Corporate News : Samsung Hope for Children and Matthew McConaughey Help L.A. High Schools

Samsung Hope for Children, a philanthropic initiative of the world’s technology leader, and partners Best Buy and Matthew McConaughey held the first annual j.k. livin Day at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, CA yesterday. They worked together to help kick off the new school year with healthy living activities and provided upgraded technology and resources for deserving students at large inner-city public schools.

Earlier this year, Samsung and retail partner Best Buy teamed up with Matthew McConaughey to support the j.k. livin foundation, a non-profit organization the actor started in 2009 to serve youth in communities across the U.S. where students might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about the body and mind connection. By partnering with Communities in Schools (CIS), the nation’s largest non-profit dropout prevention organization, the j.k. livin foundation provides free fitness and wellness after-school programs that offer teens a safe place to learn and improve responsibility, self-esteem, accountability and commitment. Through the CIS program, *98% of all tracked students stayed in school. To help fund these critical after-school programs, Samsung yesterday announced a $ 300,000 donation to the j.k. livin foundation.

As part of their commitment to help students of all backgrounds with the technological resources to succeed, Best Buy and Samsung gave Hamilton High School, along with neighboring Inglewood and Venice Beach high schools a complete tech makeover including cutting-edge TVs, laptops, cameras, electronic whiteboards and other tools to help teach the next generation. For the past 9 years, Samsung and Best Buy have collaborated on several initiatives that help students and communities across the U.S.

“Through Samsung Hope for Children, we have the opportunity to continue our commitment to making a noticeable difference in our communities in the areas of Health and Education,” said David Steel, EVP of Strategy and Corporate Communications, Samsung Electronics America. “By working with Best Buy and Matthew McConaughey, we are able to raise national awareness and funds for the j.k. livin foundation, a wonderful organization that helps teens lead active lives and make positive life choices empowering them to stay in school and giving them hope for a better tomorrow.”=

“We’re proud to partner once again with Samsung Hope for Children. Samsung’s community outreach aligns perfectly with Best Buy’s @15 program which focuses on connecting and empowering teens,” said Susan Bass Roberts, director of community relations, Best Buy. “Through the j.k. livin foundation we are able to give young adults access to the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s world and help foster the next generation of leadership and innovation.”

With more than 100 Hamilton High School students in attendance at the j.k. livin day kickoff, Matthew McConaughey and j.k. livin foundation co-founder Camila Alves spoke to the teens enrolled in the voluntary after-school program about how they can improve their physical and mental health through exercise, teamwork, gratitude and make positive life choices that will help them stay in school and get ahead in life. Along with marathon champion Dean Karnazes, McConaughey led the students on a one-mile fun run and exercised with the teens in the school’s new fitness facility.

“I started the j.k. livin foundation to help teens gain confidence, self reliance, and a better attitude through physical and mental wellness after-school programs,” said Matthew McConaughey. “With the help of great partners like Samsung and Best Buy, we’re working to give all kids the opportunity for a healthy lifestyle and I’m excited to continue working with them.”

During the month of October, Samsung and Best Buy partnered to promote awareness for the j.k. livin foundation in stores nationwide. For more information on the j.k. livin foundation mission and objectives, visit jklivinfoundation.org and to help schools in your community now, visit Samsung Hope for Children

To learn more about Samsung Hope for Children initiative visit: www.samsung.com/hope, you can also check out the Samsung Hope for Children Facebook Hope tab at www.facebook.com/SamsungUSA.

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