Thursday, July 31, 2008

'Let the Kids Grow Day,' a Back to School Program Created by Master P, Romeo, Jim Finkl, Gee Gee the Giraffe, and Heal the Hood Organization

'Let the Kids Grow Day,' a Back to School Program Created by Master P, Romeo, Jim Finkl, Gee Gee the Giraffe, and Heal the Hood Organization
Provides Free School Supplies and Resources to Inner-City Kids

MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwire - July 30, 2008) - Master P and Romeo are known for their ongoing commitment to giving back to communities through their education and sports programs: P.Miller Youth Centers and Basketball Camps, as well as Gee Gee the Giraffe cartoon, toys, and books. In collaboration with Jim Finkl and Heal the Hood Organization, Master P and Romeo have created the First Annual 'Let the Kids Grow Day,' which will kick off at Mud Island River Park in downtown Memphis, Tennessee on August 1, 2008. Similar events are planned for Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and California.

This positive, fun-filled, and free event, sponsored by P.Miller Clothing, Jim Finkl Enterprises, and Wal-Mart, will provide free school supplies for less fortunate kids. Master P and Romeo are once again happy to work with Wal-Mart since with the slumping economy and gas prices on the rise, they have worked hard to take the cost out of high fashion by bringing their affordable P.Miller clothing line to Wal-Mart.

This event will also serve as a platform to educate kids in saying 'no' to drugs, staying out of gangs, as well as teaching the importance of respect, education, reading, and music. There will be teachers, counselors, nurses, and doctors in attendance, teaching kids about health, nutrition, childhood obesity as well as the ever-growing importance of saving our planet through recycling and conserving energy.

One of the event's main goals is to prepare minority inner-city kids today for high school and college and start them on a path to better careers for tomorrow. This is something that Master P can relate to, stating "I'm grateful to change my life because it's important to catch up now than having to catch up later."

As an incentive to broaden and further their education, the organization encourages children ages 6-16 to submit an essay addressing the issue: "Why Education Is Important." Ten essay winners will be chosen to each receive a $500 shopping spree.

The event will also have live music entertainment as well as motivational speakers by positive role models in the community such as City Mayor Willie Herenton, County Mayor A.C. Wharton, and newly elected School Board Superintendent, Dr. Kriner Cash.

Accompanying Master P & Romeo will be Gee Gee the Magical Giraffe. Romeo created the character Gee Gee the Giraffe in order to connect with the youth, make learning fun, as well as provide a positive role model that they can relate to. Gee Gee the Giraffe is reminiscent of other children's characters such as Barney and Dora the Explorer.

"If you reach kids with a positive message and instill the importance of education when they're young, they'll have that mentality for the rest of their life," said Romeo. "Gee Gee is going to be a true role model and teach kids through music, books, song, dance, live action, and animation." For more information, visit geegeegiraffe.com

"We will be able to take care of 5,000 kids on our own for this event," continued Master P. "Hopefully with the help of corporate sponsors, we'll be able to do even more next year. This is only the beginning."

Volunteers and donors can make a difference by joining the Let the Kids Grow Foundation. With the support of our community we can truly make a difference in developing more positive young minds and starting them on a track for a better future.

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