Jun 4, 2012

MVP Group International, Inc. Introduces Monkeez Makes a Difference, an Innovative Experience That Actively Engages Children in Helping Others

MVP Group International, Inc. is going bananas over its new educational, charitable initiative, Monkeez Makes a Difference. The Charleston‐based corporation, parent company of Colonial Candle®, Midwest‐CBKTM and Everybody’s AyurvedaTM, is excited to introduce a first‐ of‐its‐kind innovative, interactive experience that teaches children the importance of helping others.

Featuring kid‐friendly tools like the best‐selling Genuine Monkeez and FriendsTM plush characters, online games, real‐life Do Good challenges and a special donation on a child’s behalf to one of three nationally renowned charities of his or her choice, Monkeez Makes a Difference gives children the opportunity to learn and practice giving back while having fun. It also provides an innovative solution to independent retailers, parents, grandparents and others who are hungry for tools to help them discuss and demonstrate what it means to think of others in today’s world. The new Monkeez Makes a Difference program will debut during 2012 summer markets in Midwest‐CBK showrooms across the country, with the website www.MonkeezandFriends.com and online games scheduled to go live on July 15, 2012. 

The fun and education starts with the purchase of a whimsical, colorful Genuine Monkeez and Friends plush character featuring a special Monkeez Makes a Difference tag. There are more than 90 plush designs in multiple sizes to choose from in the program, including characters such as monkeys, owls, bears, lions, dogs, cats, pigs, cows, octopuses, panda bears, kangaroos, turtles, koalas, alligators, hedgehogs, elephants, hippos, zebras, frogs, bunnies and raccoons. New pint‐sized pals are also part of the program, featuring smaller sizes, soft fabric and retail prices starting at just $8. Each specially marked character comes with a unique online game activation code on the tag.

With an adult’s help, children follow the instructions on the tag and visit www.MonkeezAndFriends.com. There, they can enter the code and watch videos about each charity that partners with Monkeez Makes a Difference, including:
 Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: A nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer.
 Samaritan’s Purse: Providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.
 Best Friends Animal Society: A national animal welfare organization dedicated to bringing about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®.

Children can select which charity they would like to contribute to, and Monkeez Makes a Difference donates 10 percent of the wholesale cost on their behalf. By selecting the charity of their choice, children unlock the door to an interactive and educational online world. Children can revisit www.MonkeezAndFriends.com as many times as they’d like to play educational games and learn more about what they can do to help others.

Monkeez Makes a Difference also extends the experience to the local level, helping children to make a difference at home, at school and in their communities every day with Do Good Cards. Available in 15 different packs, each Do Good Card set contains challenges that consist of simple, but meaningful, tasks, such as, “Today at lunch, look around. Invite a child that is sitting alone to sit with you.” When children have completed each challenge and talked about the experience with their parents,  they receive the trading card, which can be redeemed at www.MonkeezAndFriends.com to receive incentives to continue making a difference.

Monkeez Makes a Difference was developed by Chrysti Carol Propes, director of Monkeez Makes a Difference, and supported by the Propes family, owners of MVP Group International, Inc. As a mother of two boys, former teacher, children’s book author and writer for educational apps, Chrysti Carol based the program on research that indicates it’s never too early to teach children to think of others and that children should be empowered to explore causes and reach their own decisions about what to support. She knew the Genuine Monkeez and Friends characters, beloved by her young sons, would be the perfect vehicle to turn the core value of philanthropy into a fun and meaningful educational program.

“There are so many children, families and animals in need not only around the world, but in our own communities,” Chrysti Carol says. “Parents are looking for ways to teach the values of thinking of others and believing every person can make a difference, and Monkeez Makes a Difference fulfills that need in a unique and interactive way. On behalf of the entire Propes family, we believe that even though they may be small, kids can make a big difference and by creating opportunities like Monkeez Makes a Difference, we can instill philanthropic values to last a lifetime.”

The Monkeez Makes a Difference program will be on display in Midwest‐CBK’s Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas showrooms during summer 2012 markets. The new program will also be available at the Chicago Temporaries, CGTA Toronto Show, ASTRA and ABC Kids shows. The products’ suggested retail prices range from $2.99 to $100. For more information about viewing and purchasing the new Monkeez Makes a Difference collection, please contact your local Midwest‐CBK account manager, visit www.mwcbk.com or call 800‐394‐4225.

About MVP Group International
Monkeez Makes a Difference was created by Charleston‐based MVP Group International, Inc., one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of premium home fragrances, candles, holiday and gift products. MVP Group International is the parent company of Midwest‐CBK holiday and seasonal gifts and décor, Colonial Candle premium home fragrance products and Everybody’s Ayurveda natural and Ayurvedic products.

About Midwest‐CBK
Midwest‐CBK, a national design leader in holiday, gifts for home, garden and giving, is proud to bring independent retailers more Design, Style and Sparkle than ever before, through exclusive designs and best‐selling formats. New introductions feature excellent  prices and terms designed to boost your margins; an experienced, dedicated sales team to assist you at the store level; award‐winning display ideas; a drop ship program to provide incremental décor sales; and a website providing 24/7 access to account history and online ordering. Please call 800‐394‐4225, visit www.mwcbk.com or contact your local Midwest‐ CBK account manager for more information, to request a catalog or to locate a showroom near you.