By Darell Hammond
KaBOOM! CEO and Co-Founder
When we started KaBOOM! in 1995, I could never have imagined that we’d be partnering with CaliforniaVolunteers for the second year in a row to create ten amazing playspaces throughout the State of California in honor of César Chávez. I am so honored to be a part of this program. It holds a special significance to me because it serves to unite communities and stress the importance of service by highlighting the values of one of the nation’s foremost leaders in civil rights.
“Sí se puede,” or, “Yes, it can be done” are the words that Chávez used to fuel the passion of his fight, promoting idealism, hope and a strong belief in equality for all. This message of empowerment was carried throughout each build, instilling in volunteers a drive to strengthen their community by working together to build a great new place for local youth to play.
We kicked off the program at the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust with 340 eager volunteers ready to build one of the largest playground projects that KaBOOM! has ever led. This was a tremendous kick-off to a program that produced nine playgrounds and one skatepark, requiring 136 tons of concrete, 2,290 cubic yards of Engineered Wood Fiber and 109 gallons of paint!
Here at KaBOOM! we say that it only take a single spark to start a fire. At each build this ethos was brought to life with the traditional United Farm Workers’ clap – a tradition started to demonstrate solidarity and unity. Slow and singular claps quickened, growing louder as more claps joined in unison, soon becoming a roar that motivated crowds of volunteers, providing them with a great momentum to push them through the day.
As Linscott Charter School parent, Karen Lowell, noted, “the soul of the day wasn’t in the building details; it was in the people.” Throughout the program, KaBOOM! was joined by 11 Chavez Family members, 15 California Volunteers Build Captains and 3,542 volunteers – an astounding turnout!
The 2008 KaBOOM! César Chávez Playground Build program proved to be a monumental homage to a great leader, as well as a moving example of how KaBOOM! helps strengthen communities by empowering them to build playgrounds.
Thanks again to First Lady Maria Shriver whose incredible dedication to this program truly reflected her vision and commitment to service. Special thanks to all who joined us to donate their sweat, passion and laughter to a great program we hope to continue for many years to come.
Sí se puede!
Learn more about the Cesar Chavez Day of Service