Nékter Juice Bar, the popular, Southern California-based modern reinvention of the juice and smoothie bar, has donated $5,000 to Festival of Children Foundation, a national nonprofit organization based in Costa Mesa, Calif., which brings together and coordinates the efforts of charities, companies and individuals that actively work to improve the lives of children across America. The funds were raised from the sale of “Sneaky Spinach,” a children’s book extolling the benefits of healthy eating written by Alexis Schulze, Nékter co-founder and chief visionary officer. Festival of Children Foundation will use the funds to continue offering free programs that strengthen children’s charities.

Sneaky Spinach, which debuted in January 2017, was sold in participating Nékter restaurants in several Western states, online at www.nekterjuicebar.com and on Amazon. The book chronicles the story of a boy named Nick, who refuses to eat his vegetables. To help him understand how important fruits and vegetables are for his brain and body, a group of Super Spinach leaves sneak themselves into Nick’s smoothies. Soon Nick notices that he is doing better in school and has more energy for sports and other activities, and begins to understand how eating right can make all the difference.

“The story of Sneaky Spinach aligns perfectly with our mission to support the health, well-being, happiness, and success of children in America,” says Sandy Segerstrom Daniels. “We so appreciate the generosity of Nékter Juice Bar, as the funds raised will help support so many of our initiatives this year, including the 16th annual Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza, and National Child Awareness Month, both held in September. Together, Nékter Juice Bar and Festival of Children Foundation are making dreams come true for children.”