LOS ANGELES, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Kenn Viselman, mega-children's entertainment producer and the man widely recognized for the success of Teletubbies, Eloise, and Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends and producer of the upcoming feature film "Oogieloves In The BIG Balloon Adventure," in conjunction with Love Our Children USA, is launching the "Little Hearts, BIG Change" initiative to teach children how they can raise funds for Haitian earthquake relief, it was announced today. Funds will be able to be donated through the Love Our Children USA and "Little Hearts, BIG Change" websites and will be distributed in Haiti through The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. One hundred percent of all proceeds from this initiative will go directly to Haiti.
The initiative will take part in three phases beginning with the creation of two PSAs starring Viselman's latest children's characters The Oogieloves. The first two PSAs are designed to encourage children to come together in creative ways to help raise money to be distributed in Haiti. The PSAs will film in Los Angeles in the next week and are expected to begin airing on television and on the internet at the beginning of February. This is the second partnership between Viselman and Love Our Children USA. The Oogieloves filmed a STOMP Out Bullying PSA for the charity in 2009.
In the second phase, "Little Hearts, BIG Change" will be launching an initiative in up to 30,000 preschools and day care centers across the country. As part of this initiative, they will be distributing posters and educational materials that will include a letter to parents and teachers that will outline a variety of ways that students can make a difference and help children around the world. The materials will also include an example of a contract between a parent and child, which will help keep the family on target with specific fundraising goals.
Viselman and Oogieloves screenwriter Scott Stabile have co-written a song along with composer Joseph Alfuso, named after the initiative, and are currently reaching out to other well known children's brands to perform the song along with the Oogieloves. The music video, which will be available to download, will also launch in February, with all proceeds from the sale going towards the relief effort.
"I was devastated when I heard about the earthquake in Haiti," stated Viselman. "I believe that it is very important to teach children to be philanthropic from a very young age and we believe the best way to do this is to use the magical power of entertainment to appeal to kids. Children can help make a difference through bake sales, lemonade stands, car washes and even household treasure hunts. While all the coverage about this tragedy can make children feel helpless, this type of initiative allows children to do something constructive that empowers and enriches them. We are working with suppliers to donate their goods and services so every penny that is raised can go directly to Haiti."
"Our hearts break as we see the devastation in Haiti. It is horrible seeing adults suffering from the physical harm and loss, but when you see the children, it's gut-wrenching. While it's important to teach children how to cope with the disaster, it is equally important for them to help the children and families of Haiti. Once again, we are thrilled to work with Kenn Viselman, and proud to partner with the "Little Hearts, BIG Change" initiative," said Ross Ellis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Love Our Children USA.
About Kenn Viselman presents...
Kenn Viselman presents...™ is a Global Entertainment Company committed to creating family television, feature films, consumer products and online entertainment, which are engaging, entertaining and enlightening for the entire family and focus on themes of love and the wonderfilled world in which we live.
About Love Our Children USA
Since 1999, Love Our Children USA has paved the way in prevention as the national nonprofit leader that works to break the cycle of violence against children. It has become the 'go-to' prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S. Working to eliminate behaviors that keep children from reaching their potential, it redefines parenting and creates kid success by promoting prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes, bullying and cyberbullying, Internet safety and school violence through public education. Empowering and supporting children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy, and online youth mentoring. Its message is positive ... one of prevention, empowerment and hope ... keeping children safe and strengthening families.
SOURCE Kenn Viselman presents...
Advertisement
The initiative will take part in three phases beginning with the creation of two PSAs starring Viselman's latest children's characters The Oogieloves. The first two PSAs are designed to encourage children to come together in creative ways to help raise money to be distributed in Haiti. The PSAs will film in Los Angeles in the next week and are expected to begin airing on television and on the internet at the beginning of February. This is the second partnership between Viselman and Love Our Children USA. The Oogieloves filmed a STOMP Out Bullying PSA for the charity in 2009.
Advertisement
In the second phase, "Little Hearts, BIG Change" will be launching an initiative in up to 30,000 preschools and day care centers across the country. As part of this initiative, they will be distributing posters and educational materials that will include a letter to parents and teachers that will outline a variety of ways that students can make a difference and help children around the world. The materials will also include an example of a contract between a parent and child, which will help keep the family on target with specific fundraising goals.
Viselman and Oogieloves screenwriter Scott Stabile have co-written a song along with composer Joseph Alfuso, named after the initiative, and are currently reaching out to other well known children's brands to perform the song along with the Oogieloves. The music video, which will be available to download, will also launch in February, with all proceeds from the sale going towards the relief effort.
"I was devastated when I heard about the earthquake in Haiti," stated Viselman. "I believe that it is very important to teach children to be philanthropic from a very young age and we believe the best way to do this is to use the magical power of entertainment to appeal to kids. Children can help make a difference through bake sales, lemonade stands, car washes and even household treasure hunts. While all the coverage about this tragedy can make children feel helpless, this type of initiative allows children to do something constructive that empowers and enriches them. We are working with suppliers to donate their goods and services so every penny that is raised can go directly to Haiti."
"Our hearts break as we see the devastation in Haiti. It is horrible seeing adults suffering from the physical harm and loss, but when you see the children, it's gut-wrenching. While it's important to teach children how to cope with the disaster, it is equally important for them to help the children and families of Haiti. Once again, we are thrilled to work with Kenn Viselman, and proud to partner with the "Little Hearts, BIG Change" initiative," said Ross Ellis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Love Our Children USA.
About Kenn Viselman presents...
Kenn Viselman presents...™ is a Global Entertainment Company committed to creating family television, feature films, consumer products and online entertainment, which are engaging, entertaining and enlightening for the entire family and focus on themes of love and the wonderfilled world in which we live.
About Love Our Children USA
Since 1999, Love Our Children USA has paved the way in prevention as the national nonprofit leader that works to break the cycle of violence against children. It has become the 'go-to' prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S. Working to eliminate behaviors that keep children from reaching their potential, it redefines parenting and creates kid success by promoting prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes, bullying and cyberbullying, Internet safety and school violence through public education. Empowering and supporting children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy, and online youth mentoring. Its message is positive ... one of prevention, empowerment and hope ... keeping children safe and strengthening families.
SOURCE Kenn Viselman presents...
