Let's Play!
Pat Rumbuagh is one of our regular contributors here at Playground Professionals. She runs a non-profit dedicated to play - Let's Play America. It is the time of year that we all consider contributing to good causes, and we can think of no better cause than play.
Dear Friends, December 2017
As we approach the end of 2017, will you help us keep free play events in our community?
Let’s Play America brings neighbors together at Splash & Play pool parties, Play Days, Street Closures, and more. I’ve been asked many times, “Why don’t you just charge for your play events?” My answer is “Because we want to ensure that everyone in the community, young and old, from all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, has the opportunity to play – and to play together!”
Since 2009, 88 play events have taken place in the DC-MD area (most of them in Takoma Park), all of them FREE. Hundreds of teens have earned Student Service Learning hours. Two received full-scholarships to college for their support to Let’s Play America programs. And, for nine years in a row, the national nonprofit KaBOOM! has recognized our work and named Takoma Park “A Playful City USA”.
How you can help:
Make a donation online at www.letsplayamerica.org/donate; or send a check made out to Let’s Play America to 7301 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
Share this letter with family, friends & neighbors.
Volunteer behind the scenes or at future play events – it’s actually fun!
Your donation will help keep Play Events free by paying for equipment, the planning/implementing of the Play Events, and for some of the performers. Friends, we may not be able to go back to the days when children played outside without supervision until the streets lights came on, but we can provide regular play events for everyone. Thank you for supporting Let’s Play America.
Pat Rumbaugh, The Play Lady, and her Playful Volunteers