Blog
The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation & Icy Hot ® Launch Newest Comebaq Court at Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County
New facility will be the largest Comebaq Court to date, featuring multipurpose courts and a turf field
ATLANTA /PRNewswire/ — The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and Icy Hot are excited to announce the opening of their latest “Comebaq Court” at the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County, as part of their combined efforts to inspire the next generation of athletes.
The new “Comebaq Court” will provide Club members a safe, engaging space to play and hone their skills. Shaq and Icy Hot are thrilled to open their largest facility to date, featuring a brand-new multipurpose basketball court, turf field and tennis/pickleball court, giving the youth a new training ground to enjoy as they work toward their goals.
“This is a special day because I know firsthand how important the Boys & Girls Club is to our youth and our community. This Club is especially near to my heart and home, making this a full circle moment for me that’s bigger than sports,” Shaquille O’Neal said. “I’m excited to celebrate the opening of this brand new sports complex for our kids to enjoy as we ensure the next generation has access to safe places like these to chase their dreams.”
The opening of the Atlanta-area “Comebaq Court” comes as Shaquille O’Neal and Icy Hot celebrate 20 consecutive years of partnering together. In that time, they’ve refurbished courts in Las Vegas, Newark, and Miami to give thousands of local kids in need a welcoming place to play.
“This is an exciting moment for Icy Hot and our continued work with The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation to support young athletes,” said Jessica Scholl, Portfolio Lead for Pain & Sleep at Sanofi. “We are dedicated to ensuring the next generation of athletes remain game ready by supporting them where and when they play.”
The official court reveal and dedication was held yesterday, Thursday, May 11. Shaq was joined in attendance by McDonough Mayor Sandra Vincent, as well as representatives from The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, Icy Hot and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA).
“With 25 clubs across 10 counties, our goal at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is to create inclusive and engaging environments for every young person who enters one of our Clubs,” said BGCMA President & CEO David Jernigan. “The ‘Comebaq Court’ at our Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County is more than just a beautiful outdoor sporting ground, but it is also an environment that reinforces our healthy lifestyle initiatives. We are elated for this partnership and for the opportunity to provide our Club members with an inviting place to enjoy fresh air and stay active.”
For more details on Comebaq Courts, visit the @IcyHot Instagram page. Beyond Atlanta, plans for additional Comebaq Courts are underway.
About Icy Hot® : As America’s No. 1 topical pain relief brand among OTC topical analgesics Icy Hot® makes powerful over-the-counter pain relief products that fuel your resilience to rise from pain. Our extensive line of products provides powerful, fast-acting relief to give you targeted therapy. Icy to dull the pain. Hot to relax it away®. The Icy Hot brand is brought to you by Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company that provides over-the-counter drugs such as topical analgesics, allergy medications, gas, constipation and heartburn medications, medicated skin products, as well as cosmetics and dietary supplements.
About The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation: The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth, helping them achieve their full potential. Established in 2019 by the NBA Hall of Famer, television sports analyst and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, the Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for our children. While primarily partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in Schools, the Foundation simultaneously supports Shaquille’s other charitable endeavors, such as his annual Shaq-a-Claus holiday event and initiatives alongside his corporate partners. For more information, visit shaqfoundation.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA): For more than 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has ignited the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. Our 25 Clubs located in 10 counties across metropolitan Atlanta have traditionally served nearly 8000 kids & teens (ages 6-18) each year, offering youth development programs during critical non-school hours that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. To learn more about BGCMA, follow us on social media: Twitter (@BGCMA_Clubs), Facebook (BGCMA), LinkedIn (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta), and Instagram (bgcmATL), or visit us online at www.bgcma.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Christin Jackson, Brand/Media Manager
470-823-3276 | cjackson@bgcma.org
SOURCE The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation
Blog
Hard Rock International Encourages All to “LOVE OUT LOUD” this Pride Month
Hard Rock Honors Partnership with Multi-Platinum, Genre-Bending Artist Halsey with $250,000 Donation to LGBTQIA+ Causes via the Hard Rock Heals Foundation
with New Limited-Edition Retail and Series of Global Events Throughout June with HALSEY
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock International is celebrating its ongoing support of the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, bringing to life the brand’s core founding mottos, “Love All, Serve All” and “All Is One,” while encouraging allies everywhere to “Love Out Loud.” Throughout the month of June, Hard Rock is releasing limited-edition merchandise and participating in special activations and fundraising efforts in support of Hard Rock Heals Foundation®, the charitable arm of Hard Rock®, along with local charities and nonprofit partners that work tirelessly to serve and elevate LGBTQIA+ communities.
“At Hard Rock, acts of service and authentic inclusion are engrained in our brand DNA and everyday mottos, ensuring that all Team Members and guests at our properties are treated with love and respect,” said Stephanie Piimauna, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Seminole Hard Rock. “As part of our commitment, we will continue to demonstrate allyship and amplify LGBTQIA+ voices in our local communities and around the world.”
Partnership with Halsey
To kick off Pride 2023, Hard Rock has announced a partnership with GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-platinum, genre-bending artist, Halsey – known for pushing creative boundaries, while influencing and impacting beyond music by advocating for important causes such as the LGBTQIA+ community. To celebrate the partnership and Pride Month, Hard Rock has pledged a minimum of $250,000 to the Human Rights Campaign and Outright International, via the Hard Rock Heals Foundation.
As part of the Pride Retail Collection, Halsey, who is a queer artist themself, has designed two co-branded Hard Rock x Halsey Signature Series Pride Edition T-shirts. Additionally, as part of the “Love Out Loud” campaign, Hard Rock will be hosting a private performance at Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane, where the brand was founded. This VIP event will include a panel of notable guest speakers and an intimate performance by Halsey. Halsey will also donate special memorabilia to Hard Rock’s celebrated collection of more than 87,000 pieces, live during the event.
Following the private event at Old Park Lane, a special series of Halsey with String Ensemble Hard Rock Live shows will take place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (June 24), Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana (June 30) and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain (July 2).
Limited-Edition Pride Retail Collection
In addition to the exclusive Halsey merchandise, Hard Rock is releasing a specially designed retail collection in honor of Pride Month, paying tribute to the brand’s “Love All, Serve All” and “All Is One” mottos. The uniquely designed, limited-edition merchandise, includes colorful Hard Rock t-shirts, bandanas, socks, cups, keychains and pins, of which a portion of proceeds will benefit LGBTQIA+ charities throughout the globe. The Pride 2023 retail collection is now available through July in stores and online at Rock Shops®.
Cafe Activations
Pride is a global celebration and declaration of love, which is why participating Hard Rock Cafes worldwide will be hosting a variety of local activations to proudly “Love Out Loud” alongside the LGBTQIA+ community. Activations will range from live performances to local Pride menus, customized playlists and more. Hard Rock Cafe will also participate as a sponsor in several Pride parades across the US and Europe, including those in New York City, London, Copenhagen, and Nice.
Love Out Loud Suites & Hotel Activations
Hard Rock Hotel properties around the world are partnering with notable LGBTQIA+ figures in their local communities to create exclusive experiences including one-of-a-kind curated suites, unique food and beverage offerings, entertainment experiences, Pride playlists, and community fundraising events.
In addition, Hard Rock Hotels is working with street artists known for integrating LGBTQIA+ themes in their art, to create meaningful paintings in select local communities where Hard Rock operates.
More than 70 percent of the 87,000 pieces of authentic music memorabilia on display at Hard Rock properties are dedicated to LGBTQIA+ artists and iconic moments in music history.
For additional information on how Hard Rock supports the LGBTQIA+ community and diversity, please visit www.hardrock.com/dei.aspx. Information on Hard Rock Heals Foundation can be found at www.hardrock.com/heals-foundation.aspx.
About Hard Rock Heals Foundation®:
The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and oversees all philanthropic outreach for Hard Rock International. Music is energy; it stirs emotion, inspires, connects, and restores. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation exists to improve lives through the power of music. Since its inception in 1971, Hard Rock International has brought people together through the power of music. We have developed partnerships with artists ranging from emerging to iconic in support of charitable efforts around the world. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation provides grants and assistance to individuals whose goal is to heal through the power of music. Partnerships with like-minded, music-centric organizations allow Hard Rock Heals Foundation the opportunity to improve lives and promote wellness.
About Hard Rock®:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 290 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 87,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored by J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for two consecutive years, and among the top Upper Upscale Hotels for four consecutive years. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021, and has since been honored threefold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos received first place ranking in the Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group for six of the last seven years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
SOURCE Hard Rock International
astronomy
The Spiritual Significance of the Strawberry Moon – June 2023
“Discover the spiritual and astrological significance of the Strawberry Moon, or the Full Moon in June 2023.”
The Strawberry Moon is a name given by Native American tribes to the full Moon in June, and it signifies the beginning of the strawberry harvesting season. It is also called the Rose Moon, Hot Moon, and Mead Moon in different cultures. The name Strawberry Moon is particularly fitting because the reddish-pink color of the Moon during this time of year can resemble the color of a ripe strawberry.
During this time of year, the Moon is at its closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This makes it the perfect time for moon watching and photography. However, due to the brightness of the Moon, it can be challenging to observe other celestial objects such as stars and planets.
The Full Moon in June also has significant spiritual and astrological meanings. In astrology, the Full Moon represents a time of completion and manifestation, where intentions set during the New Moon are coming to fruition. It is a time to reflect on the progress made towards our goals and to celebrate our achievements.
Spiritually, the June Full Moon is a time of heightened intuition and emotional awareness. It is believed to be a time to release negative energy and emotions and to focus on gratitude and positivity. Many people use this time to perform rituals, such as meditating, lighting candles, and setting intentions.
The Full Moon in June, or the Strawberry Moon, is a special event that holds significance in various cultures and beliefs. It is a time to celebrate the bounty of the earth, reflect on our progress, and connect with our spirituality. Whether you choose to stargaze, take photographs, or perform rituals, this Full Moon is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky and connect with the universe.
https://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-june
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
Activism
National Gun Violence Awareness Day: Demanding Change and Ending Gun Violence
Join the community in demanding change and ending gun violence on National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Wear orange and take action for a safer future.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is an annual event that falls on the first Friday in June. This day was created to raise awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence and to honor the lives lost to senseless acts of gun violence. It is a day to come together as a community to demand change and work towards ending gun violence.
The color orange is the official color of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. This color was chosen because it is the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others from accidental shootings. Wearing orange on this day shows solidarity with the victims and survivors of gun violence and sends a powerful message to lawmakers that we demand action.
Gun violence is a serious problem in the United States. Every year, thousands of people are killed or injured by guns. This includes mass shootings, domestic violence, suicide, and accidental shootings. The statistics are staggering, and yet, little has been done to address the issue.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is a call to action. It is a day to demand change and work towards ending gun violence. There are many things that can be done to reduce gun violence, including stricter gun laws, better background checks, and increased mental health resources.
One of the most effective ways to reduce gun violence is to pass common-sense gun laws. This includes universal background checks, banning assault weapons, and closing loopholes that allow gun sales without background checks. These laws have been proven to be effective in reducing gun violence in other countries, and it is time for the United States to follow suit.
Another important step is to increase funding for mental health resources. Many mass shootings are committed by individuals with mental health issues, and providing access to mental health care can help prevent these tragedies from occurring.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is also a time to remember those who have been lost to gun violence. It is a time to honor their memory and to work towards a future where gun violence is a thing of the past.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is an important day to come together as a community to demand change and work towards ending gun violence. By wearing orange, advocating for common-sense gun laws, and increasing access to mental health resources, we can make a difference and create a safer future for all.
Visit this link: https://wearorange.org/
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