I founded Carter's Kids because I wanted young people to have a place in their neighborhood where they can enjoy activities to increase their health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Growing up in Traverse City, my fondest childhood memory was getting together with the other neighborhood kids and playing sports.  We played football, basketball, soccer, and baseball . . . whatever filled the day.  I grew up living an active lifestyle with a real sense of community. Plus, I began building things at a very early age so the combination of sports and building are a big part of me as an adult.

Carter's Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and promoting awareness of fitness and self-esteem for America's youth. The purpose is to increase the activity level of kids by building and developing community parks and playgrounds in their neighborhoods. The kids then have the opportunity to take an active part in building up their community by using, sharing, and caring for these public spaces.

My team and I will collaborate closely with the neighborhood kids as they are active participants in the building process from beginning to end. They will assist in planning, developing and executing the playground or youth center. The collaborative effort gets them active and creates a connection with the kids and their “space” so that they gain that sense of ownership and care for a place that they helped build. From my experience as a young kid building things, there is no greater sense of satisfaction when you see something that you’ve built being enjoyed by others.  I hope to impart that same feeling in our young builders with Carter’s Kids.

We're going to start in Southern California building playgrounds with the help of local community members within the area of the Los Angeles Unified School District. I'll also be planning various fund raising efforts for the organization and spearhead partnership efforts with the various communities. Check back here at my website to find out more on how Carter's Kids all comes together!

The Children's Place PJ Party at the Children's Memorial Hospital