Jazz star Kessler takes kids on Walmart shopping spree | Midvale Journal

It’s safe to say that for 10 local youth, this Christmas got off to a jazzy start. On Dec. 9, 10 young members of the Midvale Boys & Girls Club were treated to a shopping spree with Utah Jazz star Walker Kessler.

He joined with parents and other Jazz teammates (who tagged along in support) at the Walmart store in Jordan Landing. The kids each received $200 gift cards from Kessler and Walmart to use on a shopping spree throughout the store.

Kessler led the kids on a shopping cart run through the store, starting as you might imagine in the toys department. He used his 7-foot height to reach for anything high on the shelves, though most of the toys and other gifts the young people wanted were at eye level.

“This is a tradition for Walker, and we’re honored to be a part of it,” said Amana Rae Gardner, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake. “Events like this not only bring joy but also inspire youth to embrace the spirit of giving. By witnessing the generosity of role models like Walker, our kids see firsthand the power of community and the difference they can make.”

The kids were all smiles as they spoke to the Jazz star while filling their shopping carts. The gifts they chose ranged from board games and toys to presents for their family members. Kessler was fully engaged with them, signing everything they presented to him, except when they wanted their hands signed.

“No, you don’t want ink on your hands,” he told one young girl with a smile on her face. “We can find something else.” And they did. One Walmart employee even asked Kessler to sign his work vest.

“We treasure this opportunity to support Walker Kessler’s and the Boys & Girls Clubs’ efforts to make the holidays extra bright this year for local children,” said Cody Backman from Walmart in a release. “Our staff looks forward to hosting this meaningful event and witnessing the joy it will bring to these kids.”

Shoppers in the store were drawn to the children and the media members who were following Kessler and the entourage through the store. It wasn’t hard to spot them given Kessler’s height.

“It’s always fun to see their excitement when we come to stores,” Kessler said. 

While many of the kids and their families were impressed to be in Kessler’s company, one young boy was also honest in his athletic aspirations. When Kessler asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, the young man named Marco said, “I want to play soccer.”

Gardner said there are more than 5,000 Utah youth currently involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs in Greater Salt Lake. The shopping spree is just one of many programs the clubs implemented this holiday season for youth. λ