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Military childrens' dreams take off at Regatta
EQT’s Three Rivers Regatta was off to a great start Friday afternoon until thunderstorms rolled in. The Regatta’s events kicked off at noon with a frisbee dog trick show, speed boat races, a sand sculpture display, and a huge hot-air ballon.
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Unfortunately, the afternoon’s storms definitely put a damper on the DreamShip's tethered hot-air ballon rides at Highmark Stadium, but the DreamShip is more than just a fun attraction.
The DreamShip represents the hopes and dreams of disabled or fallen soldiers' children. Rite Aid’s Kids Cents partnered with Folds of Honor to provide scholarships to children and spouses impacted by a military family member's disability or passing. The partnership provides scholarships to facilitate the educational opportunities of these families.
Kim Kemp, Rite Aid Human Resources District Manager, says the DreamShip is a great opportunity, and talks about how it benefits the lives of military families.
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Fortunately, since Sunday’s weather forecast looks much better, free rides will be available again on Sunday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The balloon will also be on display Saturday at Point State Park to raise awareness for the needs of children and spouses of disabled or fallen military members. Rides will be dependent on weather.
To help military families' spirits rise along with the DreamShip, donations will be accepted rain or shine.
Click here for more information on the DreamShip.
Click here for more details about the regatta’s festivities.
Volunteers help children develop healthy habits through play
Children and volunteers from local communities had a field day at Highmark Stadium Tuesday evening. At United Way’s first-ever Games For Good event, nearly 500 volunteers teamed up with about 800 children from local communities to engage in play that promotes fun and fitness.
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Members of United Way’s Next Generation Committee donated their time to help kids learn and develop healthy habits.
According to United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, "The 'fitUnited' initiative is focused on improving physical fitness and healthy habits among children; many of the kids attending Games for Good will be engaged in 'fitUnited' programs throughout the year.”
Tonya Baronti, United for Children Director at the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, talks about the fun field-day events.
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Baronti says the organization bases its efforts on research.
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“In Allegheny County, nearly 32% of youth have an unhealthy weight. A child’s poor health can effect their education with youth experiencing hunger being 1.6 times more likely to miss days of school than their healthy peers…United Way’s work to support children takes a holistic, proactive approach to help local youth reach their full potential and prevent negative outcomes, such as obesity, chronic absenteeism, dropping out of school, and more.”
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According to Baronti, this event shows volunteers how their hard work and advocacy for children has paid off. The young professional volunteers are physically encouraging children and showing them how being fit can be fun.
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“Healthier nutrition and physical activity play a critical role in child development and can
have a big impact on school success. We are so excited to see 500 young professional volunteers come out to influence our next generation of leaders – teaching them the importance of eating healthy, showing them how fun exercise and physical activity can be, and helping them learn about how healthy bodies can lead to healthy minds," said Shawn Robinson, United Way’s Next Generation/L.I.N.C. co-chair.
A Happy Hour for all volunteers followed the games and activities and the organization hopes that the event will continue for years to come.
A similar United Way event was also held in Westmoreland County involving 25 volunteers and 70 local children.
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The organization also provides volunteer opportunities with seniors, people with disabilities, and needy families. To help improve our communities and to get more information, visit https://uwswpa.org/.
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