Raley’s, Sprite Help Restore Sacramento-Area Parks

This spring, the Raley’s supermarket chain is helping to give residents of the Sacramento, Calif.-area an opportunity to get their local basketball courts back in the game through the through the Sprite Spark Parks Project.

Basketball courts in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks and Modesto have been selected as six of 12 courts in Northern California and Nevada to be refreshed through the program, and local residents can show their support and raise critical funds by voting online.

With the help of the National Recreation Parks Association, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people, Sprite and Raley’s established the program to revamp basketball courts for a total of $20,000 in grants. Each of the selected courts will receive funding based on the number of votes they earn through April 25. The first place-winner will receive $10,000; second place and third place will each receive $5,000.

The funds will be used to refurbish rims, backboards, lights, benches and playing surfaces. The grocer is including three of its four chains in the program: Raley’s, Bel Air Markets and Nob Hill Foods.

“We know how important local parks are to the health and vitality of our neighborhoods. That’s why Raley’s is so proud to partner with Coca-Cola’s Sprite brand on this exciting effort,” said Jennie Teel-Wolter, Raley’s community relations manager. “We encourage all of our customers to spread the word and vote for their favorite local park.”

William H. O’Brien, senior VP and general manager of Coca-Cola Refreshments’ northwest region, added: “Our goal is to improve communities in inspired ways, and we’re partnering with Raley’s and local residents so they can lead us to basketball courts where we can make the biggest impact. By generating support for these critically important play spaces, we’re working as a team to ensure our local youth have safe, fun places where they can get together in a positive, active way.”

Based in West Sacramento, Calif., Raley’s is a privately owned supermarket chain long known for supporting three key areas: improving the lives of children, creating healthy communities and celebrating the arts.