Two-hundred children from the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan recently walked away with new tennis shoes after spending an afternoon with pro football wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr.
All of this was part of an ongoing effort by Jones and UnitedHealthcare of Michigan to promote active play and physical activity with children in the Detroit area.
A UnitedHealthcare grant also provided upgrades to the club’s gym and basketball courts.
“Keeping kids active and healthy in Detroit is very important to me, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this effort than UnitedHealthcare,” Jones said. “The new shoes and the upgraded equipment for the gym will give all of the kids here at the Boys & Girls Club a chance to stay active and healthy.”
Employee volunteers from UnitedHealthcare helped install new basketball rims before handing out the new shoes. The volunteers also completed a beautification project around the club by placing new plants around the property. This was the third consecutive year Jones and UnitedHealthcare teamed up for an event benefiting children in Detroit.
“We know keeping children active at an early age can lead to healthier lifestyle choices as they grow older, and anything we can do to influence that positive behavior is a step in the right direction,” said Tim DiMartino, vice president, UnitedHealthcare of Michigan. “Being able to work with Marvin and his Dreambuilders program over the last few years have allowed us to promote healthy activity in the Detroit community.”