For the love of play—Shady Rays and Roc Solid
It all started with a simple google search: “nonprofits for outdoor play.” Shady Rays, the Kentucky-based sunglass outfitter, began their search for a partnership through which to impact families through the love of play. It wasn’t long before Roc Solid Foundation came into the picture. “We partner with like-minded organizations who create meaningful change in their communities,” Shady Rays leadership shared. “Like Shady Rays believes, you should be able to live and play without worry. That’s what we see in Roc Solid—the ability for children and families to heal through play.”
Shady Rays kicked off the partnership by building Roc Solid’s very first Kentucky playset for Logan, age 3, and his family. Shady Rays offered their retail parking lot as the build site. Shoppers and employees from the shopping center were thrilled to find out what all the noise was about when they heard what the team was working on for Logan. Although the Kentucky sunshine was warm, there were no complaints from the Shady Rays team. Instead, music and laughter could be heard all around the store front as the playset came together.
As the last screws went in and the slide was tested by the Shady Ray’s team, it came time to pull the limo around for Logan and his family to see their new playset.
The face of hope
The cheering from the Shady Rays team drew attention from all around as Logan and his sister Vanessa came around the side of the limo to face their new playset before quickly sprinting for it. There was not a dry eye in the crowd as Vanessa, age 9, shouted, “Come on, Lo-gee, play with me!” as she ran toward the playset.
Of course, the Shady Rays team couldn’t let the family leave without a new pair of Shady Rays sunglasses for each of them. Logan picked out a pair with bright green lenses to look like a ninja turtle, while Vanessa chose a white pair with pink lenses.
“Everyone there had a smile on their face and a tear behind their shades deeply feeling that same hopefulness for Logan,” a Shady Rays volunteer shared. “It was a memory that we will never forget.”
The playset was reassembled at the family’s house that same evening by the Roc Solid Team under the close supervision of Logan and Vanessa. The two kiddos had a blast exploring their playset together. The Roc Solid Team could still hear their giggles as they drove away.
The Shady Rays team shared, “Our hope is to continue to fuel Roc Solid with the resources needed to help every child and their family battling cancer through hospital Ready Bags and outdoor playsets. Together, we can help Roc Solid touch the lives of so many in their fight against cancer with the power of play.”
“Roc Solid has exceeded every one of our expectations as a Shady Rays Impact partner,” Shady Rays Founder and CEO Chris Ratterman said. “From the moment we met until now, Eric and the Roc Solid team have shown dedication, compassion, and care for every one of the families and communities they serve.”
Roc Solid Foundation is excited to partner with Shady Rays for more playset projects in the future, both in Kentucky and around the US. Together, we will restore the gift of play to kids fighting cancer.
Learn more about Shady Rays at shadyrays.com
Want to help make more of these moments happen? Donate to Roc Solid Foundation here.
Interested in partnering with us to build hope in your community and grow in team-building at your organization? Email us at info@rocsolidfoundation.org —we’d love to hear from you!
