Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) and NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade today announced they are teaming up once again for the “Staples Dream Park Challenge with D-Wade.” The park improvement initiative encourages communities to work together to win renovation money for their local parks. The Challenge will launch today in South Florida with an enhanced program, including more participating parks and bigger prizes.
From noon today through April 10, residents can vote for their favorite park once per day at www.StaplesDreamPark.com, and pick up a "power card" at Staples stores to receive 10 extra online votes. The park with the most votes will win a grand prize of $25,000 to be used for park improvements and a winner’s celebration featuring D-Wade. In addition, a first-place prize of $10,000 and second-place prize of $5,000 for park improvements will be awarded to the runners-up. The remaining 15 parks will each receive $1,000 for their participation. All voters will automatically be entered to win a chance to meet D-Wade in person or one of five autographed jerseys.
“The benefit of having a community park is invaluable,” said Wade. “I remember what it was like to play ball with my friends at our local park after school and on the weekends. It was essentially my second home. Through the Dream Park Challenge we hope to provide that same atmosphere for local children.”
This year Staples has opened the competition up to 18 local parks - four more than last year – located near Staples stores throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Each participating park was selected based on its overall need, recommendation by its city and/or county parks and recreation department, proximity to a Staples store location and availability of sports and recreational facilities for the community’s families.
Last year, South Florida residents cast approximately 250,000 votes in the first ever Dream Park Challenge. With more than one-third of the votes, John E. Mullin Park (formerly known as City Hall Park) of Lauderhill took home the $25,000 grand prize and was also treated to a summer festival at the park featuring a guest appearance by D-Wade.
“Staples recognizes the important role local parks play in keeping a community together,” said Royce Reed, regional vice president of Staples. “That’s why this year we’re enhancing the Dream Park Challenge to give more communities the chance to win renovation money for their favorite local parks. We’re looking forward to more community support and more fun.”
Staples continues to demonstrate its commitment to South Florida by investing in grassroots local community organizations in proximity to its stores. Since its first local store opening in 2006, Staples has donated more than $387,000 to non-profit organizations in the area. In addition, each South Florida store location has adopted a local non-profit partner by contributing funds or providing much-needed support, such as office product donations.
The winning park will be announced in April. More details about the park celebration ceremony hosted by D-Wade and Staples will be provided at a later date. .
About Staples
Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 74,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 2,000 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.