200 Volunteers from Smile Generation, First Metropolitan Church and KaBOOM! Built a Community Playground, Based on Children's Drawings

    HOUSTON, TX, November 23, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- More than 200 volunteers from The Smile Generation (@smilegen), including more than 100 dentists and staff, members of the First Metropolitan Church (@FirstMetChurch) and the community joined KaBOOM! (@kaboom) on Saturday, November 18, to give area kids the childhood they deserve by building a new playground at First Metropolitan Church, located at 8870 W Sam Houston Parkway North. The design is based on children's drawings created at a special design event held in September.

"Houston has been through a lot the last couple of months, and we are so happy we can bring some joy to this community by building this playground," says Kyle Guerin, Sr. Manager, Smile Generation. "We have lots of employees that are passionate about giving back to the communities in which they work, and we were so happy to work with KaBOOM! and First Met to help build a place for the entire community surrounding the church to play and be outdoors."

A playground is more than a place to play. It's a brain-expander, friend-maker, and muscle-builder. Play is central to a child's ability to grow into a productive adult. It can transform children from becoming sedentary, bored and solitary to becoming physically, mentally and socially prepared for life.

"Kids stay inside watching TV, instead of exercising and playing outdoors," says Dr. Evelyn Ogletree, First Metropolitan Church's Executive Pastor. "We are so happy KaBOOM! and The Smile Generation chose First Metropolitan Church for this playground as it will draw the community together to enjoy outdoor fun. You are never too old to play and have fun, and although much of the playground is for small children, there are activities for teens, as well as a garden area for seniors. It will definitely be a great addition to our community!"

Since 1996, KaBOOM! has been dedicated to the bold goal of giving all kids - particularly those growing up in poverty in America - the childhood they deserve, filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. With its partners, KaBOOM! has built, improved and opened nearly 16,700 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers, and served 8.5 million kids (#playmatters).

The new playground will bring more than 2,500 kids in Houston one step closer to having the play-filled childhood they deserve. In building this play space together, we are making it easier for all kids to get balanced and active play and making Houston more playable.

First Metropolitan Church is a church that promotes family and strives to meet the needs of the community mentally, spiritually, economically as well as physically. The church promotes exercise, nutrition, well-being and play. This playground will provide a community space for a garden, a playground and a creative arts area. Our new park will be a very critical addition to our community.

The playground is the 11th built by The Smile Generation and KaBOOM!. Through this partnership, more children will have the joyful childhood they deserve. The Smile Generation supports KaBOOM! in promoting and protecting a child's right to active play at home, at school and in the community. The Smile Generation made a generous donation to make this playground a reality.

About The Smile Generation
The Smile Generation is a referral service that connects patients with trusted dentists and offers financial options that help patients afford the care they want and need. The Smile Generation network is made up of approximately 600 dental offices. Smile Generation-trusted offices are supported by Pacific Dental Services.

Website: www.SmileGeneration.com
Facebook: @smilegen,
Twitter: @smilegen,
Instagram: @smilegeneration
#SmileGeneration, #smile4play

About First Metropolitan Church
First Metropolitan Church is a strong pillar in the Northwest community of the Cypress Fairbanks area in Houston, Texas. The church is 31 years old and is led by Pastors John and Evelyn Ogletree. First Met is a family of faith leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ by Belonging, Connecting, Growing and Serving. We strive to build strong families and equip them to be progressive citizens in their community. Our goal is to meet their needs spiritually, emotionally, economically, as well as physically through teaching, counseling, training, developing leaders, promoting fun and providing a campus where they can play and pray together. We offer support services to our members and the city of Houston through our food and clothing pantry, child development center and a summer camp. First Met is very mission minded in caring for the disadvantage. We provide missionary services internationally by building homes and sending food to Haiti. This year we built 10 homes. Our goal is to make a noticeable difference in the lives of all people which will bring enjoyment and a better way of life for generations to come.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstMetChurch
Twitter: @FirstMetChurch, www.twitter.com/FirstMetChurch
Instagram: @FirstMetChurch

About KaBOOM!
KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids - particularly those growing up in poverty in America - the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open, or improve more than 16,700 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers, and served 8.5 million kids. KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives. To learn why #playmatters and why cities are embracing #playability: visit kaboom.org or join the conversation at twitter.com/kaboom or facebook.com/kaboom.

# # #