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Latest ‘Chuggington’ DVD, ‘Brewster Leads The Way,’

February 13, 2014 By 4 Comments

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It’s Brewster’s turn to take the spotlight! Young viewers nationwide are in for thrilling, high-speed adventures featuring one of their favorite chuggers in “Brewster Leads The Way,” the newest addition to the popular “Chuggington™” DVD series from Anchor Bay Entertainment. Filled with six action-packed episodes featuring relatable storylines and positive messages for preschoolers, “Brewster Leads The Way” arrives at retail on February 11, 2014, just in time for Valentine’s Day! And, to give kids even more to love, the new release will be available in two different versions, including one with an Old Puffer Pete die-cast engine from TOMY™ – the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for “Chuggington” fans!

 

“Brewster Leads The Way” is an irresistible collection of episodes that seamlessly blend non-stop fun and valuable lessons for preschool audiences. Brewster, together with his best friends Wilson and Koko – plus new chuggineers Zack, Tyne and Fletch – helps gently guide viewers in learning to “ride the rails of life.”

 

Throughout this newest assortment of energetic adventures, Brewster takes the lead! In the title episode, Brewster must oversee the transporting of a heavy load with the assistance of the mighty Chuggers. But, when the Chuggers get called away or breakdown, it’s up to Brewster to move “full-steam ahead” and get the job done! And, in “Track Laying Brewster,” when a flash flood causes Rocky Ridge River to overflow, Brewster’s track-laying abilities are put to the test. He has to save Zack, Tyne and Fletch by helping them get their wheels above water – and fast!

 

Additional episodes on the new DVD include “Babysitter Brewster,” “Brewster Meets The Mayor,” “Poor Old Puffer Pete,” “Old Puffer Pete’s Firebox,” and bonus Badge Quest adventure, “Brewster’s Carwash.” The title also contains a Chugger Spotlight segment with a special character montage that centers on Brewster, along with an original Chug Patrol: Ready to Rescue music video, and coloring and activity pages, too!

We received this DVD to check out and it is such a fun DVD for pre-schoolers! It is lively, entertaining and educational! It’s a must-have for children ages 2-5. 
A colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV show from Ludorum that reinforces early social readiness skills, “Chuggington” airs daily on the 24-hour Disney Junior channel at 7:30am and 1:30pm with additional evening airings.  The series made its Season 4 debut on Disney Junior, Sunday, October 20, 2013 with the first-ever primetime “Chuggington” special, “Chug Patrol: Ready to Rescue.”

 

“Chuggington” has become a global sensation since its debut in September 2008 in the U.K. The show has been licensed to more than 175 territories worldwide and has established ratings records in several key international markets, including the U.K., Germany, France and Australia. The series made its stateside debut in January 2010.

  We have teamed up with Chuggington and Anchor Bay Entertainment for a Valentine’s Giveaway for your young child! Simply leave a comment below telling us who you would like to win this for or your favorite thing about Valentine’s Day! Deadline to enter is February 14th, 2014 at midnight so enter now! One winner will randomly be selected from all entries!
About “Chuggington™”

“Chuggington” is a contemporary, action-based, energetic and vibrant CGI series for children ages 2-5 years. The series follows the adventures of three young trainees – Wilson and his friends Brewster and Koko – as they ride the rails and take on exciting challenges that test their courage, speed and determination. Along the way, and with help and support from a strong community of engines and people, they learn positive values and new skills empowering them to become the best trainees they can be. Further information is available at www.chuggington.com.
About Anchor Bay Entertainment

Anchor Bay Entertainment is a leading home entertainment company.  Anchor Bay acquires and distributes feature films, original television programming, including STARZ Original series, children’s entertainment, anime (Manga Entertainment), fitness (Anchor Bay Fitness), sports, and other filmed entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray™ formats.  The company has long term distribution agreements in place for select programming with AMC Networks, RADiUS, and The Weinstein Company.  Headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, Anchor Bay Entertainment has offices in Troy, MI, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.  Anchor Bay Entertainment (www.anchorbayentertainment.com) is a Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) business, www.starz.com.

 Self Disclosure: I received a DVD to review/feature and to offer a giveaway!

Filed Under: Archived Content

Olay Regenerist Luminous for Vibrant, Healthy-Looking Skin!

February 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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Olay is usually my first choice in skin care products so I am quite excited about the New Regenerist Luminous line up! It includes the brightening cream cleanser, the dark circle correcting hydraswirl and the tone perfecting cream moisturizer. The New Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream Moisturizer fades the look of dark spots in app. 8 weeks. I love how it brightens, exfoliates and leaves my skin feeling smooth. Retails for $33.99 but prices may vary.  The New Olay Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Correcting HydraSwirl is my favorite in the line up! It quickly reduces the appearance of dark circles and under eye darkness. It leaves my under eye area soft and although I just started using it, I am very happy with it! It also retails for $33.99. (prices may vary).

Clients|Olay

If you are looking to instantly brighten your skin then the New Olay Regenerist Luminous Brightening Cream Cleanser is definitely  for you! I really love this cleanser! The best thing about it is that it is gentle on my skin and it really leaves my skin feeling soft and looking refreshed! This one is a Mom-must have! For more information about these products and so many more, check out the Olay website.

Self Disclosure: I received products for free to facilitate this Feature/Review but any opinions expressed are my own. Photo Credit: Olay.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Nexxus® Salon Hair Care Color Assure

February 12, 2014 By 1 Comment

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NEW Nexxus® Salon Hair Care Color Assure is their first oil-infused color care system that locks color vibrancy in, by keeping water out*. This line is a sulfate-free system, featuring White Orchid Extract, that works to seal and protect each hair strand helping to repel water* from entering the core. Formulated with a blend of clear oils, including almond, coconut and argan, the collection nurtures and helps keep color treated hair vibrant for 2X longer color protection.**

The New Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer is their first ever pre-treatment that works to shield hair in the shower which helps to repel water and lock-in color for luminous color definition and retention.

-Contains White Orchid Extract, which is known to provide moisture. -Contains Almond oil, which is known to lock in moisture, nourish hair and reduce breakage. -Contains Coconut oil, which is known to provide softness. -Contains Argan oil, which is known to improve hair’s shine and vibrancy. I tried this and loved how soft and smooth my hair felt! Retails for $17.99 for 3.3 fl. oz.

The New Nexxus Color Assure Vibrancy Retention Shampoo also contains White Orchid Extract, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil and Argan oil. I love how this smells and felt on my hair! $11.99 for 13.5 fl. oz.  The Nexxus Color Assure Vibrancy Retention Conditioner was one of my favorites! I only needed to use a small amount and it left my hair so soft and this one also helps preserve color vibrancy. $14.99 for 13.5 fl. oz.

I really love this whole line-up but my ultimate favorite is the New Nexxus Color Assure Glossing Tonic. I love how this did not feel heavy on my hair! Weightlessness oil-infused fine mist that dries quickly to bring out color’s luminosity and shine. This one really did make my hair shine! $17.99 for 3.1 fl oz.

All products are available at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide for a suggested retail price of $11.99-$17.99.

Self Disclosure: I received all products to facilitate this feature/review.

*As defined by humidity

** Based on Pre-wash Primer, Shampoo and Conditioner use over 8 weeks vs. non conditioning shampoo.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Second Season Of Disney Junior’s Hit Series “Sofia The First” Debuts Friday, March 7 On Disney Channel

February 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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Season two of Disney Junior’s hit animated series “Sofia the First,” 2013’s #1 TV series among Girls 2-5 and the #2 cable TV series overall among Kids 2-5, debuts FRIDAY, MARCH 7 (9:30 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel. A special episode featuring Snow White will premiere FRIDAY, APRIL 4 on Disney Channel (9:00 a.m. ET/PT) and Disney Junior (6:00 p.m. ET/PT). A preview of the episode will be available for verified users on WATCHDisneyJunior.com and the WATCH Disney Junior app for smartphones and tablets beginning Tuesday, March 25 and will become available on iTunes beginning Saturday, April 5.

 

The new season includes appearances by Disney Princesses Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen), Tiana (voiced by Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose) and Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore). The guest voice cast for season two includes Alyson Hannigan (“How I Met Your Mother”) as a young faun who always felt she wasn’t special enough; Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon A Time”) as the castle’s kitchen maid who aspires to be an inventor; Melissa Rauch (“The Big Bang Theory”) as Ruby’s fairy godmother; Anna Camp and John Michael Higgins (both of “Pitch Perfect”) as a charmingly sinister princess and a tall fire-breathing dragon; Isla Fisher (“The Great Gatsby”) and Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings”) as two adventurous young sprites; Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) as a well-connected fox who reigns over Enchancia’s woodland creatures; Robert Morse (“Mad Men”) as an elderly retired sorcerer; Christian Borle (“Smash”) as an ambitious, young castle steward out to take Baileywick’s job; Oliver Platt (“The West Wing”) as a sickly old dragon; Tracey Ullman (“The Tracey Ullman Show”) as a happily wicked witch; and Phylicia Rashad (“The Cosby Show”) as a cranky ice witch who eventually allows her heart to be melted by the power of music.

 

Created for kids 2-7 and their parents/caregivers, “Sofia the First” tells the story of an ordinary girl who becomes a princess and, throughout her journey, learns that possessing the characteristics of a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace – is what makes one truly royal. The series stars the voices of Ariel Winter as Sofia, Sara Ramirez as Queen Miranda, Wayne Brady as Clover, Tim Gunn as Baileywick, Darcy Rose Byrnes as Amber, Zach Callison and Tyler Merna as James, Travis Willingham as King Roland II, and Jess Harnell as Cedric. Recurring guest stars include Eric Stonestreet, Ellie Kemper, Viola Davis and Bonnie Hunt.

 

In the season two premiere episode, “Two Princesses and a Baby,” Amber asks royal sorcerer Cedric to cast a magic spell that will give her and twin James separate birthdays so that she can celebrate the day all by herself. After the spell accidentally turns James into a baby, Sofia helps Amber realize how special it is to have a twin, and then they work together to help Cedric reverse his spell. The episode features the songs “Sisters and Brothers” performed by Sofia and “Two By Two” performed by Amber.

 

Then, in “The Enchanted Feast,” Snow White appears to help Sofia learn the importance of trusting one’s instincts after she suspects that a visiting sorceress is not who she says she is. Snow White is voiced by Katie Von Till and Megan Mullally (“Will and Grace”) recurs in the episode as Miss Nettle, an evil fairy who disguises herself as a powerful sorceress to attempt to steal Sofia’s magical amulet.

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On Saturday, March 1, DisneyJunior.com/Sofia will launch the game “Sofia’s Royal Bubble Rescue.”

 

“Sofia the First” is executive-produced by Craig Gerber (“Pixie Hollow Games”) and Jamie Mitchell (“Special Agent Oso”), who also serve as story editor and director, respectively. John Kavanaugh (“Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo”) serves as songwriter/music director and Kevin Kliesch (“Tangled Ever After”) is the composer. “Sofia the First” is a production of Disney Television Animation.

The second Sofia the First “appisode” is now available on the Disney Junior Appisodes app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.  In “The Great Aunt-Venture,” Sofia reluctantly agrees to help her Aunt Tilly (voiced by Bonnie Hunt) bake a pie, but this is no dull day in the kitchen.  In search of the perfect apples, Sofia and Aunt Tilly end up on a journey full of unexpected obstacles that kids can help Sofia navigate.  The Disney Junior Appisodes app offers true interactive viewing for young fans to touch, tap, swipe, tilt, shake and talk their way through various fun-filled activities embedded into full episodes of some of their favorite Disney Junior shows.

 I had the opportunity to check this out on my iphone. The Disney Junior Appisodes app is a free to download in the app store but the  “Sofia the First”, “The Great Aunt Venture” 2nd appisode isn’t free.  It costs $4.99. We had the opportunity to download it for free and we also downloaded Sofia The First-The Big Sleepover for $4.99. “Sofia the First”, “The Great Aunt Venture” is so much fun especially for younger girls. They can try jumping shoes, use the locus pocus map, and even feed the Wombeast!  The Sofia The First-The Big Sleepover is a fun Royal sleepover with puppet shows, makeovers, puzzles and a whole lot of fun!

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Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s series blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. In the U.S., Disney Junior is a daily programming block on Disney Channel and a 24-hour channel.  There are 33 Disney Junior channels in 24 languages around the world.

Self Disclosure: I received  iTunes credit for free to facilitate this feature/review.

Filed Under: Archived Content, Media Reviews

Miss Piggy Calls On Vivienne Westwood To Design Key Wardrobe For The All-New Disney Film “Muppets Most Wanted”

February 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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At last! Miss Piggy is back on the big screen, starring in Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted,” which follows the Muppets on a grand, star-studded tour throughout Europe. The European setting screamed romance to Miss Piggy, who’s been trying to convince her favourite frog to tie the knot for years. But what will the divine diva don for the all-new film, which hits theatres in the US March 21, 2014? Vivienne Westwood was commissioned to create couture designs for the fashion icon, including a white dress that would be perfect for a wedding … if one should actually take place.

 

“Vivienne Westwood is fabulous—just like moi,” said Miss Piggy. “When I asked her to design this wedding dress for moi’s new movie “Muppets Most Wanted,” she was thrilled and I was thrilled. The only one a bit ‘iffy’ about it was the Frog.”

 

In the film, Miss Piggy wears a Vivienne Westwood couture Long Ivory Court wedding gown, with corset detailing and paillettes made from recycled plastic bottles, accessorised with an ivory tulle veil. Piggy also entrusted the designer with additional looks for the film, including a Vivienne Westwood couture Harris Tweed houndstooth check coat and matching beret worn in a scene set at Tower of London. Miss Piggy also chose a long silver hand-embroidered floral lace gown for a very special number in the film.

 

So the question on everyone’s lips remains: Will we see Miss Piggy marry her beloved Kermie in “Muppets Most Wanted,” and will she finally get to wear her dream Vivienne Westwood gown down the aisle?

 

“You’ll have to see the movie to find out,” insisted Miss Piggy.

Self Disclosure: Disney sponsored feature.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE!

February 10, 2014 By 1 Comment

After much anticipation, Feld Entertainment, Inc., the world’s leading producer of touring live family entertainment, revealed details about the most ambitious live show in its history, with new information about the epic storyline and tour dates for Marvel Universe LIVE! Featuring the most Marvel characters ever assembled in one production, this high-caliber arena spectacular will put fans right in the middle of one of the most electrifying battles between good and evil ever conceived. Produced by Feld Entertainment, this first-ever live Marvel tour makes its 85-city debut in July 2014 in Tampa, FL, followed by the world premiere at New York City’s Barclays Center on Wednesday, August 13.  Marvel Universe LIVE! will be flying in to SoCal to play the Honda Center in Anaheim from Friday, March 27, 2015 to Sunday, March 29, 2015 and Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario from Thursday, April 9, 2015 to Sunday, April 12, 2015; additional Los Angeles dates to be announced later.  Tickets for the Anaheim/Ontario shows of Marvel Universe LIVE! are on sale now – tickets start at just $45!

 

Marvel Universe LIVE! will captivate audiences with an authentic and original story that brings more than 25 Marvel characters together on one epic quest.  The story is framed around the battle over the Cosmic Cube, the source of ultimate power and one of the most feared and coveted treasures in the Marvel Universe, that has been shattered into pieces by the Mighty Thor in order to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. With the pieces scattered across the globe, Thor’s villainous brother Loki devises a scheme to clone its powers, inciting a threat that could not only decimate Earth but also obliterate the Universe.

 

To defeat Loki, Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes must band together, including The Avengers – Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and Thor along with Spider-Man and Wolverine, must trek across the globe to retrieve the Cosmic Cube fragments and unite them. As the Super Heroes track the Cube, they will encounter some of their biggest adversaries including Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Red Skull, Madame Hydra, Aldrich Killian, Electro and more, in the quest for the very same fragments. These foes have no problem teaming up if it gets them closer to their ultimate goal of world domination.

“Marvel Universe LIVE! will be the most remarkable live event that the world has ever seen with an absolutely epic story line and jaw dropping technological advances. Fans will feel like they’ve stepped into a Marvel blockbuster film come to life with nonstop movie style action and stunts,” said Feld Entertainment Executive Vice President and Marvel Universe LIVE! Producer Juliette Feld. “We are working hand in hand with Marvel to give fans a revolutionary live show experience that introduces an original story that is faithful to the Marvel canon and utterly captivating from beginning to end!”

 

“To see all the elements of this spectacular live show come together has been truly incredible,” said Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada. “The technology utilized in the show is not only going to blow your mind, it is going to take you to a whole new Marvel world like nothing fans have ever seen before. What Feld Entertainment has done is going to astonish and amaze fans.”

 

Marvel Universe LIVE! launches new innovations in set design, aerial stunts, pyrotechnics and state-of-the-art show elements that bring movie style special effects to the live entertainment arena.  Audiences will see the awe-inspiring world of Super Heroes come to life before their eyes with a dynamic cast comprised of some of the industry’s most talented stunt performers. Utilizing their talents and aided by a unique combination of never before seen arena mechanics some of Marvel’s mightiest will come to life with profound results. These true-to-comic creations will be supported by innovative lighting design and transformative 3D projection that will take the audience on a journey around the globe with these timeless characters. To support this massive undertaking, Marvel Universe LIVE! will not only utilize the entire arena floor, but also perform within a multilevel aerial space creating a unique experience that puts audiences right in the middle of the action in ways they could only dream about prior.

 

“This is the most ambitious undertaking in the more than 40 year history of Feld Entertainment. It’s the kind of show you always strive to produce but with so many advances in technology only now can you truly deliver it to fans,” said Feld Entertainment Chairman and CEO and Marvel Universe LIVE! Producer Kenneth Feld. “We know this is going to be game-changing for the live entertainment industry as a whole and are making a tremendous investment to surpass the audience’s expectations at every performance. We are elated to feature Marvel Universe LIVE! as part of our portfolio of memorable live touring productions.”

 

Anaheim: Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or HondaCenter.com, charge by phone at

800-745-3000 or in-person at the Honda Center Box Office.

Ontario:  Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office.     

 

For a complete list of tour dates, visit the Marvel Universe LIVE!  website (http://www.marveluniverselive.com) and stay current on the latest developments through social media, including:

 

 

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Exciting promotions TGI Fridays will be offering this Valentine’s Day!

February 10, 2014 By Leave a Comment
 After almost 50 years in the bar and grill business, TGI Fridays knows relationships. Since opening its doors in 1965, FridaysTM has seen more dates, connections, break-ups and make-ups than any other bar in America. With such a long history, it’s fitting that Fridays would have the best insight into who is having more fun this Valentine’s Day.
 
Fridays was one of the first places to use popular promotions such as “Ladies’ Night,” and made Happy Hours legendary. Fridays’ handcrafted cocktails made by the world’s best bartenders are shaken or stirred into every holiday, and Valentine’s Day is no exception.
According to a national consumer poll conducted by Penn Schoen Berland in January 2014 on behalf of TGI Fridays, meeting people at a bar or restaurant is still a great way to connect. Nearly one in 10 singles said the last person they went on a date with was someone they met at a bar or restaurant, and one out of every five singles between the ages of 25-34 also said that’s where they met their last date. And this year, single gals are well-positioned to potentially meet Mr. Right on Valentine’s Day. While 10% of single women are planning to go out with friends, 27% of single men are heading out with the guys – that’s almost three guys for every gal!
Singles will be sharing the scene with couples this Valentine’s Day:  57% of men in relationships would rather go on a date instead of watching sports, playing video games or working out, and 71% of woman in relationships rate a date with their significant other higher than chick flicks, girls’ night out and the gym.
 
Most importantly, more than one third of both men and women, singles and couples, say that Friday is their favorite day of the week to go out. To celebrate that Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, whether you want to thank your “Wingman” for introducing you to your love, go out for cocktails with the girls, share a drink with your Valentine, or just share your opinion, Fridays has something for everyone:
#ThanksWingman
Fridays has witnessed enough pick-ups and connections to know that the most important person in the equation is the “Wingman.” Since the survey results tell us to expect three single men for every one single woman out on Valentine’s Day, there’s going to be a lot of Wingmen to thank. Fridays is planning to give thanks to the valued Wingman by inviting guests to buy him or her – what else?  Wings – via Twitter. To participate, guests must follow @TGIFridays and tweet using the hashtag #thankswingman for a chance to gift wings for their wingman.  The first 500 guys (or gals) to tweet using the #thankswingman will receive a complimentary $15 e-gift card within 24 hours to TGI Fridays to use toward an order of wings. The program will run from Feb. 10-Feb. 14, or until 500 Wingmen have been rewarded. 
Join the Great Debate
Regardless of their relationship status, Fridays is encouraging guys and gals to join the debate this Valentine’s Day.  People – single or taken – can cast their vote at TGIFridays.com/CouplesvsSingles to help decide who’s having more fun: #TGImTaken or #TGImSingle.
COSMO NOIR Signature Drink and Drink Specials
Nothing says “I love you” like the perfect cocktail, or the perfect deal. This Valentine’s Day, Fridays is offering its signature Cosmo Noir, a Valentine’s Day-inspired drink featuring SVEDKA Raspberry Vodka, lemon juice and Monin Vanilla Pure Extract, topped with a layer of Cupcake Vineyard Pinot Noir.  This drink does not discriminate and is available for singles and couples alike.  Fridays knows that sometimes you drink to share, and sometimes you’re looking to share, so enjoy selections from our newly expanded wine list, including half-priced bottles of wine from Feb. 13-16 (excludes champagne, Prosecco and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio) at participating locations.
“Fridays’ history confirms that Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day of romance for couples or a day of lamenting for singles. All of our guests are invited to come in and hang out, and enjoy the craveable food and handcrafted drinks we’re famous for,” said Brian Gies, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer.  “Our Valentine’s Day drink specials, and gratitude for the Wingman, are just a few ways that make Fridays a great spot for nurturing existing connections, and making new ones.” 
 
 
 
For more news and updates from TGI Fridays, you can follow the brand on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridays), Twitter @TGIFridays and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/tgifridays).
About TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays restaurants have a mission: To help people go out better.  Because a better time with friends leads to a better life.
 
As the original casual dining bar and grill, TGI Fridays offers authentic American food and legendary drinks.  To bring our menu to neighborhoods all over the world, TGI Fridays proudly serves guests with over 900 restaurants in more than 60 countries.  Making every day feel like a Friday wouldn’t be possible without creating a place where friends feel free to hang out. That’s why TGI Fridays takes pride in its nearly 8,000 skilled and knowledgeable bartenders, all of whom for the past twenty years have competed annually for the title of the “World’s Greatest TGI Fridays Bartender.”
 
The Fridays guest recognition program, Give Me More Stripes®, gives our closest friends exclusive insider rewards, events, and sneak peeks.
 
TGI Fridays believes in having a good time, but also in the importance of drinking responsibly.  Additionally, its Responsible Business Program is focused on positively impacting the communities and neighborhoods it serves.  For more information, visit www.fridays.com.
Self Disclosure: TGI Fridays sponsored.
Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

AmeriPark Holiday Valet Program Raises More Than $47,000 for At-Risk Youth

February 10, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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 Shoppers at Del Amo Town Center, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Fashion Valley Mall, Ontario Mills and other Simon malls across the country who chose to valet park their vehicles this holiday season helped put the charitable efforts of AmeriPark, a full-service parking company, in overdrive.

For the fourth consecutive year, AmeriPark teamed with mall owner Simon Property Group and mall retailers to promote the service and send a healthy portion of the proceeds to Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk students graduate from high school.  Ameripark boosted participation in the program by offering its customers coupons for complimentary valet parking on a subsequent mall visit and complimentary meal offerings from mall retailers.

“The entire AmeriPark team has embraced this program as an annual tradition that really benefits everyone from mall shoppers to students,” said Chip Patterson, AmeriPark CEO. “Our customers receive promotional perks, and we get to help create opportunities for kids who need to know that someone cares about them.”

SYF works nationally to develop Simon Youth Academies – alternative high schools for students who are at risk of dropping out. The academies, which maintain a cumulative 90% graduation rate, operate in partnership with local public school districts, and many of them are located in Simon malls.   In addition, SYF also offers scholarships to college-bound students in every community that is home to a Simon property.

“For the fourth year in a row, this innovative program has raised funds that will help hundreds of students, and we are truly grateful to AmeriPark for their support of our mission,” said Simon Youth Foundation President and CEO Michael Durnil. “Through collaboration with strong community partners like Chip Patterson and his team at AmeriPark we can help kids who are at-risk of dropping become kids who are at-promise for bright futures.”

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About AmeriPark
AmeriPark is a boutique provider of parking management services for a multitude of venues including: entertainment and retail complexes, hotels, hospitals, medical centers, residential buildings, office buildings, airports, restaurants and various special events. AmeriPark offers our clients a national operating capability that provides a single point of contact and portfolio based accounting and financial reporting. For more information, go to http://www.ameripark.com.

About Simon Youth Foundation
Simon Youth Foundation (www.syf.org), established in 1998, exists to foster and improve educational opportunities, career development, and life skills that transform the lives of at-risk youth through focused programs and initiatives with public school and post-secondary education partners.

About Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and a global leader in the retail real estate industry.  The Company currently owns or has an interest in more than 325 retail real estate properties in North America, Asia and Europe comprising approximately 243 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website atwww.simon.com.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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