[Team Yates]

Bobby Labonte Lends “Helping Hand”: When West Virginia’s Pratt Elementary School needed funds to update its playground and shelter facilities, Hamburger Helper was there to lend a “helping hand.” Courtesy of the Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” grant program and Bobby Labonte, Pratt Elementary received $15,000 to make some much needed improvements to the children’s park. Labonte was at Pratt Elementary today for the park’s ribbon cutting ceremony that re-opened the revitalized recreation area. The Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” grant program winners were selected by a panel that reviewed applicants’ essays of 250 words or less, describing how the grant would benefit their community project. Labonte served as a guest judge that helped determine the winners. Over $200,000 in grants has been awarded this year, including Pratt Elementary. Other grants have helped communities purchase new band equipment, fund a tornado warning system, among other projects. Labonte attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Pratt Elementary this afternoon. The driver of the No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge signed autographs and raced remote control cars against students and their families.(Breaking Limits/General Mills PR)(9-19-200