Hasbro Boundless Playground at The Help Group's New Autism Center Brings the Joy of Play to Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Nov 09, 2010, 02:01 ET

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, November 4th, The Help Group, Hasbro, dignitaries, special guests and dozens of very happy children took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Boundless playground. This dynamic and engaging play space designed for children with autism was made possible by a generous gift from the Hasbro Children's Fund and is located at The Help Group's new, state-of-the-art autism center in Sherman Oaks.

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In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Barbara Firestone, The Help Group President & CEO, thanked Hasbro, "We are so grateful that the children of The Help Group have joined the more than 4 million children worldwide who have been given the gifts of hope, play and a helping hand by Hasbro. You truly set the bar very high for what it means to be an outstanding corporate citizen." Gary H. Carmona, Help Group Board Chair, and Dr. Firestone were joined by two students, who presented Hasbro and Hasbro Studios with artwork made by the children. The Help Group's Children Choir performed a special song of tribute to Hasbro, "Way to Go, Hasbro," which received a standing ovation from a very enthusiastic audience.

In his acceptance remarks, Steve Davis, President of Hasbro Studios, said, "We're thrilled to be here to help the Hasbro Boundless playground get off to a phenomenal start. We are so very, very impressed with the great work of The Help Group--we are inspired by the children and the great progress they make here." Karen Davis, Vice President of Community Relations for Hasbro, Inc., commented, "We are very fortunate to work for a company that allows us to do these kinds of things and try, in our own way, to make an impact where we can."

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) commended Hasbro commenting, "A company has to do business, but a company doesn't have to do what you've done, which is to support kids with special needs, especially to sponsor this playground." Fred Leone, President & CEO of Boundless Playgrounds, spoke about the process of designing a play space for children with autism spectrum disorders "This is our most unique project to date. Boundless Playgrounds learned a lot here that we'll be able to use again and again--this is going to have a lasting impact." Gary Cole, actor, parent advocate and The Help Group's Celebrity Spokesperson, spoke from the heart when he said, "As a parent, I am indebted to people here, and others like them, who dedicate themselves to seeing the world through another pair of eyes--and those eyes belong to our kids. This beautiful environment will nurture interaction, teach behavior and allow kids to grow."

When the ribbon was cut, students raced onto the brightly colored playground where they laughed and played along with the grown-ups creating a truly unforgettable experience for everyone present!

Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative nonprofit organization of its kind in the U.S. serving children with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities and other special needs. The Help Group's specialized education and therapy programs serve more than 6,000 children and families each year. Through outreach, parent and professional education efforts, The Help Group extends its reach to countless others nationally and internationally. www.thehelpgroup.org.

SOURCE The Help Group