Dallas Cowboys at Let's Play Day in Arlington (courtesy photo).
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, based in Plano, has again been named a member of The Civic 50, an annual initiative that identifies and recognizes companies for their commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities where they operate. The survey, according to a Dec. 8 press release, was conducted by True Impact and Points of Light, both expert organizations on civic engagement, and published by Bloomberg LP.
“We are honored to be a part of the Civic 50 for the third year in a row,” said Vicki Draughn, vice president of corporate affairs for DPS. “The recognition underscores our commitment to socially responsible practices and is a testament to our employees’ desire to do good things for the communities that have supported our company’s successes over the years.”
Civic engagement is at the heart of the organization’s ACTION Nation philanthropy platform, which was established in 2008 to foster physically active, engaged and sustainable communities where its employees, customers and consumers live and work. In 2014, DPS continued to advance causes in each of its four target areas - fit and active lifestyles, environmental initiatives, emergency relief and hometown giving, including the company's own "Let's Play" initiative.
The company entered into the next phase of its Let’s Play initiative, a community partnership led by the organization that provides the tools, places and inspiration to make play a daily priority for families. In 2014, DPS pledged an additional $10 million to KaBOOM! to build or fix up playgrounds and established a new $1 million partnership with Good Sports to provide sports equipment to disadvantaged youth.
"Let's Play, which is very near and dear to my heart, is uniquely our initiative," said spokesperson Chris Barnes. "It was launched in 2011 with a commitment to making play a daily priority."
Through the initiative, they have been able to build or fix up more than 2,000 playgrounds across the country. In three years, the initiative has benefitted 5 million children.
"It's something we're very proud of," Barnes said. "All of this folds into our broader commitment asbra company to fostering physically active, engaged and sustainable communitiesbrwhere our employees live and work. Dallas-Fort Worth has been our home since we moved from Waco inbrthe 1920s.
"Our presence here goes back almost 100 years. We are a part ofbrthis community and continue to seek ways to support our community andbrorganizations in activities that help us make Dallas-Fort Worth a great place to live."
The Let's Play League has also formed to serve West Dallas (outside of Grand Prairie) to give Hispanic teenagers a chance to play fall baseball and softball. The league's host is Jaycee Zaragoza Park, and Good Sports provides equipment to the athletes.
Other philanthropic endeavors that led to this recognition include:
- Continuing its partnership with United Way, DPS and its employees participated in fundraisers and volunteer events across the nation to raise more than $2.3 million to promote education, income stability and health.
- In 2014, DPS renewed its commitment to Keep America Beautiful and pledged $300,000 to fund a recycling program that deploys bins in public parks, giving consumers greater access to local recycling systems.
- The company continues its support of the American Red Cross to aid disaster relief efforts with a $1 million, four-year commitment to the organization initiated in 2011.
See the above gallery for photos of the Dallas Cowboys at Let's Play Day in Arlington in October 2013.
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Dallas Cowboys at Let's Play Day in Arlington (courtesy photo).