Yokohama LPGA's funds go to KaBOOM!

FULLERTON, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2014) — Yokohama Tire Corp. has named national non-profit organization KaBOOM! as the beneficiary of its title sponsorship of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic.

According to Yokohama, KaBOOM! focuses on ensuring that all children, particularly those living in poverty, get the “balanced and active play they need to thrive.” Andrew Briggs, Yokohama director, marketing and product planning, said this is the first step in Yokohama's affiliation with KaBOOM!, which will be the tire maker's LPGA charity partner for the next three years.

“We carefully consider causes that are crucial across the nation and look for partners who align with our corporate values,” Mr. Briggs said.

“There are millions of children living in poverty in this country without access to the play they need. KaBOOM! shares our ideals of giving back to communities by creating and catalyzing great places to play, inspiring, empowering and leading play advocates, and educating and elevating the societal conversation about the importance of play in children's lives.”

Yokohama is setting aside the proceeds from the LPGA event to help make new playgrounds a reality for children to enjoy for years to come, he said.

Yokohama already partners with the Ladies Professional Golf Association and Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, where the tournament is held, for the event.

Andrea Nelson, corporate partnerships manager at KaBOOM!, shared a the organization's excitement about the partnership.

“We are thrilled to partner with Yokohama, the LPGA and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail to help us achieve our bold goal of giving all children access to the balanced play they need every day," she said. “We know that Yokohama shares our belief that providing play opportunities to children today will ensure they grow up to become healthy and productive adults.”

The inaugural Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic takes place Sept. 18-21 on the Senator Course at Capitol Hill along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville, Ala.