Mattress Firm Gives the Gift of Extracurriculars to Foster Youth Across the Country

HOUSTON, May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Foster Care Month, Mattress Firm announced today that it will donate $50,000 to provide foster youth across the nation the opportunity to experience the benefits and joy of extracurricular activities. Through Ticket to Dream Foundation's GoPlay! Program, the funds will be distributed to foster care organizations across 18 states and allow more than 500 foster youth access to sports teams, summer camps, art classes and more.

"Few things teach a child more about collaboration, motivation, self-expression and hard work than extracurricular activities, whether it's taking a dance class, learning a musical instrument or playing baseball," said Tammy Dudek, Communications Manager, Mattress Firm. "Additionally, there is a direct correlation between these kinds of activities and improved attendance, self-esteem and academic performance. The Mattress Firm Foster Kids program is dedicated to giving foster youth the resources they need to be successful in life, inclusive of a good night's sleep and access to activities like these, that they may not get without us. This donation provides opportunities to foster children that all kids should have, especially as we head into summer."

"Children's Home Society of Florida is grateful for the Ticket to Dream Foundation's GoPlay! Program which is generously creating new experiences, opportunities and special memories for children in our care," said Andry Sweet, COO for Children's Home Society of Florida. "Thank you, Ticket to Dream and Mattress Firm, for helping more children realize their full potential."

Ticket to Dream is a partner of the Mattress Firm Foster Kids program and seeks to raise awareness and support for foster youth across the country. Research shows that when a child participates in extracurricular activities, such as joins a sports team, takes dance classes or learns a musical instrument, there is a direct correlation with improved grades, attendance and self-esteem. However, for hundreds of thousands of children in foster care across the country, these opportunities are out of reach. The GoPlay! Program was created to bring these integral childhood experiences to foster youth across the nation.

"Many children and teens in foster care will go their entire life without getting to experience the thrill of playing in a soccer game or the joy of making new friends at summer camp," said Gina Davis, President and Executive Director of the Ticket to Dream Foundation. "Mattress Firm's donation will give hundreds of foster youth across the country the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and the life-changing experiences that should be available for all children."

Mattress Firm believes that a good night's sleep can help foster kids, and all kids, be successful. Through Mattress Firm Foster Kids, the Company aims to bring a better night's sleep to the youth who need it most through its numerous bed donations and three annual in-store donation drives collecting pajamas, bedtime books and bedtime toys for foster youth in communities nationwide. With the help of Ticket to Dream, Mattress Firm partners with nonprofit foster care organizations across the country to ensure donations stay in the communities in which they were gifted. To learn more about Mattress Firm Foster Kids, visit www.mattressfirmfosterkids.org. 

About Mattress Firm
Since 1986, Mattress Firm has provided our customers with an expertly curated collection of quality mattresses from the best brands. Today, with more than 2,500 neighborhood stores, our experts help more than three million people a year find the right solution for their sleep needs at the best value. Our selection of mattresses and bedding accessories include leading manufacturers such as Serta®, Simmons®, tulo™, Sleepy's®, Chattam & Wells® and Purple. Committed to serving our communities, the Mattress Firm Foster Kids program, in partnership with the Ticket to Dream Foundation, hosts three collection drives a year in communities nationwide to help foster children get better sleep so they can shape a better future. For more information, visit www.mattressfirm.com.

About Ticket to Dream
The Ticket to Dream Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing hope and opportunity to foster children across the nation, so they can just be kids. Reaching over 170,000 foster kids, Ticket to Dream joins forces with companies, communities and hundreds of non-profit partners to ensure foster children have everyday essentials, access to extracurricular activities, fun childhood experiences, and support services that ensure future success into adulthood.  For more information, please visit www.tickettodream.org.  

SOURCE Mattress Firm