Walmart teamed up with star athletes to thank local teachers and frontline workers

Photos courtesy of Samantha Klose

Walmart, and athletes Jason Witten and Arike Ogunbowale, recognized the Health and Wellness team at the Vickery Meadow store location Thursday morning.

Whitten, the 2012 recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, and Ogunbowale, a WNBA All-Star and Dallas Wings Guard, surprised the health team and pharmacists with a chat and signed memorabilia.

“Our pharmacy team has worked incredibly hard to serve the Dallas community throughout the pandemic and I couldn’t be prouder of all the amazing feedback they have received from the people we serve,” said Tony Budgewater, Walmart store manager, in the press release. “I’m very grateful these two Dallas all-stars took the time to give our outstanding associates the recognition they deserve.”

Prior to meeting with the health team at the Walmart Supercenter, Whitten and Ogunbowale made a visit to Robert T. Hill Middle School to present donations to “Never Before Funded Teachers.” Walmart is matching $100,000 in donations to never-funded teachers.

Grace Maringo received a never-funded teacher donation for classroom and cleaning supplies. Another teacher, Amanda Stargell, also received donations of class supplies and other resources to her DonorsChoose project.