Rrriiinnnggg: Sprite® Spark Parks is Back in Session with $45,000 in Recreation Grants for Chicago-Area Schools
Howe Elementary School of Excellence in the Austin Community of Chicago Unveils First Playground in more than four years made possible through Sprite Spark Park
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Youth everywhere are heading back to school and lamenting the end of summer vacation. Sprite is here to help students swing back into the school year with newly refurbished recreational spaces. The Sprite Spark Parks Project for Schools program is giving local schools across the country the opportunity to liven up areas on their campuses where students can play, stay fit and be refreshed all school year long.
Today, State Rep. Camille Lilly and Alderman Emma Mitts joined Chicago Public School officials and students at the Howe Elementary School of Excellence to officially unveil a brand new playground. Made possible through a $25,000 recreation grant from the Sprite Spark Parks Project, this is the first playground for this school in more than four years. School officials, students and legislators who attended also made a “Spark” commitment, designed to show how they will be leaders in their community, and at home, which will be posted on in their classrooms and on the school website.
“Every child deserves a place to play that is green and more importantly, safe,” said Mrs. Keisha S. Campbell, Principal, Howe Elementary School of Excellence. “This new playground will provide an opportunity for us to reinforce the importance of outdoor free play in maintaining healthy attitudes and lifestyles.”
The Sprite Spark Parks Project is a multi-year commitment to build and restore places where kids, teens, families and communities can get outside and get active. Through its work with kids, teens and parents, Sprite will put more than $2 million into building or revamping a minimum of 150 outdoor spaces throughout the country in 2011. These spaces include neighborhood parks, basketball courts, playgrounds and athletic fields.
“Children need time to play within the school day in order to recharge and stay focused in their classes. We want to thank the Sprite Sparks Program for generously donating this play area for our students in the Austin community,” said Dr. Noemi Donoso, Chief Education Officer for Chicago Public Schools.
Parents and community members can give their favorite school a chance to win one of 25 grants worth $25,000 by entering My Coke Rewards codes found on specially-marked Sprite packaging. Codes can be submitted at www.mycokerewards.com/sprite until Sept. 30, giving people across the U.S. the opportunity to play a major role in ensuring that their schools have fun, clean and safe places to play for years to come.
JEWEL-OSCO is also providing Sprite Spark Parks Project grants totaling $20,000 to be distributed to 12 schools in the Chicago-area and surrounding suburbs over the next month. The below schools will be receiving funds through this program to use toward purchasing new athletic equipment, playground improvements and more:
Bronzeville Scholastic Institute, Chicago, Ill. 60615
Canty Elementary School, Chicago, Ill. 60634
Central Elementary School, Des Plaines, Ill. 60016
Glenn Elementary School, Normal, Ill. 61761
J.T. Manning Elementary School (SASED Multi Needs), Westmont, Ill. 60559
Robert Abbott Middle School, Waukegan, Ill. 60085
St. Charles North High School, St. Charles, Ill. 60175
St. Mary of the Lake, Chicago, Ill. 60613
St. Peter and Paul School, Cary, Ill. 60013
St. Pius X Parish School Lombard, Ill. 60148
Willow Elementary School, Homewood, Ill. 60430
Yorkville High School, Yorkville, Ill. 60560
“It is exciting to see just how much schools and the community benefit from having new, safe play spaces,” said JEWEL-OSCO President, Brian Huff. “The Sprite Spark Parks Project is a great way to share the benefits of getting outside and staying active and we are proud to partner with Coca-Cola and Sprite on this initiative.”
During last year’s program, three schools each won a $25,000 playground renovation from Sprite after parents and community members rallied to donate points. Another 20 schools were awarded $5,000 to be used towards athletic equipment for each school.
“The Sprite Spark Parks Project for Schools supports local communities and breathes new life into the recreation spaces that are so important to teens,” said Oliver Bowe, Chicago Distribution Center Manager, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “We saw an ongoing need for outdoor spaces at schools. Sprite is adding a spark back into school playgrounds and athletic fields by building places where youth can get active and stay refreshed with their friends.”
About My Coke Rewards for Schools
Accredited K-12 schools (public and private) located within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia are eligible to take part in the My Coke Rewards for Schools program. A full list of eligible schools can be found at mycokerewards.com/schools. Schools must be registered in the program to redeem points for rewards. Community members are urged to contact their local school’s principal or a faculty staff member if their school is not registered. Additionally, members of the community are encouraged to register for My Coke Rewards and donate their points to their local schools to enable schools to get new equipment without tapping into their own budgets.
About My Coke Rewards
With more than 14 million registered members, www.mycokerewards.com is one of the top consumer packaged goods loyalty websites and the number one beverage website in the U.S. My Coke Rewards helps consumers find lots of little things that put smiles on their faces every time they enjoy a Coca-Cola product. By purchasing any of the hundreds of participating products -- found in a variety of brands and sizes, and through bonus offers on cups, scratch cards and coupons, consumers can accumulates lots of points. Then members can easily redeem rewards or donate points to their local school and it all starts with a visit to www.mycokerewards.com. As of January 2010, My Coke Rewards members have entered more than 1 billion codes from participating brands.
The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. The Company’s portfolio includes 15 billion dollar brands, including Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, as well as Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
JEWEL-OSCO
JEWEL-OSCO, a SUPERVALU company, operates approximately 180 stores in Illinois, Iowa and Northwest Indiana. With a market-leading position in the Chicago area, JEWEL-OSCO stores offer consumers the convenience of combined grocery and pharmacy retail. Originally established in 1899, the company and its associates remain committed to the communities they serve. For more information about JEWEL-OSCO, please visit www.jewelosco.com or www.jeweloscopharmacies.com.
Coca-Cola Refreshments
Morris Smith, 847.600.2263
mosmith@coca-cola.com
or
JEWEL-OSCO
Karen
May, 630.948.6211
karen.may@supervalu.com
Source: The Coca-Cola Company
Released September 9, 2011