MikesPlayground honored the Citrus Heights Police Department for its dedication to keeping the community safe.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - MikesPlayground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating accessible playgrounds for children with special needs, held its inaugural fundraiser on Aug. 24 at San Juan Park, 5509 Mariposa Ave. The event supported the organization’s efforts to kickstart the San Juan Park Project, which will be the area’s first inclusive playground.

The day was filled with vibrant activities, including live music, food vendors, comedy shows, games and various fun activities for children. Highlights included Bubblemania and Company, which entertained kids with bubble play, and a painting activity where children created artwork to be auctioned off at a gala event next January to further raise funds.

The fundraiser was more than just a day of fun; it was a community effort with several vendors and organizations coming together to contribute to the cause. Some of these included Parker Candy Co., and Stormy Dawn Candle Co., Citrus Heights Community Engagement, Produce Oaks Youth Services, All Quality Graphics, The Swiss Project and Republic Services.

All Quality Graphics made a significant impact at the fundraiser through its partnership with MikesPlayground. Jessica Tillery, the founder of All Quality Graphics, emphasized the company's commitment to community support.

“It’s a way to give back to the community using our resources as a merchandising company,” Tillery said.

She highlighted their project, The Love Unstoppable Movement (L.U.M.), a quarterly T-shirt subscription dedicated to promoting love and faith.

“We donated our proceeds from the second quarter to MikesPlayground and were officially their first donation,” she added.

Children had the opportunity to create paintings during the Aug. 24 event, which will be auctioned off to raise additional funds for the park refurbishment project.

The Citrus Heights Police Department and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District were recognized and honored with plaques from MikesPlayground during the event.

“I want to thank the boys in blue. You save lives and I want MikesPlayground to recognize how important you are to me, my grandson, my family, my friends and the community,” said Aurelia Walker, founder of MikesPlayground.

Lt. Shaun Gualco added, “This is often a thankless job, but when the community comes together like this, it makes it all worth it.”

Mike Sellu is Walker’s grandson, a 16-year-old boy who struggles with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. His unique needs and the challenges he faces were pivotal in inspiring Walker to launch Mikesplayground.

Station 21 of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District was particularly honored for their critical role in assisting the family during emergencies, including saving Mike’s life.

“Station 21 has a special place in our hearts because this particular engine has come as a first responder to help save Mike’s life,” said Roberto Thompson II, MikesPlayground president. “They are on the job and when they are needed, they show up.”

Said Battalion Chief Jason Vestel, “It’s because of events like this that this job is not thankless. We acknowledge that you guys appreciate us; it is not lost on us.”

Ashley Walker Benjamin and Mike Sellu were at the MikesPlayground San Juan Park fundraiser, with residents in attendance.

The event, which drew local organizations, businesses, and residents together, portrayed the collective effort to advance MikesPlayground’s mission. By generating essential funds for the park’s retrofitting project, the fundraiser not only marked a significant step toward creating a playground accessible to all children but also demonstrated the community’s dedication to fostering an environment where everyone belongs.

“Being able to see my work come alive is all I ask. We need to be part of the community and MikesPlayground is the community,” Walker said. “I can’t thank everyone that has supported the project enough.”

To learn more about MikesPlayground, future events, volunteering or donating, visit mikesplayground.org.