Press Release
For immediate release

Contact:
Stephanie Carlyle - Development/PR Coordinator
524 W. Pueblo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805)898-2116

Kids Helping Kids

On Saturday, June 7th from 9am – noon, children of all ages from around the Santa Barbara area will come together to support local pediatric cancer patients by hosting the first Kids for a Cure toy sale and celebration. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara’s pediatric research fund.

The event will take place in the parking lot of the Cancer Center behind the Cottages located at 524 and 526 W. Pueblo Street.

Kids for a Cure was spearheaded by eight year old, business-owner, Madison Lewandowski. Madison wanted to find a way to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, while showing other children the magic of philanthropy. A third grader, who donates a portion of her business profits to charities, has raised money for victims of Hurricane Katrina and has helped raise funds for Girl Inc. She says, "I love helping out. I think cancer is an important thing to try to fix. Kids sometimes don't think that they can help big things like cancer, but I want to show them, and the adults, that we really can."

Surf Dog will be at Kids for a Cure selling hot dogs and lemonade to patrons. At the conclusion of the sale, Surf Dog will provide lunch for all of the young philanthopers who have registered in advance. Bill Connell, owner of Surf Dog, believes in helping out the community and is proud to partner on the event.

The band the NEWCATS will be playing from 9:30am – noon. The NEWCATs (Nate, Eli, Willie, Cory, Aaron and Tyler which spells Newcat), under the direction of William Fiedtkou, are six local young men ages 8- 15 years of age who bring back the sounds of oldies, classic rhythm and blues, classic rock and more for listening and dancing pleasure.

Congresswoman Lois Capps will be onsite from 10:30 – 11:30. She will address the crowd and say a few words to recognize the efforts of all the youngsters who are participating.
From 11 – 11:30am, acclaimed storyteller Michael Katz will be telling “stories with his own highly energetic, animated and interactive style of storytelling. Michael's incredible character voices, inventive movements and rubber-like, expressive face captivates audiences of all ages: he has a way of creating a magical relationship between the audience and performer. Michael's performances awaken the audience to the richness of a story, weaving together both the comic and the profound. “

A variety of raffle and silent auction items will also be available, including a massage from Taylor Brayden Massage, an overnight stay at Ramada Limited Santa Barbara, a gift certificate from Wardrobe Wisdom, a visit to Hearst Castle and an ice cream basket from McConnell’s.

Anyone who is interested in participating in the sale, must bring toys (clean and in good working condition), games, books, video tapes/DVDs and/or electronics (operable) the morning of the event. Individuals may set up their “booth” beginning at 8am. To participate, you must reserve a space by June 4th. Please send an email to events@ccsb.org to register.

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Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
524 W. Pueblo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 898-2116
Fax (805) 898-2184