KIDS in the GAME, a non-profit organization that inspires kids to thrive in life through sports, will administer a $7,000 donation BendBroadband made to the Madras Aquatics Center (MAC) in a ceremony Wednesday, to create a scholarship fund for under-privileged youth in Jefferson County. The donation, part of BendBroadband’s annual ‘Holiday Giving Fund’,  will support hundreds of children in need, and allow low-income families the opportunity to gain access to youth sports programs provided at MAC.

Carolyn Harvey, Operations Manager at the MAC, noted the scholarship program’s significance, “With 85 percent of the population in Jefferson County below the poverty line, plus 29 percent of the population considered obese, the need for programs and opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles is paramount. The MAC is trying very hard to make our community a more healthy place for everyone. Thank you to BendBroadband and KIDS in the GAME for supporting our efforts.”

Through the partnership with KIDS in the GAME, BendBroadband is able to expand their holiday giving impact by creating and applying a sustainable youth sports scholarship program at the Madras Aquatic Center. “We are excited to have the opportunity to implement such a great program in Madras, and truly impact the community as a whole,” says KIDS in the GAME Founder John Ballantine. “At KIDS in the GAME, we look forward to supporting great youth sports organizations like the Madras Aquatic Center, and are honored to work with outstanding community partners like BendBroadband.”

For BendBroadband, Wednesday’s donation reflects its dedication to help strengthen the Madras community. From bringing high speed internet access to Madras businesses and residents with the recent completion of the Broadband Opportunities Program, to partnering with KIDS in the GAME to provide enrichment programs to children and families, BendBroadband’s CEO Amy Tykeson understands the importance of giving back.

“There is no investment more important than youth. BendBroadband applauds the teamwork of KIDS in the GAME and the Madras Aquatic Center. All of us at BendBroadband are proud to be part of this positive program to get kids involved and active. This initiative will change lives,” said Tykeson.

About KIDS in the GAME

Youth sports participation is essential to human development and an invaluable experience to prepare young people for their lives ahead.  KIDS in the GAME is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on inspiring kids to thrive in life through sports.  Our goal is to empower underserved youth to live up to their full potential through positive sports experiences that form active, healthy habits for a lifetime. Through our KIDS in the GAME program, we provide financial resources to help youth from low-income families, youth that are physically or developmentally challenged, and kids that are at-risk gain access to sports programs.

Learn more at www.kidsinthegame.org

Contact: Margaret Hiss, (541) 508-0707, margaret@kidsinthegame.org

About BendBroadband

Committed to supporting the Central Oregon communities it serves, BendBroadband is a family-owned, local company serving the area since 1955. BendBroadband focuses its charitable contributions and sponsorship efforts on youth, and by supporting an array of arts and entertainment in Central Oregon. Each year, BendBroadband’s financial contributions help more than 70 nonprofits and/or events. As part of its Community Partners Program, BendBroadband connects more than 30 nonprofits with free Internet and/or cable services and offers discounted internet service to low income families. The company encourages employees to take paid company time to volunteer in the community, assisting nonprofits with valuable projects. BendBroadband provides its viewers with extensive local sports, civic programming and local features created and produced by COTV, channel 11 and 611.

Learn more at www.bendbroadband.com

Contact: Sonja Donohue, (541) 388-5824, sdonohue@bendbroadband.net

Nutrition products company launches “Detour for Good” in partnership with KIDS in the GAME to promote healthy lifestyles for kids

Carson City, Nevada – October 15, 2012 – Nutrition bar company Forward Foods, LLC, the maker of the award-winning Detour^® bar, today announced the addition of more than 200 youth soccer players to “Team Detour” through a partnership with KIDS in the GAME and in conjunction with the company’s new “Detour for Good” program.

Team Detour is comprised of athletes from all skill levels – from kids playing soccer for the first time to professional football players to gold medal Olympians. Detour believes that healthy living is possible through changes in direction – or “detours” – that are sometimes small and other times large. Through its newly established “Detour for Good” program, the company supports charities and non-profit organizations that help children and adults choose and follow the path to overall wellness. The company’s first Detour for Good partnership is with KIDS in the GAME.

KIDS in the GAME is a nonprofit organization that inspires kids to thrive in life through sports by providing the resources that get and keep kids involved in sports. Having partnered with KIDS in the GAME, Detour is helping young athletes across the United States get involved in youth soccer programs of American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

“At KIDS in the GAME we focus on supporting youth organizations that not only teach children the skill of sport, but help in all aspects of youth development. Given what Detour was looking for, and the programs that AYSO offers, we found it to be a great fit”, says KIDS in the GAME Co-Founder Natalie Hummel. “The children who have benefited from Detour’s contribution now have the ability to become more active, learn the benefits of being on a team, and most importantly have fun!”

 “Detour’s corporate commitment to ‘do good’ enables us to support the well-being for future generations and sets the stage for us to become a nutrition company concerned with all facets of healthy living,” said Patrick Muldoon, chief executive officer of Forward Foods.  “Our dedication to social causes allows us to build a legacy around our core values, and where better to start then enabling kids to play soccer who otherwise may not have that opportunity.”

AYSO’s vision is “to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives”. They execute this vision through six philosophies:

• Everyone Plays®
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development

Through funding from Detour, more than 200 boys and girls will play soccer this fall in Los Angeles County, CA; Elmore County, AL; Phoenix and Mesa areas, AZ; Orange County, CA; Chicago, IL: San Bruno/San Francisco, CA; Brighton, TN; and San Diego, CA.

Detour, KIDS in the GAME, and AYSO all believe that sports are an essential positive developmental tool for young people. As KIDS in the GAME says, “Sports provide an action-oriented and successful path to discipline, leadership, crime-prevention, lower drop-out rates and healthy lifestyles.”

Stay up-to-date on Team Detour and Detour for Good online at www.detourbar.com and follow us on Facebook at Detour Bars.

About Forward Foods, LLC

Forward Foods, LLC manufactures and markets high protein energy bars and shakes under the Detour brand. Since the introduction of the original bar in October 2002, Detour has grown into a $50MM retail brand platform and is the leading high protein brand in health and fitness stores. Detour strives to help all athletes – from professional to recreational – achieve their nutritional and personal best. The company is proud to support a variety of athletes, including partnerships with U.S. Olympians, professional football players, the American Youth Soccer Organization and others through the company’s “Detour for Good” and “Team Detour” programs.

For more information on the complete line of great tasting, high protein Detour products, visit www.detourbar.com

Contact: Jennifer Kardian, (678) 352-3652, jkardian@sjonespr.com

About KIDS in the GAME

Youth sports participation is essential to human development and an invaluable experience to prepare young people for their lives ahead.  KIDS in the GAME is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on inspiring kids to thrive in life through sports.  Our goal is to empower underserved youth to live up to their full potential through positive sports experiences that form active, healthy habits for a lifetime. Through our KIDS in the GAME program, we provide financial resources to help youth from low-income families, youth that are physically or developmentally challenged, and kids that are at-risk gain access to sports programs.

Learn more at www.kidsinthegame.org

Contact: Margaret Hiss, (541) 508-0707, margaret@kidsinthegame.org

About AYSO
The American Youth Soccer Organization is the largest single-entity youth soccer association in the U.S. with over 600,000 registered players and 225,000 volunteers. AYSO develops and delivers quality youth soccer programs in a fun, safe environment based on the 6 Philosophies of Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development.

To learn more about AYSO contact (800)USA-AYSO or visit www.ayso.org

Contact: Sahar Milani, (424)221-7921, SaharMilani@ayso.org

Ryan Moffet/Program Director, Sisters Park & Recreation

Sisters, Oregon

“Thank you for putting kids in our tennis camps and basketball camps.  I know in at least two specific situations families were overwhelmed by this generosity and support and repeatedly expressed genuine thanks for these gifts.  Maybe the most awesome part is watching the kids participate in camps or clinics who would not have been there otherwise.  They are so excited and appreciate the opportunities that much more.  Thank you for choosing to keep kids in the game here in Sisters, OR”

Ryan Moffet/Program Director, Sisters Park & Recreation

Natalie Hummel has more than 20 years experience coaching, leading, and consulting a wide-spectrum of CEOs and Senior Executives ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small entrepreneurial start-ups. She is known for being straightforward, thought provoking, and for addressing factors that limit the accomplishments of her clients. Natalie has owned and operated her own coaching and strategic business planning company since 2006. Before starting her own company, Natalie held various roles in sales leadership and has a reputation for transforming sales organizations and improving customer acquisition practices. Natalie was a Senior Manager at Accenture in their Customer Relationship Management Practice and was instrumental in developing and growing this practice. She has experience with non-profit organizations having served on several different boards including the Working Wonder’s Children’s Museum. Natalie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration & Finance from Colorado State University, and an MBA from the University of Colorado. She is also a graduate of the Business Professional’s Course and participated for seven years in the Leadership, Entrepreneur, Innovation and Power (LEIP) course offered by The Aji Network.

Puget Sound, WA
Youth Running Program

From the parents:

“I have seen my daughter change in ways I never imagines. Her confidence has gone up, she makes better food decisions and loves being active. Overall, the program is incredibly inspiring for young girls.”

“My daughter loved Girls on the Run! She’s made several new friends, and she loves going to practice. We’ll definitely be signing up for next session!”

“My daughter has positive things to say each week about Girls on the Run. I’m so happy that she is part of such a wonderful program. This is truly helping her self-esteem issues and she seems happier already.”

From the participants:

“I learned that I am good the way I am and if I try, I can accomplish what I want to.”

“I would encourage other girls to do this program because it is a great learning opportunity and you have one chance to learn everything they tell you so hold to what they tell you forever. Don’t take it for granted!”

“What I like about this program is when you are having a bad day, there are always people beside you and they never leave your side!”

Breckenridge, CO

“Thank you for the support of KIDS in the GAME. Your support is invaluable for BOEC to continue to serve disadvantage youngsters with physical and cognitive disabilities, serious illnesses, and other special needs. 

To give you an update, the BOEC’s winder season is in full swing and Breckenridge Ski Resort will open in November. The BOEC runs the “learn to ski” event, which is attended by hundreds of disabled skiers, youth and adults, from across the country and the world. This experience is truly life changing for many of them. 

Your support will help us move ahead this year in opening the outdoors to even more people with special needs. Once again, our most heartfelt thanks.”

Bruce Fitch Marci Sloan
Executive Director Development Director

Salem, Or

“On behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties, we want to express our deep appreciation for your support! It has helped get more kids involved in our 2012football program. Though your support, you give the priceless gift of hope and opportunity to the youth that we get the privilege to serve on a daily basis. 

Thank you again for your commitment to giving each child a chance to reach their full potential.”

Timmothy Sinatra

Executive DIrectior

Bend, OR

“The BEA Nordic skiing program was an amazing experience for our daughter Olivia.  Our family has always enjoyed outdoor activities but just hasn’t been able to financially swing our desire to get our kids skiing for the past few winters.   We would take her out maybe twice a season and all go as a family, but she just wasn’t getting the experience that she did skiing with the Academy!  Without the help of the tuition assistance Olivia received this ski season, she would NOT have been exposed to much skiing and would not have grown as a young skier like she did this year.  Olivia considers herself the family “expert” now with all the ”Nordic know how”, which we LOVE because Olivia has always been a tad shy and timid!  It has just shot her confidence through the roof on those skis and we know she will only grow from here.  She now helps her little 5-year-old brother the couple times we’ve been able to ski as a family, teaching him tips she learned at the Academy!  The Academy has THE BEST opportunities for young skiers and an amazing group of well-trained and skilled leaders out there with our children!  We look forward to years to come in multiple sports for our kiddos with the Academy! We are so grateful for the assistance she had.”   

Sincerely,

Kim Hughes

Mom