FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Media Contact
Brynja Seagren, CEO
3rd ANNUAL KINDNESS-THEMED CARNIVAL PROMOTES ANTI-BULLYING TO THOUSANDS OF LA YOUTH AHEAD OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IN MAY
2024 Kindness is Free Carnival offers a bully-free zone with free rides, games, and kindness activities for 2,000+ youth from 15 school districts and 10 Boys & Girls Clubs
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. (April 25, 2024) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica will join a collective of Los Angeles-based Boys & Girls Clubs and school districts to bring 2,000 kids and teens to the 3rd annual Kindness is Free Carnival. At the carnival, young people will enjoy free rides, games, food, and learn about spreading messages of kindness and compassion.
This year marks the largest carnival to date and declares itself a bully-free zone. This event is designed to combat bullying and promote inclusivity—as we prepare for National Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Research shows that 1 in 5 high school students report bullying, putting them at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and lower academic achievement, and the kindness-themed carnival aims to educate and empower youth about the effect bullying has on one’s mental health.
“We are honored to join our fellow Los Angeles-based Boys & Girls Clubs to encourage kindness and promote positivity for the kids we serve,” said Brynja Seagren, CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica. “Every day at the Club, our staff teach youth how powerful kindness and respect are. This carnival will build on those lessons and give them an opportunity to have some fun!”
Lisa Foxx of iHeartMedia will emcee the opening ceremony and broadcast live throughout the day. In addition to a kick-off ceremony that addresses the importance of empathy and compassion among peers, the event offers free food from In-N-Out, Hot Dog on a Stick, Windsor Hills Pizza and Dipping Dots, carnival rides, motivational activities, and live music performances by award-winning pop artist Alexander James Rodriguez and San Gabriel Valley-based Rooted Band to ensure a fun yet inspiring experience for all who attend. Boys & Girls Clubs also recognizes Niagara Water for donating to the Kindness is Free Carnival.
Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside is generously hosting the event and many local Boys & Girls Clubs will be in attendance.
The school districts represented are Alhambra Unified School District, Compton Unified School District, Culver City Unified School District, El Rancho Unified School District, Garvey School District, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Hueneme Elementary School District, Long Beach School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Montebello Unified School District, Ocean View School District, Oxnard Union High School District, Rio School District, and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Ventura Unified School District. Confirmed school communities include: Cedarlane Academy, Sparks Elementary, and Monterey Vista Elementary.
Also in attendance will be youth from the Salesian Family Youth Center and Harold J Robinson Foundation.
For more information on the Kindness is Free program powered by Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside and how to get involved, please visit https://www.kindnessisfree.org/. Follow the Kindness Is Free program on Instagram and Facebook.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
For 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica has been a community-based organization where kids find a safe space during the critical time spent outside of school to become inspired, build relationships, and learn how big a role they play in their community and their future. Our aspirations for young people focus on workforce readiness, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership.