National Day of Encouragement is In-Play in Southern California

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Sept. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Pure Game, a nonprofit organization that helps disadvantaged children develop character and leadership skills through experiential learning and mentoring, is using National Day of Encouragement, September 12^th, to inspire businesses and individuals to take action and encourage a child.

On National Day of Encouragement, Pure Game’s message is simple: “Be a champion… encourage a child through the power of positive words.” The nonprofit has created a tangible opportunity for businesses and individuals to get involved by donating an Encouragement Ball, a “soccer ball for good” that can be decorated and personalized with character traits, encouraging words and encouraging phrases.

“National Day of Encouragement calls Americans to acknowledge the importance of encouragement and positive influences in the lives of all people. Pure Game’s mission is to provide positive mentors who champion the development of a child’s self-esteem and confidence, inspiring them to believe in themselves and the possibilities of a better life. We saw this nationally recognized day as the perfect opportunity to get others involved in encouraging the children we serve.” Chris Panaia, CEO, Pure Game

Local businesses participating in Pure Game’s National Day of Encouragement campaign include Kelley Blue Book, Morgan Drexen Integrated Systems, Voloe, Shape-Up and Chic-fil-A of Foothill Ranch, CA. These companies are taking active roles in Pure Game’s National Day of Encouragement Campaign by having their employees decorate and donate balls or by being an Encouragement Ball pick-up / drop-off location.

"We're thrilled to have our company be a partner with Pure Game on the Encouragement Ball,” said Morgan Drexen Vice President of Media, Joe Lizura.  "We've taken the opportunity to have all 200 employees in our company participate by creating an Encouragement Ball Decorating Competition.

"We are pleased to partner with Pure Game on the National Day of Encouragement. ​At Voloe, we believe in the power of social capital and recognize that the people around us are often times the best resources to help motivate us. We think Pure Game is making a positive impact with the youth in our community and we want Voloe to be a part of that positive impact." Jason Connolly, President, Voloe

"Shape-Up is proud to participate in the National Day of Encouragement by supporting the Encouragement Ball campaign.  Members are getting excited to come up with encouraging words that might motivate and support a young mind. We appreciate the efforts of Pure Game in promoting and supporting our youth."  Robert Burns, Owner, Shape-Up

Encouragement Balls are available online at www.thepuregame.org/encourage or at select pick-up locations in Orange County for $35. Each ball donated will be given to a disadvantaged child to reinforce a positive character trait they’ve demonstrated and will provide sponsorship for a child in Pure Game’s In-School program, which provides character development, leadership development and mentoring of children in need.

Orange County pick-up and drop-off locations include: Voloe at 540 Wald, Irvine, CA 92618, Shape-Up at 2101 East Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, Chic-fil-A at 26792 Portola Pkwy, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 and Pure Game at 1505 E. 17th Street, Suite 211 Santa Ana, CA 92705.

For more information on Pure Game’s National Day of Encouragement campaign, please visit www.thepuregame.org/encourage.

About Pure Game - Pure Game is a nonprofit organization that provides mentors “Field Champions” to help children develop character through experiential learning. Pure Game’s vision is to have children realize their potential, learn how to contribute to the community, and give them the confidence to make positive choices in life that reflect their uniqueness.  Pure Game accomplishes this by offering small-sided soccer programs that include character education, leadership development and one-on-one mentoring.For more information about Pure Game, visit www.thepuregame.org.