Jun 18, 2013

Monkeez Makes a Difference to Give Away Charity Event Kits for Independent Retailers During Summer Markets

Monkeez Makes a Difference, the educational, charitable program for children from MVP Brands, announces it will give away charity event kits to retailers in all Monkeez Makes a Difference showrooms during summer markets including Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas and New York. Event kits include ideas and materials to plan and host community‐building events to benefit three nationally renowned charities the program partners with, including how to set up a lemonade stand to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, collecting dog toys to benefit Best Friends Animal Society and local animal shelters, and hosting Operation Christmas Child shoe box packing parties to benefit Samaritan’s Purse. The event kits are free of charge and available on a first come, first served basis.

“Retailers are among the most generous and philanthropic business owners in communities across the country, and we support them in their efforts to make a difference and encourage others to give back,” says Chrysti Carol Propes, founder and director of Monkeez Makes a Difference. “As many independent retailers know, charity events bring the community together, empower others to give back and drive traffic to their stores – it’s a win‐win‐win for everyone.”

In addition, during summer markets all Monkeez Makes a Difference back‐to‐school merchandise will feature a 25 percent discount, including backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, pencil boxes and backpack clips. For retailers purchasing Monkeez Makes a Difference back‐to‐ school merchandise and other products, free freight is available on orders of $300 or more. Monkeez Makes a Difference products and complementary event kits are available in eight showrooms across the country including: 

 Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and Minneapolis: Diverse Marketing: AmericasMart Atlanta, Building 2, Suite 1401; Dallas World Trade Center, Suite 439 & 421; Chicago Merchandise Mart, Suite 1431; Minneapolis Mart, Suite B121
 Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Seattle: Toyology: Las Vegas World Market Center, Building C, Suite 874; LA Mart, Suite 446; and Seattle’s Pacific Market Center, Suite 111
 New York: Enchanted Moments: New York Gift Show at The Javits Center in New York

Thanks to the support of the program by independent retailers, children and families across the country, Monkeez Makes a Difference has donated a total of more than $82,000 to the organization’s three charity partners since it launched in October 2012. Donations are awarded to the three charity partners each quarter based on children across the country who select one of three charities to direct 10 percent of the wholesale cost of each product through the first‐of‐its‐ kind program that teaches the importance of philanthropy.

Monkeez Makes a Difference is an innovative and interactive program that teaches children the importance of helping others through kid‐friendly tools including the popular Genuine Monkeez and FriendsTM plush characters, online games and real‐life Do Good challenge trading cards all available to independent toy and gift retailers. A special donation of 10 percent of the wholesale price is made on the child’s behalf to one of the three charities of his or her choice.

The full line of more than 100 Monkeez Makes a Difference characters and Do Good cards are available for immediate shipping. For more information or to order, visit www.mvpbrands.com. About Monkeez Makes a Difference

Monkeez Makes a Difference is an MVP Brands company. The first‐of‐its‐kind educational, philanthropic program is designed to empower children to think of others and make a difference at home, in their school and community, and in the world. For more information or to order, visit www.mvpbrands.com. MVP Brands is the parent division of Colonial CandleTM premium home fragrance products and Everybody’s AyurvedaTM natural and Ayurvedic® products.