Bentonville, Arkansas-based Sam’s Club, Laugh Out Loud and Kevin Hart recently celebrated five organizations making a big difference in children’s lives by surprising them with $100,000 each through a series of virtual and in-person announcements across the country.
In addition to the monetary contribution, select families and children benefitting from the organizations were also surprised to have a unique holiday wish – from laptops to karaoke machines to dollhouses – fulfilled by the trio.
The organizations that received the donations are Special Needs Network of Los Angeles, California; Houston Child Advocates of Houston, Texas; Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Missouri; Positive Tomorrows of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Boys & Girls Club of Central Fla in Orlando.
“One of the best things you can do for yourself is believe in other people,” said Hart. “I’ve always had people in my life that believed in me, and I believe in the power of passing that onto others. The donations we made went to organizations that believe in the future of kids and their families. I’m proud we were able to work together to make a big impact.”
Known for bringing laughs on the big screen, Hart brought smiles to many from coast-to-coast in just a few short hours. In each market, families and children were gathered for what they thought was just a holiday party organized by Sam’s Club, but they were surprised to dial in to a virtual call and find Hart on the other side of the line.
Hart delivered news of the monetary donation and individual gifts on the calls, and Sam’s Club associates were on hand to deliver the items to recipients in person. Hart ended the day by surprising 10 families from the Special Needs Network at a Sam’s Club in Oxnard, California, with a holiday shopping spree at Sam’s Club.
“These groups have an incredible impact on the communities and families they serve,” said Tony Rogers, SVP and chief member officer at Sam’s Club. “It’s been an honor for us to work together with Kevin and Laugh Out Loud to recognize their work with gifts that allow them to further their missions.”
Earlier this month, Sam’s Club, Hart and Laugh Out Loud announced plans to team up and take the holidays “to an 11” this year. The trio share a commitment to doing good in local communities, making this charity component of the holiday campaign a natural fit.
Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart Inc., is a membership warehouse club with millions of members in nearly 600 clubs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Laugh Out Loud is a comedy brand and multi-platform entertainment company dedicated to keeping the world laughing together. Founded by comedian, actor and producer Kevin Hart, LOL delivers the best in comedic content and experiences across its multiple divisions – LOL Audio, LOL Network, LOL Studios and LOLX.
