Two Local Organizations Make Big Impact in New Orleans
As third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, $2 million campaign wraps up
SALT LAKE CITY, August 25, 2008 – Operation Kids – a global children’s charity headquartered in Salt Lake City announced today that the “Operation Kids: Rebuilding Dreams in New Orleans” campaign, a partnership with the Brees Dream Foundation, will be completely funded by next month. Additionally, many of the projects have already been completed over the project’s 14-month operation.
Lehi-based, XanGo, LLC, global nutrition leader and makers of the premium mangosteen beverage XanGo® Juice, was also involved. XanGo was the first corporate sponsor and helped get the campaign’s funding off the ground from the start.
Background/Impact:
In June 2007, Operation Kids announced a partnership with the Brees Dream Foundation (founded by NFL quarterback Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany) rebuild and restore children’s programs and facilities in New Orleans.
Operation Kids and the Brees Dream Foundation worked to evaluate needs, determine project viability and raise funds through corporate and private donors. They worked to fund several projects that make a major impact in the lives of New Orleans kids. These include parks, playground facilities, academic programs, child care facilities, after-school programs, mentoring programs and athletic facilities.
XanGo was the first corporate sponsor to get on board with the reconstruction efforts when the campaign began and has played a big role in the project’s success.
Completed Projects:
• Royal Castle Child Development Center – rebuilt the daycare center in a hard-hit area of New Orleans into a Class A childcare facility, which can serve up to 100 children.
• New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School – created a much-needed outdoor sports, recreation and classroom area; and funded summer science internships for 25 students.
• New Orleans Outreach – provided funding for extensive study assessing impact of community involvement on student academic performance.
• Pontchartrain Park – rebuilt athletic fields and community center at the historic park.
• Samuel Green Charter School – funded construction of the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, an innovative educational concept where students in grades K-8 participate in gardening and cooking lessons that reinforce classroom coursework in core subjects.
Outstanding Projects - funded; work continuing:
• Lusher Charter School – Rebuilding athletic fields that will serve multiple schools and recreation associations
• New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School – Funding advanced classes in arts and sciences
• Beacon of Hope – Funding expansion of highly effective community rebuilding organization
• Best Buddies – Funding rebuilding of high school chapters for group that supports children with intellectual disabilities
• New Orleans Outreach – provided funding for after-school tutoring, arts and mentoring programs throughout New Orleans
Funding Partners:
XanGo LLC, National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation, Harrah’s, Allstate Foundation, Coke, Popeyes, Chili’s, Pro Sports Team Challenge, Wal-Mart, Florida Marine, Forever Young Foundation, Illuminated Entertainment and others.
Quotes:
“There are so many cases of hype when it comes to New Orleans,” said Rick Larsen, president of Operation Kids. “You hear about all of the promises, but none of the results. We’re most proud of the results. 14 months after launching the ‘Operation Kids: Rebuilding Dreams in New Orleans’ campaign, we can point to real, tangible results – with more to come.”
“XanGo is proud to have partnered in this project that has helped meet the needs of so many children in New Orleans who were affected by Hurricane Katrina,” said Bob Freeze, vice president of public relations at XanGo, LLC. “This initiative is a great example of what can be accomplished when corporations partner with credible charities to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.”
About Operation Kids
Operation Kids is a trademarked d.b.a. of the OK Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to more effective giving. We manage donations that serve the needs of the Whole Child – their education, health, safety and well-being. Founded in 1999, the mission of Operation Kids is to support a community of children’s issues through qualified and measurably effective charities and programs. The “OK Charity” designation means donors can give with confidence and expect accountability and results. 100% of all donations go directly to programs. More at www.operationkids.org.
Blog: http://operationkids.wordpress.com
Change.org: http://www.change.org/nonprofits/view/95892?show_tour=true
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/operationkids
About XanGo, LLC
XanGo, LLC is a recognized category creator as the first company to market a premium mangosteen beverage, XanGo® Juice, to consumers worldwide. XanGo continues to lead the category by driving the research, development and advancement of functional mangosteen products. Based in Utah, XanGo is privately owned and powered by a global network of independent distributors. XanGo's expansive operations include the U.S. and numerous international markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany and Malaysia. For more information on XanGo, visit Xango.com