Darell Hammond, founder of KaBOOM!, is the prime example of how one vision can go a long way. Under Hammond’s leadership as CEO, KaBOOM! has raised more than $200 million, rallied over a million volunteers, led the hands-on construction of over 2,000 playgrounds, and stimulated a movement for the child’s right to play.
Hammond grew up with seven siblings at Mooseheart Child City & School, a group home outside of Chicago. The home instilled in him principal character traits, generosity and kindness, and taught him the importance of volunteerism.
After reading a Washington Post article about two children dying from being trapped in an abandoned car due to the lack of safe places to play in the community in 1995, the importance of community service and helping those less fortunate get a head start inspired Hammond to build a playground and start KaBOOM!, the DC-based, national non-profit organization, supporting the construction of playgrounds in low-income communities across the U.S.
Darell Hammond was the recipient of the 2010 American Express NGen Leadership Award. Learn more about Darell.
