Rams Build Playhouses to Benefit Habitat for Humanity of Orange County Families

Aug 03, 2018 at 05:13 PM

Emily Ferrando

Los Angeles Rams

On Friday, August 3rd, members of the Rams staff teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County to build Rams-themed playhouses at the University of California, Irvine, the site of the team's Training Camp. All five playhouses were auctioned or raffled off the following day at the team's "Youth & Community Partner" themed training camp practice with the proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and the families they serve.

Various building stations were arranged by the Women Build OC Team, a group whose mission is to recruit, educate and inspire women to build and advocate for simple, decent, and affordable housing in their communities while empowering women to learn construction skills. The Rams staff split up in groups to drill and create floors, to paint, and to nail the playhouse walls and roofs together.

H4H of Orange County representative Gladys Hernandez believes that the Rams and H4H representatives did much more than simply build playhouses, they directly impacted the community that has welcomed them the past three summers for the team's training camp.

"We're always looking for community partners and to see the LA Rams come out here and build playhouses means a lot," said Hernandez. "With this partnership, we're also able to spread our message to Rams fans through these simple playhouses. Once we sell them, we'll be able to fund the construction of more homes for our community residents in need. The Rams came out here to build playhouses, but it's much more than that. They're building future Habitat for Humanity homes as well."

Rams Community Affairs and Engagement Coordinator, DAVID WEINGARTEN, believes it's important for the organization to kick off the season giving back to the community while the team prepares to kick off the season on the field.

"We want to be active partners in the communities we're a part of and Training Camp gives us the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in Orange County before the season starts," said Weingarten. "The best part of the day was working alongside staff from across our organization and the Women Build OC team to build and decorate all five houses. It was an excellent day of teamwork and service."

Each playhouse featured a different Rams theme such as a Vamos Rams playhouse painted green, white and red to celebrate the Rams game in Mexico City on November 19, as well as a throwback-themed house painted the Rams original royal blue and yellow.

The following day, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County families, staff and volunteers were invited to attend training camp practice as VIP guests of the team. After practice, Rams Wide Receiver BRANDIN COOKS invited a special Habitat for Humanity mother and her son, who will soon be proud homeowners, on the field to take photos and receive autographs.

The playhouse build was part of the team's Staff Day of Service program. Each month, the Rams front office staff takes time out of the office to volunteer with local non-profits. Since returning home to Los Angeles, Rams staff members have provided more than 4,500 hours of community service and impacted 25 local non-profits and 43 schools.

For more information about the Rams community outreach, please visit therams.com/community.

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Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel of The Los Angeles Rams works with Habitat for Humanity Orange County to build playhouses to be auctioned off at practice at The University of California Irvine in Irvine, CA on 8/3/2018. (Rams/Hiro Ueno)

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The Los Angeles Rams partner with Habitat for Humanity Orange County to build playhouses to be auctioned off at practice at The University of California Irvine in Irvine, CA on 8/3/2018. (Rams/Hiro Ueno)