Making a Memory {A Kaboom! Wedding}

The act of participating in and celebrating a friend or family member's wedding is truly helping them weave a memory that we hope will last forever as a cherished event.  Haley and Dave have decided to go one step further and not only plan a party, but they, along with their wedding guests, are going to build a playground.  Read below about the inspiring decision one of my great couples has made to make their special day truly memorable.  

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America's children.

Their mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities. Ultimately, we envision a place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

Before you go any further, check out this awesome time lapse video of a build.

http://kaboom.org/about_kaboom/videos/playground_build_nestlé_1_minute

Haley and Dave grew up in Fairfield and Westchester Counties respectively. It was in those local parks and playgrounds that they enjoyed play dates, picnics, sports practices, summer camp events and more.  It’s also where they spent some of the best times of their lives with their fathers.  Dave vividly remembers his father packing sandwiches and every piece of sports equipment they owned and walking up the block to the playground in their apartment complex, where they would spend hours together.  Haley recalls her father taking her to years of town league soccer practice and nervously watching as she tried to play every minute of every game.   Both Haley and Dave lost their fathers much too young to cancer, but it’s still these memories that shine through and make them smile.

When planning their wedding, they decided their union was much more than simply about each other. They want to honor their fathers and local communities, while leaving a lasting message for their future children and local children for years to come.  The importance of play cannot be overlooked and Haley and Dave are excited to partner with KaBOOM!, an organization that shares the same values as they do. They believe that building this community play environment will help both children and parents enjoy and build lasting memories for generations.

KaBOOM! has recently been getting press as they just completed their 2000th playground on June 15th with the help of Michelle Obama at Imagine Southeast Public Charter School in Washington, DC.  

http://kaboom.org/blog/first_lady_michelle_obama_help_us_build_our_2000th_playground  

The build was also picked up by the NY Times

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/13/mobilizing-the-playground-movement/

Haley and Dave have unselfishly made the decision to make their wedding day about more than just a party, but about involving their guests in ensuring a community of children has a safe place to exercise and grow for decades to come.  The memories they create with their guests in the hours prior to their ceremony by building a playground will surly honor the memories of their fathers.  Haley and Dave, I can't wait to experience this with you next year!

Sara