Playworks for Every Kid and Employee

Childhood education, health and wellness are causes that Waggener Edstrom Communications (WE) and its employees deeply care about and support year-round via various community partnerships.

For example, to transform children’s physical and emotional health via the power of play, WE collaborates with Playworks to help raise funds for its programs by sponsoring WE kickball teams. The nonprofit believes in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid and currently serves more than 900 schools in 23 U.S. cities, reaching more than half a million students directly and through professional training services.

Earlier this summer, a team of 12 WE-Boston employees joined 15 other companies to compete in the Playworks Annual Corporate Kickball Fundraiser Tournament, for the sixth consecutive year, and enjoy an afternoon of team camaraderie while supporting Playworks Massachusetts.

“The month of June is always a very exciting time for our office,” said Victoria von Rinteln. “Not only does it signify the end of another historic winter, but it also means the kickball tournament is finally upon us.” Amid the 90 degree heat and stiff competition, the team walked away with a 4th-place finish (an all-time best for WE-Boston) and the self-proclaimed title of Most Improved!

“Using our WE volunteer hours reminds us that time spent outside of the office, working as a team and giving back to the Boston community, is just as important as the work we do in the office for our clients every day,” said Victoria. “By the end of the day, the entire team was in agreement that June 12 was one of the best Fridays we had in a while, and we are already looking forward to getting back on the field next year.”

WE-Portland’s team of 18 players and volunteers expressed similar sentiments of joy after playing, volunteering and connecting with each other and community members at thePlayworks Pacific Northwest Kickball Tournament on June 19. This is the third year WE has sponsored a team in Portland — inspired by our Boston colleagues — and several team members have been playing every year.

Double high-five to team captain Bryce Fowler for rallying the WE team this year. The pre-event practices and “strategic dugout chats” plus stellar sportsmanship resulted in a 4^th-place finish that the team gladly accepted with heads held high. Team #WEwontstopBALLievin will be back next year!

We look forward to continuing our involvement with Playworks at low-income schools throughout the year, because inclusive (recess) play rocks! Find out how YOU can support your Playworks affiliate here. #playworksforeverykid