York, Pa.-based Rutter’s Farm Stores has pledged a lead gift of $50,000 to help the York Jewish Community Center celebrate its 100th anniversary by building a “natural playscape” playground.
Rutter’s, which traces its York County farm roots to 1747, has been a long-time supporter of the JCC.
“We have a lot of respect for the JCC’s commitment to our community,” said Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter’s Farm Stores. “We’re proud to honor the organization’s century of service by supporting a project that we hope will bring joy to many children for the next 100 years.”
A natural playscape playground differs from traditional playgrounds in a number of ways. It is designed to appeal to all five senses, incorporates loose parts or unstructured props for play and exploration, and complements children’s innate interest in the natural environment. The playground will be named for Rutter’s in response to the leading contribution.
The JCC has hired an internationally known expert to design the playground and to work with the organization to coordinate a community build. JCC plans to raise $150,000 toward its goal of building the playground between this fall and spring 2011.
“We are very excited about this project and how it will foster healthy learning for the hundreds of children we serve daily,” said Randy Freedman, JCC’s executive director.
“We are grateful for Rutter’s support in recognition of JCC’s 100 years of service.”
Family-owned and third generation-managed, Manchester Township-based Rutter’s Farm Stores operates 54 convenience stores in York, Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin and Lancaster counties.
