UNITED STATES, April 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- National award winning toy maker, Lolo Company, whose motto is "Live Life to the Funnest," today announced the results of its nationwide search for "America's Funnest Kid." The recipient is eleven-year old Oregon resident, Sarah Cunningham, who has a knack for lifting people's spirits and creating fun at home and within her community. "FUNtastic" finalists in the first-annual contest are Kenny Brown and Ryan Green, both of southern California.
Numerous nominations came in from kids throughout the United States. Those entering the first-annual contest wrote a paper in response to a variety of fun thought provoking questions and submitted it with a funny self-portrait photograph and a letter of recommendation from an adult. Finalists were required to submit a video.
"It warmed out hearts to receive entries from so many creative kids that really know how to brighten up the world," shares LoLo Company Marketing Director, Julie Stone.
Judges chose Cunningham for her playful leadership skills and innovative ability to create fun at home and in the community. They especially were impressed by her funny family newsletter project and an activity she created called the "Cleaning Game." One judge plans to try that game out! Cunningham brings her cheerful spirit to the local Humane Society where she has volunteered. She also participates in musicals and loves to write songs, sing at retirement homes, and smile, as was evident in her memorable video. According to Cunningham, known as the family clown, "Laughter is extremely important because it can brighten dark surroundings, add light to a gloomy situation, or break a silence." She says that "fun is the glue holding life together" and believes "funliness is next to cleanliness!"
The spunky seventh grader will reign as "America's Funnest Kid" and one of LoLo Company's ambassadors of fun throughout the year. In her role, she will help inspire kids across the United States to live with more lightheartedness and playfulness in order to bring more joy and laughter to their families and communities. Her fun advice and ideas will soon appear at www.lolofun.com. Cunningham will be recognized nationwide, especially at Santiam Junior High where she goes to school and throughout the community of Corvallis, Oregon. She will also appear on radio and television and then next year serve as a contest judge. Prizes included a monetary award and a load of games from LoLo Company, a gift certificate to KB Toys, and multiple award certificates. The two finalists will also be recognized at their schools and throughout their community.
Judging the 2004 contest were Sharon Bay, publisher/editor in chief for San Diego Family Magazine; Mary Ann King, former TV host of Romper Room; Craig Shoemaker, award winning IMPROV comedian and founder of the Laughter Heals Foundation; Shirlee Jackert, executive director of Camp Fire USA/Long Beach Council; Ellen Blaufarb, Mills Elementary school principal; David Evans, school psychologist for San Diego School District; John Reilly, director of sales and promotions for KB Toys Corporate; and Donya Webb, executive director of the Fairfield YMCA.
"This contest sends a critical message across the nation," notes Webb. "It's important for people, young and old alike, to create fun and laughter in their lives. We can learn so much from today's youth."
According to LoLo President, Charlie Paul, the company decided to begin the "America's Funnest Kid" annual award to promote lighthearted fun and laughter in the world and to spotlight kids who serve as important role models for everyone. LoLo also hopes the award reminds adults to be more child-like, inspires all teachers to develop fun classroom environments, creates a healthier and happier society, and helps everyone focus on the joy kids bring to the community.
Entry forms for the 2005 contest will be available starting early May 2004. Kids, ages six - 16, who are interested can download the rules and form from the LoLo Web site at www.lolofun.com. Entries will be accepted between August 15 and October 15, 2004. The 2005 "America's Funnest Kid" will be announced early December 2004.
LoLo is a community-minded toy company and maker of numerous award-winning games. These 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; and Strange But True, a "guess the headline" game. LoLo's newest fun game, Pool Pirates, will be out by summer.
For more information about the contest and LoLo, go to the company's web site at www.lolofun.com.