Marcia Moore – Jun 20, 2017
A local nonprofit organization is launching a campaign to raise $450,000 for a new 9,600 square foot play space at East Snyder Park in Selinsgrove.
PlayPower Inc., of Lewisburg, and The Andy Russell Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds children’s causes, will be working together to create the massive play space featuring innovative Playworld equipment at the University Avenue park, said Annette Camuso-Sarsfield, chief human resources officer at PlayPower.
Fritz Heineman, the foundation’s central region president, said a capital campaign will soon be held to raise the $450,000 for the equipment.
Michael Piecuch said the new playground system will be a great addition to the park where the National Night Out event he organizes has been held for the past five years. This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 22.
“East Snyder Park is just the perfect venue and it’s always being improved. We’re pleased to help showcase the park,” he said.
“We are honored to partner with Andy Russell and The Russell Charitable Foundation,” said Camuso-Sarsfield. “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.”
Russell, chairman of foundation established in 1999 to support children’s’ charities, is a 12-year veteran of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 7-time Pro Bowl player.
“We are thrilled to partner with PlayPower,” he said. “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.”
Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $6 million dollars in grants to various charitable organizations.
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