PlayPower, Inc., a global leader in the recreation industry, today announced a partnership with The Andy Russell Charitable Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds children’s causes focused on critical issues, such as health, nutrition, and recreation. Together, PlayPower and The Foundation will bring inclusive play spaces to area communities.
Andy Russell, Chairman of The Andy Russell Charitable Foundation, is a 12-year veteran of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 7-time Pro Bowl player. Recognized for just as many merits off the field as during his playing days, Andy and his wife Cindy, have devoted their retirement years to numerous charitable endeavors, especially those focused on children’s issues. The recipient of countless awards and honors, Andy and Cindy are tireless in their efforts to improve the lives of children with mental, physical and health challenges, or impoverished circumstances. “We are thrilled to partner with PlayPower”, said Andy Russell. “Having our two organizations collaborate to provide a rich, exciting, inclusive play space where children of all abilities can grow and learn is a wonderful opportunity for The Foundation.”
PlayPower and The Foundation will be working together to create a truly inclusive 9,600 sq.ft. play space in central Pennsylvania, Snyder County. The play space will be located at the East Snyder Park in Selinsgrove, PA. The play space will feature innovative Playworld play equipment, which is manufactured in Lewisburg, PA. The truly inclusive design will offer play experiences for children of all abilities; a chance to engage with one another, to make new friends, to be encouraged, to overcome a challenge, and to learn compassion and empathy.
“We are honored to partner with Andy Russell and The Russell Charitable Foundation”, said Annette Camuso-Sarsfield, PlayPower’s Chief Human Resources Officer. The Foundation has brought smiles to the faces of many children and families over the years and it’s wonderful that they now will have an important presence in the central Pennsylvania region. Our mutual commitment and dedication to healthy, happy children are the core of the partnership. The new inclusive play space is about everyone enjoying and sharing in the holistic benefits of play: physical, sensory, and social. It will be a great place for all ages and abilities to enjoy.”
Since its inception, The Foundation has awarded more than $6 million dollars in grants to various charitable organizations.
About The Andy Russell Charitable Foundation
The Andy Russell Charitable Foundation was created in March 1999, primarily to contribute funds to children’s charities. The Foundation hopes to support several programs, particularly important mediation research organizations concentrating on those for children. To date, the foundation has supported the following charities: Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund, The Ronald McDonald House, Leukemia Society, The Cancer Society, Economics PA, Cystic Fibrosis, Mothers Hope, Juvenile Diabetes, SIDS, and Pittsburgh Vision Services.
About PlayPower
PlayPower is a global leader in the recreation industry. The company is headquartered in North Carolina, with manufacturing facilities in Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Germany, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. PlayPower brands include EZ Dock®, HAGS®, Little Tikes® Commercial, Miracle® Recreation, Playworld®, Soft Play®, USA Shade™, and Wabash Valley. PlayPower’s vision is To Inspire the World to Play through its mission of Creating Outstanding Play Environments for All Ages and Abilities. More information is available at www.PlayPower.com. PlayPower is a portfolio company of Littlejohn & Company, LLC and is actively seeking add-on acquisitions.
Media Contacts
PlayPower
Annette Camuso-Sarsfield
Annette.Camuso-Sarsfield@PlayPower.com
570.522.5312
The Andy Russell Charitable Foundation
Fritz Heinemann
Andy34Russell@gmail.com
570.522.5322
Pictured in photo left to right:
Fritz Heinemann, President, Andy Russell Charitable Foundation, Central Region; Annette Camuso-Sarsfield, Cindy Russell, Andy Russell