor Alliance
