Smithfield Foods, licensee of Nathan’s Famous pre-packaged hot dogs, announced today that the world-famous hot dog company celebrated the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation in Chesterfield, VA, for being leaders in the community and making active play possible by professional race car driver Aric Almirola on Saturday before the race at Richmond International Raceway.
As part of its Ready. Set. PLAY. initiative with national non-profit KaBOOM!, Almirola surprised guests from the Bensley Community Building, part of Chesterfield Parks and Recreation, with a $1,000 Food Lion gift card towards the purchase of groceries, courtesy of Nathan’s Famous.
“When a kid looks at a playground, it could be a spaceship or a race car. The possibilities and the benefits of play are endless,” said David Potter, Community Building Director, Bensley Community Building. “Play is such an important part of our development. It teaches us to be active, social, and creative. We are so thankful to Nathan’s Famous, KaBOOM! and Richard Petty Motorsports for supporting play and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Guests from the Bensley Community Building were greeted at the race track by the Richard Petty Motorsports team and escorted to the garage area to meet the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner. Almirola then surprised the group with the $1,000 gift card. Those in attendance stayed at the famed race track to watch Almirola race in Saturday’s big race.
The Ready. Set. PLAY. initiative is a partnership created in 2014 by Nathan’s Famous with KaBOOM!. Ready. Set. PLAY. celebrates play and the local leaders who are making active play possible in communities across the nation.
“Nathan’s Famous is all about fun, family and community,” said Mike Paribello, Sr. Director of Marketing, Smithfield Foods. “We are really proud of our Ready. Set. PLAY. partnership with KaBOOM! and are thrilled to champion active play by donating $1,000 of free groceries from Food Lion to the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation.”
“I’m proud to work with Nathan’s Famous to encourage children to be active and thank the leaders in the community who ensure kids have a place to do just that,” said Almirola. “I have two children of my own and I know how important it is to keep them active while providing a well-balanced diet. This is a great way for Nathan’s to have an immediate impact on organizations like the Bensley Community Building.”
KaBOOM! worked with the Chesterfield Country Department of Parks and Recreation for a playground build at the Bensley Community Building in 2013. Nathan’s Famous was founded almost 100 years ago in Coney Island, a popular New York City amusement and leisure destination. Nathan’s Famous prides itself on its great quality, unmistakable taste, and a passion for family fun and community support.
RPM PR
Follow us on Twitter @SpeedwayDigest
Latest posts by Speedway Digest Staff (see all)