On Tuesday August 18th, the Sacramento Monarchs along with volunteers from Wells Fargo and Maloof Sports & Entertainment joined forces to donate a Monarchs and Wells Fargo Do It Yourself (DIY) Teen Center to the River Oak Center for Children. The theme of the room was “Inspire and Create.” The room was filled with art supplies, books, computers equipped with design and photo editing software and a screen printing press for making clothing. The center will help engage the children of the community in a positive way and provide them with an outlet for educational activity. Monarchs players plus Monarchs mascot Monty, artist David Garibaldi and representatives from Wells Fargo and the River Oak Center for Children cut the ribbon at the special unveiling ceremony.

“The energy in the room was absolutely amazing. Seeing all the Monarchs players like that was like wow! You could just see the kids looking up to them in more ways than one,” said Mary Hargrave, President and CEO of the River Oak Center for Children. “[The kids] are already engaged in the creativity, excitement and learning that they’re going to do in the room so we’re very excited,” Hargrave added.

Monarchs forward Nicole Powell was also very excited to be on hand for the unveiling ceremony. “I think it went great and I think it was a good opportunity for us [the team] as a group and for me to get outside of ourselves and what we do to realize what being an athlete is all about,” Powell said. “It’s not just about performing, but it’s about giving back and being part of the community, and I think it’s really easy for us to get away from that and stay in a bubble doing what we do. The event was a wonderful opportunity for the kids to see successful people who are from where they are from because I think it helps them dream just a little bit bigger.”

River Oak Center for Children is committed to helping children and families successfully manage life’s challenges through a wide range of services and caring support. River Oak advocates bringing outstanding and innovative programs to children and families in need.