The students of Whitefoord Elementary School and the surrounding community enjoyed a piece of Coney Island this week thanks to Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM!. The world famous hot dog company and the national non-profit dedicated to giving kids the balanced and active play they need to thrive partnered with the Whitefoord, Inc. to bring Ready. Set. PLAY. to the Atlanta area. Nathan's and KaBOOM! have staged similar events across the country as part of the Ready. Set. PLAY. program, which was created earlier this year to celebrate play and the "playmakers" who are making play possible in communities around the country. 

Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! chose to partner with Whitefoord, Inc. as a way to honor their commitment to not only the mental health of children, but the physical health as well. Whitefoord, Inc. is a unique community resource that connects quality healthcare and education services for children and families in and around Southeast Atlanta. In 2008, the community teamed up with KaBOOM! to build a new playspace in their neighborhood.

"We truly enjoy our partnership with KaBOOM! and are thrilled to collaborate on a program such as Ready. Set. PLAY.," said Mike Paribello, senior director of marketing for the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods and licensing partner of Nathan's Famous. "Through this program, we get to celebrate and honor the positive work schools and organizations, such as Whitefoord, Inc., are doing to support children and their communities by promoting and protecting active play. Plus, it's a fun way to bring a taste of Coney Island to youth and communities across the country." 

"The fundamentals of balanced and active lifestyles begin at home with our parents and in our communities," said KaBOOM! CEO and Founder Darell Hammond. "With support from Nathan's Famous through Ready. Set. PLAY., we are able to bring play opportunities to communities across the nation and inspire kids and families to incorporate play in their everyday lives."  

The fun-filled afternoon included the flavors of Coney Island with delicious Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, carnival-like games, giveaways and much more. A drawing was also held at the event with four winners receiving tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, August 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

"Whitefoord, Inc.'s mission is to partner with families and the community to ensure that all are healthy - mentally and physically - and children have what they need to succeed in school," said Ossie Mitchell with Whitefoord, Inc. "We are so thankful for the support from Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! and are excited to get a taste of Coney Island throughReady. Set. PLAY." 

For more information, please visit Nathan's Famous and KaBOOM! online.