By Lee Roberts
DEFEATED, Tenn. (July 14, 2015) – When park rangers witness young people practicing good safety at Cordell Hull Lake this summer, they might just reward them for their efforts thanks to a sweet partnership with McDonalds.
Tim and Sandra Funderburk, owners of the McDonalds in Gordonsville, Tenn., recently donated a batch of vouchers good for free ice cream treats and smoothies that the Corps of Engineers will hand out to recognize deserving youngsters who play it safe.
“We are very excited to be partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to promote positive family recreation. We too enjoy our area lakes and we encourage everyone to do the same in a safe and responsible manner,” said the Funderburks.
Park Ranger Phillip Sliger met July 9 with Vince Blackledge, general manager of the Gordonsville McDonalds, to officially receive the vouchers.
“The rangers will be looking at what they (the kids) are doing and trying to catch them doing things right, and reward them for doing whatever it is they did right,” Blackledge said.
Blackledge said being a part of the community is a big thing for McDonalds. If partnering with the Corps and providing treats help keep kids safe, then that is a sweet outcome that makes it all worthwhile, he added.
With the vouchers in hand, Sliger headed out to Defeated Creek Day Use Area and Campground where he rewarded the first batch of safety good doers.
He first recognized Eero Kent from Riddleton, Tenn., a young boy who wore a life jacket while swimming at the lake with his father Greg and mother Crystal.
Sliger then spotted Jordan Johnson riding her bike in the campground and he stopped to thank her for being a good example.
“She was with several of her friends riding around the campground, but she alone had her helmet on,” Sliger said. “So she received a McDonald’s voucher.”
The park ranger then found another group of kids swimming, all wearing their life jackets. He explained to them the importance of water safety, and they all received their sweet rewards.
“The park rangers at Cordell Hull Lake plan to keep an eye out for young people throughout the summer,” said Park Ranger Jamie Summers. “The kids might just get recognized for being safe.”
Summers said the Corps is especially grateful for the partnership with McDonalds and for their role in promoting safety on the water and in the campgrounds and recreation areas.
The Funderburks own multiple McDonalds, including the one in Carthage, Tenn., which is located close to Cordell Hull Lake. The vouchers are honored at the stores which are listed on them.
