Camp-Inspired SeriousFun Messtival Splatters SeriousFun Across the Globe
SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman, launches its first-ever messy day of play to raise funds for camps benefitting kids with serious illness
New York, NY: This June, SeriousFun Children’s Network (SeriousFun) is making a colorful splash across the world. The global network of camps, founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, announces the launch of their first-ever messy, camp-inspired celebration, SeriousFun Messtival, benefitting and showing support for children with serious illnesses.
On Saturday, June 25, 2016, SeriousFun and its partners Newman’s Own, Inc.; Niagara Water; Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS); Kindermusik; The Little Gym and Metro New York, along with additional supporters, invite families and millennials to give kids with serious illness the fun they deserve by experiencing their own seriously fun, messy camp day. The inaugural Messtival event, taking place in New York’s iconic Prospect Park in Brooklyn, will feature epic camp-inspired activities like a human tie-dye machine, paint archery, and SeriousFun Run. Playing up the messy theme, the organization is encouraging people everywhere to participate in the #SeriousFunMesstival photo and video challenge via social media.
“We are incredibly excited to announce the launch of our seriously fun new campaign. SeriousFun Messtival is our opportunity to share the magical spirit of SeriousFun camps with families and young people, and help children living with serious illness experience the fun they so deserve – even if the fun gets messy,” said Mary Beth Powers, CEO of SeriousFun Children’s Network.
Inaugural SeriousFun Messtival includes:
SeriousFun Run with a Niagara Water Finish Line
Runners and walkers will sprint through vibrantly colored obstacles on the mile-long SeriousFun Run through Prospect Park.
Racers will clean up and cool down at the finish line with hydrating Niagara Water.
Make Your Own at the Newman’s Own Mess Hall
Also founded by Paul Newman, Newman’s shares a rich heritage with SeriousFun…and will share in the mess!
Thirsty and hungry attendees will blend Newman’s products together into camp-favorite snacks like:
Bug Juice with Old Fashioned Roadside Virgin Lemonade, Gorilla Grape, and Orange Mango Tango Juices;
Trail Mix with Butter Boom Microwave Popcorn and Salted Pretzel Sticks;
S’mores Bites with melted Organic Milk Chocolate Bars, Original Newman-O’s cookies, and of course, sticky, gooey marshmallows.
Folks can also get dunked at the Newman’s Own Barbecue Sauce Dunk Tank, where participants will have three chances to dunk their friend or parent in a giant Newman’s Own Barbecue Sauce bottle. Soaked participants will take home a complimentary bottle of Newman’s Own Barbecue Sauce.
Main Stage Dance Party
It features boogie-booming tracks from the brand-new SeriousFun album created by the leading childhood music and movement program, Kindermusik. The soundtrack will be available for purchase in June 2016 on www.kindermusik.com.Kindermusik will donate 100% of the proceeds to SeriousFun.
Epic Camp Activities Featuring Hasbro Toys and Games
Our longtime supporter, Hasbro, joins the mess with its NERF SUPER SOAKER, NERF REBELLE, PIE FACE, and PLAY-DOH brands.
Get soaked from water shot by NERF SUPER SOAKER blasters at the SeriousFun Run;
Aim with NERF REBELLE at the paint archery station;
Make a mess while taking part in some sweet competition at the PIE FACE tournament, where attendees get surprised with splats of whipped cream in their faces;
Get artsy with PLAY-DOH crafts inspired by camp.
To attend the SnapChat-worthy SeriousFun Messtival and dash through the SeriousFun Run, participants can donate to SeriousFun -- $35 for adults and $15 for kids -- at SeriousFunMesstival.com, where a full list of registration options and pricing is available.
Celebrate SeriousFun Messtival at Home
#SeriousFunMesstival Messy Photo & Video Challenge: Fans of campy, messy fun will share their messy photos and videos on social media with #SeriousFunMesstival, challenging friends to share their photos and donate to SeriousFun, and tagging @SeriousFunCamps on Twitter and Facebook, and @SeriousFun_Camps on Instagram.
Supporting SeriousFun
All proceeds from SeriousFun Messtival support SeriousFun’s global network of camps, creating opportunities for families and children to reach beyond illness and discover joy, confidence, and a new world of possibilities – always free of charge.
The 30 camps and programs in SeriousFun Children’s Network, always offered at no cost to children and their families, are made possible through the support of generous and caring donors and volunteers. Facilities and programming at SeriousFun camps are skillfully adapted to fit the medical conditions of campers, ensuring that all campers can participate in activities, such as soaring down a zipline, exploring ropes courses, and cultivating creativity with arts and crafts.
About SeriousFun Children’s Network
SeriousFun Children's Network is a growing global community of 30 camps and programs serving children with serious illnesses and their families, always free of charge. Founded by Paul Newman in 1988 with the first camp, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, SeriousFun has served more than 732,000 children and families from more than 50 countries. Each member camp is an independent, not-for-profit organization dependent upon private funding to serve all children at no cost to their families. A Support Center raises funds and provides central standards and services for all SeriousFun camps and programs. To learn more about SeriousFun, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.org.
About Newman’s Own
Newman’s Own, Inc., founded by Paul Newman in 1982, offers great-tasting, high-quality food and beverage products, including salad dressings, pasta sauces, frozen pizza, salsa, frozen skillet meals, refrigerated lemonades, cookies, snacks, and pet food. Newman’s Own Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all royalties and profits that it receives from the sale of its food products for charitable purposes. Over $460 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982. For more information, visit newmansown.com and newmansownfoundation.org
About Niagara
Niagara Bottling, LLC has been family-owned and operated since 1963. Niagara is headquartered in Ontario, CA, with bottling plants located across the country. As the leading manufacturer of private-label bottled water in the country, Niagara works closely with the largest retailers, grocers, clubs, and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages, including water, tea, sports drinks, vitamin waters, and sparkling beverages. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences, by leveraging its beloved brands, including LITTLEST PET SHOP, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS, and premier partner brands. From toys and games, television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming, and consumer product licensing, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection with children and families around the world. The Company's Hasbro Studios and its film label, ALLSPARK PICTURES, create entertainment brand-driven storytelling across mediums, including television, film, digital, and more. Through the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).
About Kindermusik® International
Kindermusik International Inc. is the world’s leading provider of music and movement programs for young children, enjoyed by millions of families in 73 countries since 1978. Kindermusik provides educators, children, and families resources to help build a strong foundation for a lifetime love of learning. Kindermusik offers a full spectrum of developmentally appropriate classes for children ages newborn to seven, featuring engaging music and movement activities that promote school readiness and stimulate development in every area of the young brain. For additional information, visit Kindermusik International at www.kindermusik.com.
About The Little Gym
The Little Gym is the premier developer of physical skills for children worldwide. The very first location was established in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., was formed in 1992 to Franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, Little Gym International has more than 300 locations in 28 countries. For more information, visit The Little Gym at www.TheLittleGym.com.