Foresters Financial, KaBOOM! and volunteers bring families together with new playground at Badgett Stadium

ATLANTA, May 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - The Atlanta community was revitalized today thanks to a new playground built at Badgett Stadium. In less than eight hours, more than 200 volunteers from Foresters Financial^TM, Favor House Inc., and non-profit KaBOOM! created the new play space, which will serve more than 1,600 children and their families in the local community for years to come.

"We believe in enriching lives and building strong communities – that's our purpose," said Tony Garcia, President and CEO, Foresters Financial. "Playgrounds are important to communities, providing a public space where children can play safely, families can spend quality time and the community can come together. An investment in a playground is an investment in community, and we are happy to provide the Atlanta community with a place that families can enjoy for years to come."

The design for the new playground is based on drawings created by neighborhood children at a special Design Day event held in March when community members met with organizers from KaBOOM! and Foresters Financial to design their dream playground. The drawings inspired the final playground design.

Foresters Financial, an international financial services provider, helps families reach their financial goals, protect themselves and make a lasting difference in their communities, all at the same time. This year, Foresters and KaBOOM! are proudly celebrating the 10 year anniversary of  their partnership. Since 2006, Foresters has invested more than $11.5 million with KaBOOM! to build over 130 playgrounds – including 7 in Atlanta - across the US and Canada by the end of 2016. Over their 15-year lifespan, these playgrounds will provide more than 4.5 million children and their families with an opportunity to spend quality time together and enhance family well-being.

"The Georgia Favor House was the driving force behind College Park's recognition as a Playful City," stated Gerald Walker, Director of Communications for the City of College Park, Georgia. "We're thrilled to host the upcoming playground construction; the collaboration between the Favor House, KaBOOM and Foresters Financial will represent more than just equipment. Its proximity to the heart of the City will surely provide endless benefits to nearby communities. We're excited!"  

Green spaces and safe play structures where children and families can enjoy and spend time together are sparse in many high density communities. Playing outdoors is an important part of every child's healthy development and the creation of this new playground will allow thousands of children to play safely and be active in their community.

Foresters Financial is a KaBOOM! Founding Partner and National Partner. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has been dedicated to the bold goal of ensuring that all children get the balance of active play they need to become healthy and successful adults because #playmatters.

About Georgia Favor House
The Georgia Favor House is an innovative track and field program founded by Subrenia and Rex Willis, Sr. They're inspired to motivate local youth and their families through personal fitness, nutrition and wellness programs. Dedicated child advocates, the Georgia Favor House aims to cultivate the academic, athletic and life skills of youth to help them find their hidden gifts, show great heart, determination and to foster a foundation for personal development on and off the track. 

Foresters
Foresters Financial™ is an international financial services provider with more than three million clients and members in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. We provide life insurance, savings, retirement and investment solutions that help families achieve their financial goals and make a lasting difference in their lives and communities. For over 140 years, Foresters Financial has built a foundation of financial strength and a commitment of giving back to our clients and members and the communities where they live. For more information, visit foresters.com.

Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9) and its subsidiaries. 413565C US (05/16)

KaBOOM!
KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids – particularly those growing up in poverty in America – the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open or improve nearly 16,300 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers and served 8.1 million kids. KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives. To learn why #playmatters and why cities are embracing #playability: visit kaboom.org or join the conversation at twitter.com/kaboom or facebook.com/kaboom.

SOURCE Foresters

Related Links

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