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The Little Gym® and SeriousFun Children's Network Founded by Paul Newman Team Up on Philanthropic Initiative

By: The Little Gym |  0 Shares     106 Reads

Partnership Launches The Little Gym Big Hearts Program Supporting Charities That Benefit Children

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - (Marketwired - Mar 18, 2015) - The Little Gym International and SeriousFun Children's Network are teaming up for a new initiative that will help send children facing serious illnesses to camp and provide opportunities for The Little Gym franchisees and employees to share their passion for helping others.

"The Little Gym Big Hearts" is the company's new signature, corporate campaign dedicated to helping children and families around the world. Its first partnership will be a global collaboration with SeriousFun Children's Network, founded by Paul Newman, which will support SeriousFun's growing community of camps and programs serving children with serious illnesses and their families.

The Little Gym, the world's premier experiential learning and child physical development center for kids, and SeriousFun Children's Network share more than just "Serious Fun" nomenclature: Both are committed to helping children improve their confidence, self-esteem and sense of independence through their programming. The Little Gym promotes "Serious Fun" as its positive approach to helping children ages four months to 12 years grow their physical, mental and citizenship skills through its gymnastics, dance and other skills programs. For SeriousFun Children's Network, its community of camps and programs provide children with life-changing experiences that help them discover joy and confidence so they can lead fuller lives.

At the outset, efforts will focus on building awareness of the program to begin engaging the more than 200,000 families who regularly attend The Little Gym classes globally. The Little Gym will introduce new class content as part of its 'Citizen Kid' curriculum elements, and will create opportunities for local team members to volunteer at SeriousFun camps.

The initial partnership will be overseen by the board of directors of The Little Gym Big Hearts and executive members of SeriousFun Children's Network. Bob Bingham, the former president and CEO of The Little Gym International, will serve as president of The Little Gym Big Hearts' board.

"We are excited to be launching The Little Gym Big Hearts initiative by collaborating with SeriousFun Children's Network, an organization which shares in our commitment to providing children with healthy, active play," said Ruk Adams, President and CEO, The Little Gym International. "Our franchise owners have confirmed how important philanthropic efforts are to their member families, and The Little Gym Big Hearts' efforts fit perfectly within our 'Citizen Kid!' activities that help children build their sharing and leadership skills. We look forward to working with SeriousFun to help more children coping with illnesses receive a life-changing camp experience."

"We are thrilled to partner with The Little Gym and are grateful that their entire global family has embraced SeriousFun with such enthusiasm," said Mary Beth Powers, CEO, SeriousFun Children's Network. "As organizations both working to help children explore their potential, our goals are perfectly aligned."

About The Little Gym

The Little Gym is an internationally recognized program that helps children build the developmental skills and confidence needed at each stage of childhood. The first location was established in 1976 by teacher and musician Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, was formed in 1992 to franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, The Little Gym International has locations in 30 countries, with more than 200 gyms in the U.S. and over 300 total worldwide. For more information, visit The Little Gym at www.TheLittleGym.com.

About SeriousFun Children's Network

SeriousFun Children's Network is a global community of 30 camps and programs serving children with serious illnesses and their families, always free of charge. Founded by Paul Newman in 1988, SeriousFun has served more than 518,000 children and families from more than 50 countries. Each member camp is an independent, not-for-profit organization dependent upon private funding to serve all children at no cost to their families. A Support Center raises funds and provides quality standards and services for all SeriousFun camps and programs. To learn more about SeriousFun, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.org.

SOURCE The Little Gym

Media Contacts:

Ron Antonette
R. Antonette Communications
562-596-4466

Adam Guy
SeriousFun Children's Network
646-480-6193

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