P.O.W.E.R. OF PLAY
Founded in 1995 by 17 year NFL veteran Ricky Proehl and his wife Kelly Proehl, The P.O.W.E.R. of Play Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance to at-risk children in the Triad and throughout North Carolina. We serve these children through scholarships, programming, sports leagues, after school & summer care, Christmas gifts, etc. We believe every child deserves to grow and develop in a safe and loving environment, whether that means spending time at Proehlific Park or with another non-profit in North Carolina who shares the same mission for children.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO:
- 7 million children were regularly left home alone every afternoon - [U.S. Census Bureau]
- Prime time for juvenile crime is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., immediately after school dismisses. - [OJJDP] [Police Chief Magazine]
- U.S. families spend close to $1,000 per child per year on extracurricular activities. While some competitive programs can cost $2,000 or more [National LendingTree survey]
- There were 527,180 children passed through the U.S. foster care system recently & 343,077 children remained in foster care on the last day of the fiscal year in 2023 [Federal AFCARS System] i. The average amount of time a child spends in care is 22 months, and the average number of different placements a child receives is 3. [AFCARS System]
- Roughly 8.56% of U.S. children ages 3–17 have a diagnosed developmental disability, including conditions such as ADHD and autism [CDC]
- The prevalence of developmental disabilities among U.S. children increased nearly 16% in just two years. [CDC]
STUDIES SHOW MENTORED STUDENTS ARE:
- 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to start using alcohol
- 53% less likely to skip school
- 33% less likely to engage in violence
- Research shows that students with mentors demonstrate better academic engagement, improved attitudes toward school, and more consistent homework completion — all of which contribute to higher grades.
"Being part of the financial assistance program has been such a blessing. It allowed him to build friendships, gain confidence, and grow in ways we never imagined. He’s become so attached to the Proehlific staff and the other children, and the change in him has been remarkable—he’s gone from a scared, uncertain boy to a beautiful, eccentric social butterfly. As a parent, I never want to see my children give up; I want them to experience the joys of being a kid and enjoying life. This program gave him that chance, and it’s a chance every child in our community deserves.” - New Afterschool Parent
Additionally, 40% of all donations to the P.O.W.E.R. of Play go to help other children’s charities in the Triad. The ones listed below are just a few of our charity partners.
IMPORTANT LINKS
More Blue Jeans & Bourbon x Charity Golf Classic
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
P.O.W.E.R. of Play Foundation is hosting its Third Annual Halloween Trunk‑or‑Treat on October 29th from 4:30–6:30 PM, and we’re looking for volunteers to help create a safe, festive evening for local kids. Get your costumes ready and your trunks decked out — volunteers are invited to decorate their cars, bring candy, and join in the fun for all our Trick‑or‑Treaters.
And yes… there will be a costume contest! Kids, adults, and even fully decked‑out trunks can compete. Go spooky, silly, creative, or totally over‑the‑top — the more personality, the better.
To sign up, contact Morgan Malikowski at 336‑665‑5233 or Foundation@ProehlificPark.com.
OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to our sponsors for helping make so many children’s Christmas wishes come true this holiday season. Your support plays a real role in what we’re able to provide for families, and we’re grateful for the way you continue to show up for our community.
We want to recognize KBP Foods, DH Griffin, the congregation at Westover Church, PetSmart, and Bee Safe Storage for their generosity and partnership. Each of you contributes in a unique way, and together you help us reach children who might otherwise go without during the holidays.
KBP Foods’ KFC coupon drive benefiting the P.O.W.E.R. of Play Foundation is another example of how meaningful community support can be. By participating, customers enjoy great savings while directly helping fund programs that give kids access to play, encouragement, and positive experiences throughout the year. The campaign runs through October 31st, and every purchase helps extend our reach to even more families.
We appreciate everyone who chooses to support this effort—whether through sponsorship, participation in the coupon drive, or simply spreading the word. Your involvement makes a difference, and we’re thankful to have you as part of our mission.
