Following the first half of the boys varsity basketball game on Jan. 9, the Walmart Neighborhood Supermarket presented Downey athletics with a $1,000 check to support the character that sports help build in athletes.
Marketing representative Chris Melle assures that the money is intended to affect Downey athletics in a positive way; the athletics department will decide to put the money to whichever area is in need of it.
“The donation of $1,000 is a way to give back to community on a tangible level,” Athletics Director Mark Rand said. “Walmart knows the positive influence high school sports plays in building character and confidence in high school students.”
When a new Walmart Neighborhood Market opens or plans to, they hope to build a relationship with its community, presenting it with a friendly and approachable staff and store manager. Because of the recent addition to Downey-on Paramount between Alameda and Imperial-the food market asked Houts and Athletics Director Mark Rand if they could donate the generous amount.
“Mr. Houts and Mr. Rand were both instrumental in making this happen,” Melle said. “When someone calls out of the blue and asks to donate $1,000 and some promotional items to your school, it’s understandable that most people would be skeptical. However, once these gentlemen found out that Walmart Neighborhood Market was supporting 40 high schools in California and had a good professional plan, they took a shot and it worked out great! Walmart Neighborhood Market is grateful to Mr. Houts and Mr. Rand for their openness to this program.”
Walmart has sponsored various high schools over the years with their financial support; in the 2012-2013 school year alone, they plan to give $40,000 to schools in California. The market is a proud supporter of high school sports in many areas across the country.
