KaBOOM Santa Ana

Greetings,

What a busy weekend! On Saturday, KaBOOM! gave me another opportunity to photograph the launching of their Santa Ana playground. The first playground for Southern California was in Los Angeles where I met Xzibit! Nevertheless, the Santa Ana playground was just as fun!

I love these charity events because there are so many people gathered for a single cause. Again, the goal of these playgrounds is to invite kids to play and learn about friendship. Aside from physical development (through motor skills), kids get to learn about sportsmanship and make new friends!

They used 20,000 pounds of wood chips and 20,000 pounds of cement - wow!











Team HEART!



The senator of California!



For those who did not know, it was Caesar Chavez Day! The grandson of Chavez was there too to help!



Overall, it was a blast working with the volunteers. I put down my cameras at times to help move some heavier items. This time I came prepared - I brought sunblock! I am still peeling from last time's event.

Kind regards,

Doug

KaBOOM! in Los Angeles

What is up beautiful people,

The Furious Photographers were asked recently to photograph a charity event hosted by KaBOOM!. KaBOOM! has a phenomenal vision of installing safe playgrounds throughout the nation for children to play.

Their slogan, "It starts with a playground" speaks for itself. Having a safe playground where individuals can play offers many highlights!

1. Children can play safely!
2. Children can build motor skills
3. Children have the opportunity to make new friends :)
4. It keeps children away from negative elements

When I learned of this non-profit organization, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph their debut in Los Angeles. The event was filled with press coverage and influential figures, which I was not anticipating. I even met Lawrence's old mentor - Hal Wells - from Los Angeles Times! As much as I loved the event, I went unprepared - no sunblock! I returned home looking like a cooked lobster. *glum*

Anyway, please enjoy a snippet of the construction of the playground!



The following has Antonio Villaraigosa (Los Angeles County Mayor) hanging with the kids:



Antonio Villaraigosa



Xzibit!!! It was totally awesome meeting Xzibit! He was very humble and kind. Since I really wanted to meet him on a personal level, I blurted the first thing that came to my mind, "X to the Z!" Xzibit turned around and laughed and offered a proffered hand. It was such a great honor to meet such a famous rapper. He took a respite from his social responsibilities and chatted with me for a bit. Afterwards, he rolled up his sleeves and got down to help out with he construction of the playground. He was definitely someone who was not there for only publicity; Xzibit really cared.



Maria Shriver (Arnold Schwarzenegger's - California Governor - wife) - also known as the "First Lady of California" :)



Xzibit giving a speech with Maria Shriver in the background



The KaBOOM! teams were split up into different animal squads. Team Turtle had a rad team leader.



There was a large mural of Caesar Chavez mounted near the playground. Chavez's son - Paul F. Chavez - was also present to help paint the mural! How cool is that?









This volunteer worked the entire day without a break, so he deserved some more limelight :D





The final product with over 450 volunteers!!!



Some KaBOOM! team leaders chillaxin!



Whew! What a wonderful day to build a playground! Remember that children are the future and education/play should not be neglected.

Best wishes,

Doug