January 19, 2018
For Immediate Release
For Further Information please contact Fritz M. Heinemann @ 570-428-5411
Swartz Collision Company Boosts All Inclusive Playground Fund Drive
A $1500 contribution from Swartz Collision of Winfield and Danville enabled the Andy Russell
Charitable Foundation All Inclusive Playground project to qualify for a $50,000 anonymous
“challenge grant” which will benefit the first of its kind playground to be located at the existing
East Snyder Recreational Park, located along University Avenue in Penn Township, just west of
Selinsgrove.
When constructed, the playground will specifically address the needs of individuals who may be
autistic, have intellectual disabilities, hearing or sight impairments, Down syndrome, cystic
fibrosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, use wheelchairs or have other life altering conditions. The
design of the playground will also accommodate the participation of typical children who want
to play along with siblings while providing positive and healthful challenges for all at their own
developmental level. The playground will also provide the opportunity for parents who may be
disabled to interact with their children on an unencumbered and mutually enjoyable and fun
basis.
Joe Cardello, Director of Operations for Swartz Collision, made the presentation to Andy and
Cindy Russell of the Russell Charitable Foundation, and Christian Courtney, an Honorary CoChair
of the All Inclusive Playground fund drive and a consumer of Shared Support, an
organization that supports individuals with disabilities and helps them be contributing members
of their communities. “Swartz Collision is pleased to support the All Inclusive Playground
project and will do so, not only financially, but with volunteer involvement as well” said
Cardello. “When we learned of the plans for the playground we enthusically offered our help
and are excited to be involved. This special playground will be a tremendous asset for our area
and absolutely meets a worthy and important cause” he commented.
Andy and Cindy Russell, Co-chairs of the Russell Charitable Foundation, accepted the Swartz
Collision contribution and said they did so in honor of Christian and “so many others who will
also benefit from the playground, the socialization aspect, and therapeutic advantages of this
very unique and visionary initiative.” In their comments the Russell’s also noted that to
be included on the grounds will be a service dog park so those with service animals can bring
them along knowing their companions are close by and safe.
The Andy Russell Charitable Foundation was established in 1999 by the former star linebacker
for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Its primary mission is to fund children’s causes linked to health,
nutrition, mental health challenges, physical disabilities and impoverished
circumstances. Frequent visitors to the Susquehanna Valley, the Russell’s claim the area as
their third favorite place to visit, and have established an office for their Foundation in
Lewisburg.
In sharing her own comments, Mrs. Russell noted that “Andy and I have many friends
throughout the Susquehanna Valley community and enjoy spending as much time as we can
here.” Being involved in the creation of the All Inclusive Playground is a wonderful way for us to
repay the kindness we’ve been shown and to demonstrate our own commitment to a
community we value and have come to admire and love.”
The fundraising goal of the project is $475,000 with an anticipated groundbreaking scheduled
for early spring with completion targeted for the middle of next summer. Contributions for the
All Inclusive Playground may be sent to the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation, 1000 Buffalo
Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 or by calling 570-522-5322.