SAN DIEGO, Nov. 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- National award-winning toy maker, Lolo Company, whose motto is "Live Life to the 'Funnest'!" has launched a nationwide search for America's `Funnest' Kid. The annual award will recognize kids who create fun in their household and within their community.
"LoLo decided to begin this unique annual award to promote lighthearted fun and laughter in the world and to spotlight kids who serve as important role models for all of us," shares LoLo president, Charlie Paul. "The award also gives parents and families another avenue to focus on the joy kids bring to the community," he adds.
Kids ages six to 16, who reside in the United States, are encouraged to enter by the December 31, 2003 deadline. Contest information and an entry form can be downloaded at www.lolofun.com.
Those who enter are required to fill out an entry form and write the answers to five questions. They also must submit a 3x5 funny photo (hard copy) of themselves and letter of recommendation from an adult who knows their fun side. Entries are to be mailed to: LoLo Company, 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd., Ste. 123, PMB No. 410, San Diego, CA 92121.
Questions include:
1. What kinds of things have you done around your house to create fun for everyone?
2. What is one of the most meaningful things you've done to bring fun to those outside your home (in your community) and what were the positive results?
3. Why are fun and laughter important?
4. What is the best advice you can give someone else about creating fun and laughter?
5. How have you used fun/lightheartedness to turn a negative situation into a positive one?
Twenty finalists will be selected and one overall winner will be announced on January 26, 2004. America's Funnest Kid Award recipient will receive national and hometown recognition, as well as a monetary award for a toy store shopping spree, a load of LoLo games, an award plaque, and a possible spotlight on a TV talk show. The top 20 finalists will receive one age-appropriate LoLo game and award certificate. All kids who enter and meet contest qualifications will be recognized on LoLo's Web site and provided a 10% discount coupon to buy a game off the company's Web site.
Judges -- comprised of television celebrities, educators, youth organization leaders, journalists, and LoLo game inventors -- will evaluate the submissions.
LoLo inventor of the award-winning Bucket Blast game, Julie Stone, is especially excited about this award. "Sometimes the kids who generate the most fun in the household and at school are overlooked. This is one way we all can show that kids contribute to the joy on our planet," she shares.
LoLo also hopes the award reminds adults to be more child-like, inspires teachers to create fun classroom environments, creates a healthier and happier society, and inspires everyone to take a `silly stop' daily.
"We will feature some of the kids' answers on LoLo's Web site to educate and inspire kids to use humor to respond to peer-to-peer and peer-to-parent criticism," shares Bob Paul, LoLo vice president and a school teacher in southern California.
LoLo Company is the maker of numerous award-winning games, which include the 15-games-in-one, Bucket Blast; the hysterical improvisational game, Don't Make Me Laugh, in children and adult versions; Bandito, a dice bluffing game; RohSzamBo, a game that teaches earthlings different ways to think; Strange But True, a "guess the headline" game, and others. This spring LoLo will release Pool Pirates, which received rave reviews at the New York toy fair last month.
For more information about the contest and LoLo, go to the company's Web site at www.lolofun.com.
NOTE TO MEDIA: Contest rules and entry forms available to you upon request (or are downloadable at www.lolofun.com).