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Reminder to Round Up The Kids! It’s Time To Make a MOVIE at Valley West Actors Studio’s SUMMER CAMP!

Posted on02. Jul, 2010 by Hollywood Mom.

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Update: There are still a few spots left for this awesome SFV camp – call and get your Valley girl or boy enrolled today!

Preparations for Acting For Film & Television (AFFT) Summer Camp are underway at Valley West Actors Space. Have fun and gain great experience acting in front of the camera! AFFT is for kids who want to act in film and television either for fun or for a career! During their 2 week summer sessions, each day will be split up into a morning and afternoon session.

In the morning, each child will receive coaching in various areas of acting including…

Cold reading
Improv
On-camera work
Scene study
Audition techniques

After lunch in the afternoons AFFT kids will shoot a short film, that is directed, filmed and edited by industry professionals who work in feature films, commercials and television. And this all culminates in a RED CARPET PREMIERE! Dust off the tux and Vera Wang gown! At the end of the session, VWAS will host a gala red carpet premiere with interviews, screaming fans (also known as parents) and paparrazi (we call them friends) at the Valley West Actors Studio in Woodland Hills!

Session 1: Ages 8 – 12 Monday July 5 – July 16. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily Tuition: $450 per session

Session 2: Ages 11 – 16 August 2 – August 13 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily Tuition: $500 per session Space limited to 12 kids per session and all classes will be taught by Sara Wood.

For more information or to enroll, go to their website and pay via paypal link. $100 deposit is non-refundable after June 21, 2010. Full payment due by June 30, 2010. Email: valleyactors@gmail.com, phone: 818.222.7484.

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Audition Wear: The Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on24. Apr, 2010 by Hollywood Mom.

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I originally posted this last year but decided to repost because the issue of “what to wear” has come up for friends new to professional auditioning. We’ll be doing a video guide how-to on this soon as well.

It’s time for another audition and I find myself staring into the abyss of my daughter’s closet. I quickly review the “Don’t” checklist. No logos. Check. No solid white. Check. No baby blue. Check. No busy patterns. Check. No loud prints. Check. No outfits that age her up. Check. No outfits that age her down. Check.

That brief inventory rules out about 85% of her closet. So now what? It’s the question every momager asks, “What should my kid wear to today’s audition?”

While every audition is different and will call for a specific look, in general if it’s a commercial call asking for your child to look their best and look their age, follow these tips as a loose rule of thumb:

Choose garments in colors that flatter your child’s skin tone, hair color and eye color.
Purchase pieces that work well together in a “mix-and-match” fashion.
Keep costs to a minimum by choosing garments on sale or at reasonably priced boutiques.
Use accessories that add personality without overwhelming the outfit or detracting from your child. The same outfit can take on different nuances with different accessories and shoes.
Avoid busy patterns like plaid and stripes. Some of these designs are unflattering to the figure and can even appear to strobe on-camera .
Make sure shoes are well-fitting and clean. Shoes that are worn or ill-fitting can distract and dampen your child’s spirit both in an audition and in life.
Keep jewelry to a bare minimum (small studs for pierced ears) or none at all.
Don’t neglect “hair-ware” like headbands, barrettes, clips, ponytail holders and twisties, which all add flavor to a look and more importantly, help your child’s face to be seen.
Being fresh-faced, with clean/brushed hair (and no cosmetics) helps any outfit look pulled together.

So where can you purchase these miracle audition ensembles, you might ask? HMB will be posting a number of resources, for all ages and both genders, over the coming weeks. First up, a profile on trendy rock fashions from the ever-current, CutieandPatootie.com.

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Does your Child Actor have her own Website?

Posted on18. Feb, 2010 by Hollywood Mom.

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Some child actors do and some child actors don’t. My kid does. Have a dedicated website, that is. While the debate rages on amongst parents with the “Should we or shouldn’t we?” conversation, many of us have forged forward into the internet abyss, securing our child’s *namesake URL and creating web sites that range from the very basic to the extremely elaborate.

In researching the phenom of the “child actor website,” I’ve stumbled upon other Hollywood momagers and popagers with the same idea. If you’ve passed the hurdle of whether or not to do this, and have decided to create junior’s web site, then the next immediate choices to make are:

What is the site’s purpose?

How do you want the site to function?

How will the site benefit your child actor?

How much time can you dedicate to maintaining and updating your child’s web site?

How much money do you want to invest in the construction and maintenance of the site?

Purpose & Function

My daughter’s web site www.JordanBobbitt.com is an upbeat, age and career-level appropriate site. The primary purpose of Jordan’s site is to function as an elaborate calling card (all her professional contact info is posted) and also to function as a marketing tool. The site is set up with a shopping cart but we do not envision utilizing that feature in the foreseeable future. *I would recommend a shopping cart add-on for a child actor who has branded or relevant merchandise to sell.

Specifically our child actor web site encompasses 1) Resume, 2) Head shots, 3) Publicity Shots 4) Bio and 5) Recent Noteworthy Entertainment Projects. I plan to add a Charity page and in the near future we’re reformatting the site into a blog structure which I will update and maintain with the assistance of our wonderful family web designer Shanna Cote of SiteSquared.com. Don’t think of a blog as a “diary” of your child’s acting life. That won’t be happening here I assure you! However, the new blog format will allow me personally to upload video clips of Jordan’s film, television and theater work. You don’t need to use a designer to create your child’s website, but I knew that Shanna would take Jordan’s site to a level that I couldn’t achieve on my own and would continue to assist me in making it better as her career progresses; for instance, converting the site to a blog structure was her suggestion.

Website Benefits:

A benefit of a personal web site is that it can showcase more head shots than LA Casting and OS Casting accounts hold – not because they couldn’t in fact hold more, but because it’s simply not an economically sound choice. Each time you upload an individual photo to the casting services it costs about $25.00, whereas with my daughters site, I can in theory upload or remove as many pictures as often as I like or as often as she changes, which at 10 is fairly often. I can also post pictures of her at movie premieres, industry events and behind the scenes – photos that would not make sense to post on the casting sites.

Having a dedicated web site also accommodates a full length bio, recent projects list and personal tidbits like favorite shops, CD’s and books. This section on Jordan’s site is still incomplete and could use some love but I’ll get there eventually. Bigger than all of this, the web site is a “marketable entity” for the present or for the future, which I’ll expound upon in a future post.

Time and Energy

I hardly spend any time updating my daughter’s site, primarily because I’m busy with other ventures, but also because it’s as complete as I need it to be for now. She could use some current head shots and press pictures but that’s “a whole ‘nother Oprah!” as they say.

Financial Investment

I was willing to make a financial investment in Jordan’s site because I wanted it to draw people in and relying on a professional is much more effective than my attempt would have been. I also wanted the site to be something Jordan could be proud of, a site she would feel comfortable sharing with her friends and a site that reflects her personality and age.

Sometimes we can best decide what we want by viewing the options. To give you some ideas of what will and won’t work best for your child actor, I’ve gathered samples of different child performer sites found across the web. Enjoy reading them, and feel free to forward more for the list:

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Review & Giveaway: Paperlili’s (Personalized) Bilng Bling Leggings

Posted on14. Jul, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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Congrats to Mom, Michelle C. & her daughter in North Carolina – the lucky winners of the @Paperlili Bling Bling Leggings!

As the momagers and popagers of aspiring actors and actresses, it’s our responsibility to help prepare our kids at audition time and assist junior in booking those jobs. This momager task includes dressing them appropriately for the casting call but with a smidgen of pizazz – a tall order given the confines of audition clothing rules: no logo wear, various color restrictions, etc.

Enter Paperlili brand with their line of personalized stud-embellished clothing, a wonderful option for helping kids to subtly leave a lasting impression with the casting directors. Recall that line from the song “Fame”? “Baby, remember my name!” I particularly love Paperlili’s assortment of studded leggings and headbands for this purpose. Thrown on under a tunic or twirly skirt, the leggings provide coverage with just a hint of sass and the “nick-name” headbands are great for reiterating who your future star is!

Designer Cristy Leonard makes each studded piece to order allowing you the ability to create virtually any personalization and making their use for auditions endless. For example – Going on a pom pom girl audition? Throw on your headband emblazoned with “Cheer” “Spirit” or “Rah!” The casting director wants your daughter to look like the next Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift? How about some leggings personalized with “Pop Star” or “Rock Star” on the lower calf? See where I’m going with this? Paperlili’s innate versatility let’s your young star be whomever she needs to be.

My daughter adores her Paperlili leggings (audition or not) and your actress is sure to love them too. Available in sizes 2 through 12 (I ordered one size up) and run $40 a pair. Order a pair now with discount code FRIEND and receive 20% off your purchase.

Thanks to Paperlili you have the opportunity to Win a pair of Leggings for your daughter! Simply describe in the comment section below the saying or phrase you would choose to place on a pair of leggings. The winner will be drawn at random and announced on August 1, 2009. Follow them on Twitter too! Twitter.com/paperlili

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Casting Call: African American Babies for TV & Movie

Posted on11. Jul, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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Jet Set Models is seeking twin African American newborns for a movie and twins/triplets 6-12 months old for a season regular role on TV show. Newborn babies need only be 15 days old to work so any baby born in early to mid June would be perfect! Please email paloma@jetsetmodels.com as soon as possible with pictures, date of birth and contact information.

Good luck to all who submit – you’re on your way to becoming a Hollywood Mom!

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The Jonas Brothers’ Momager Denise is Rock Solid

Posted on09. Jul, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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Denise Jonas, mother of the world famous Jonas Brothers musical trio and youngest son Frankie, is a momager who has been on the HMB radar for quite sometime. Thanks to an in-depth interview in the July issue of Good Housekeeping – we’ve learned even more about her. Of all the momagers in Hollywood, why focus on Denise? Because not only is she a great role model as a Hollywood Mom, but she’s a great role model as a parent, period.

The Jonas’ parenting philosophy is family-friendly and straight forward. Denise doesn’t sweat the small stuff and never dwells on the negatives aspects of having children in show business. She also readily admits that it was third son Nick who was blessed with the most obvious god-given talents of voice and music at an early age. They helped him pursue his goals as an individual and felt strongly that in celebrating his personal gifts that each of the children would find their best place, and indeed they have.

Some high lights & fun facts from the Good Housekeeping article:

Patriarch Kevin Jonas Sr. was a musical prodigy himself, performing professionally at age 7.

Kevin and Denise met the first day of school at Christ of the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas.

Kevin proposed to Denise 6 months after they met and married on August 15, 1985 when they were both only 18 years old.

When first born Kevin Jr. was just a baby, the family was living on food stamps while Kevin Sr. struggled to forge a career in the music business.

Denise instilled manners in the boys early on. “To me, there’s nothing more frustrating than being around a child who’s annoying. We taught our kids proper manners [sic] reinforcing good conduct until it was behavior. Because they’re going to be adults a lot longer than they’re children.”

To continue reading more and for a short Jonas video go to Good Housekeeping.

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Review & Giveaway: UV SKINZ – Fashionable Sun Protection!

Posted on29. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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During the summer in Southern California there are a few things Hollywood Moms can’t get enough of: Rocking Beach Wear, Serious Sun Protection and an amazing Love Story. For all these reasons, UV Skinz tops and shorts are at the top of the Hollywood Mom Blog’s Must-Haves List for summer.

UV Skinz are comfy, fashion-forward swimwear, tees, shorts and hats available in a myriad of sizes, infants through adults; but most importantly UV Skinz offers chemical-free sun protection, carrying a UPF rating of 50+, which blocks out over 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. UV Skinz are also a brilliant alternative for kids and babies with skin allergies and sensitivities to chemicals that many sunscreens contain.

So how does UV Skinz work it’s protective magic? The secret is in the tight weave of the fabric. And speaking of fabric, there is no shortage of color and pattern combinations available in the pieces which are specifically designed to be mixed and matched. Unlike typical rash guards and protective swim shirts available on the market, UV Skinz are not skin tight. The t-shirt like design with larger than average neck holes lets kids breathe comfortably just as the micro fiber silky smooth material breathes while wicking away moisture for quick drying – likely the reason they’re seen on the tykes of Hollywood Parents, Marcia Cross and Matthew McConaughey.

In the pics above taken earlier in the week at the fabulous Santa Monica Beach Club, Jordan is sporting UV Skinz’ Cassidy short sleeve top in chocolate & teal paired with adorable boy cut shorts. I love this outfit – LOVE. But don’t just take my word for it, this is what 10 year old Jordan has to say about UV Skinz: “I like that it’s comfortable, with stretchy fabric and that it protects me from the sun. My favorite thing is the Hawaiian theme of my outfit in my favorite colors blue and brown.”

My favorite part about UV Skinz? The touching love story behind the brand. Owner Rhonda Sparks launched UV Skinz in 2005 after losing Darren, her 32-year-old husband and the father of their three sons, to the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma.

Rhonda Sparks & her sons

Rhonda: “I am fully committed to my company and helping to raise awareness about the potential dangers of the sun. It’s horrible loosing my husband, and I would like it if I could stop that from happening to another family. At the end of the day, [UV Skinz] is about protecting our children. We promote safe, healthy living under the sun. What better business is there to be in than that?!”

UV Skinz is graciously giving One Lucky Reader the Opportunity to WIN one of these Adorable and Protective Swim Outfits. Simply enter your name in the comment section below, briefly describing the top item on your “summer-must-haves” list. The winner will be announced July 15, 2009.

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Casting Call: Cookie Mag and H&M seeking child models

Posted on26. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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Cookie Magazine and H&M are seeking child models in an open casting to be held this Saturday, June 27th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the H&M located at Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd, Level 8, in Los Angeles, CA.

Enter the search for 2 quality kids to appear in an H&M ad and in Cookie Magazine and while you’re there learn about safety and quality features all parents should look for when purchasing childrens’ clothes. When you spend $50 or more in the childrens’ department, you receive a free gift. Good Luck!
For more information: http://www.coolcookie.com/0905/events_hm.asp

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Then & Now: Michael Jackson

Posted on25. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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Probably one of the most shocking “Then & Now” pictorials – Michael Jackson as a toddler and in a picture taken a few years before his death of cardiac arrest earlier today, June 25, 2009, at UCLA Medical Center.

Jackson rose to fame in the early 1970’s with his brothers in “The Jackson 5,” and as a solo artist in the 80’s became the first performer ever to earn 100 million in one year. Quite a feat. There’s no denying Michael was a musical force of nature – much more than a triple threat, Michael was a singer, dancer, choreographer, showman, innovator, trend setter, personality and even actor.

Numerous transformations took place from Jackson’s first picture to the second – not just the obvious physical evolution but emotional and mental changes as well. Memories and future characterizations of this man will be as polarized and varied as his nose shape, chin size, and skin color were over the decades. Some will remember him as a musical legend, and humanitarian – others as a monster and still others as a tragedy.

The media will visit and revisit his career numerous times over the coming weeks gleaning insight and opinion from the multitudes of fans and journalists who are well-versed in his life and creations. I am admittedly not either of those but must mark his passing on the Hollywood Mom Blog because he was a phenomenally talented child performer who became one of the most successful performers of all time. Rest in peace.

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Then & Now: Lindsay Lohan

Posted on25. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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“Then” Pictures of Lohan as a toddler. Can you believe the transformation? Photo courtesy of Lindsay Lohan’s TwitPic Account.

Lindsay Lohan

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Then & Now: The Insider’s Child Stars List

Posted on25. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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A few days ago when I was strapped for content, I posted The Spill’s “Then and Now” list of child actors. Since then more “Then and Now” lists of Hollywood Child Stars have cropped up – the latest from the website of the television show, “The Insider.” Here’s their round-up.

This list showcases both the obvious actors who have rarely spent a moment out of the spotlight since childhood, like: Drew Barrymore, Hilary Duff, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen; to the not so obvious and almost shocking “Now” photos of those we no longer see: Haley Joel Osment (Sixth Sense), Henry Thomas (ET), Jonathan Lipnicki (Almost Famous), and Alisan Porter (Curly Sue). Check it out!

http://www.theinsider.com/news/2237758_Child_movie_stars_then_and_now

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Casting Call: Adam Sandler Movie, “Grown Ups”

Posted on17. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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The casting department of the feature film comedy “Grown Ups“ starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James and Chris Rock, is continuing their search for boys ages 10-13 who are good basketball players to work in this star-studded movie. The film’s premise is five good friends reuniting for a Fourth of July holiday weekend, thirty years after their high school graduation. While casting has made significant progress, they’re seeking kids for a few of the roles. IMDB reports that the film is shooting at least a portion on location in Essex, Massachusetts. Current casting call for:

Boy, Caucasian, between the heights of 4′3 and 4′10 and between the ages of 10 and 13. (young Rob Schneider.)

Boy, African American, skinny, and between the heights of 4′9 and 5′ and the ages of 10 and 13. (young Chris Rock)

If you know of children who fit the above descriptions, please contact “Grown Ups” casting associate Brittani Simberg at 310-244-2266 or email photos and resume to kidcastingla@gmail.com. It should be a great experience for all the kids who are cast.

EVEN IF KIDS HAVE PREVIOUSLY AUDITIONED, PLEASE HAVE THEM RE-CONTACT CASTING IF THEY FIT THESE SPECIFICATIONS.

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Kids Book Review: “Mo’s Nose” Storytime at Healthy Spot LA June 27th

Posted on16. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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You’re driving the little ones to an audition in rush hour traffic Friday afternoon (you crazy mom) when you realize the kids have completed their 87th consecutive viewing of the Backyardigans DVD and your secret stash of Mott’s for Tots and Pirate’s Booty is running dangerously low. Whining, leading to full blown tantrums, is merely seconds away. Quick! What now?

Being the ace pre-planner that you are, you’re going to whip out the book series “Mo’s Nose” by author Margaret Hyde and illustrator Amanda Giacomini: wonderful earth-friendly childrens books following the “scentasational” adventures of real-life rescued stray, Mo; “Earth-friendly” because the books are printed on recycled paper with soy ink and “Scentsational” because all of Mo’s discoveries coordinate with push and sniff scent buttons, sure to keep your preschoolers happily occupied. And the scents are less tutti frutti and more aromatherapy-minded which is a big plus for mom.

In the original “Mo Smells Red“ our hero encounters strawberries, roses and fire before coming upon the best red smell of all – Love. In the new follow-up “Mo Smells Green” our favorite canine pounces from grassy hills, limes and mint before concluding that green is the scent of Life.

Saturday, June 27th from 1-4 pm, “Mo’s Nose“ and Healthy Spot L.A. will be hosting a Friends of Mo event, free to the public. The event will feature storytime, stickers, balloons, pet and people-friendly door prizes and tips from the L.A. Chapter of Best Friends.org on kids and rescued animals. At this shop-for-a-cause event, 10% of the day’s proceeds from Mo’s Nose and Healthy Spot L.A. will benefit BestFriends Rescue Organization.

Friends of Mo are an inspired club of Mo readers, non-profits and retail partners dedicated to making the planet a better place for all four and two-legged creatures. Friends of Mo believe charity is an action, not just a thought and that the littlest Friends can make the biggest impact. Learn more about the charity and these wonderful books at www.mosnose.com.

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New Talent: Julian Pavone, The Worlds Youngest Drummer!

Posted on16. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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“Ribert and Robert’s WonderWorld,” the multi-award winning children’s television series, has signed the prodigy drummer Julian Pavone to 13 episodes. Julian will star in and co-host the shows as he travels to major U.S. cities on a quest to find out about the birth and evolution of various types of music throughout the country.

It would be a gross understatement to say Julian is no stranger to the media, having appeared on more than 100 television and news shows, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Good Morning America,” “The Maury Show,” “Martha Stewart” and “Inside Edition.” I promise you have never seen a resume like this for a kid, much less one you probably have never heard of before this post. Julian has received worldwide attention with more than 7500 newspaper and magazine articles written about him.

“Ribert and Robert’s WonderWorld,” with 78 half-hours currently broadcasting, is a unique new preschool series that combines 3D animation and live-action in an effort to help children become more curious, more knowledgeable and more confident about the world they live in. It is the first interactive series presented from a child’s point of view. Every episode treats Ribert and the Power Pals (the viewers) to a virtual roller-coaster ride through WonderWorld designed specifically to explore Ribert’s curiosities – like colors, animals and being afraid of the dark.

WonderWorld Entertainment, LLC, producer of the show, recognized Julian’s talent and presented him with a Golden Ribby Award in April. He was one of many participants in this first worldwide online talent contest for kids. Julian comes to WonderWorld with an impressive resume. Just five years-old, he plays a 22-piece custom drum set with 17 cymbals and has full artist endorsements with Vic Firth drumsticks, Innovation Drums, ddrums, Dean Guitars and Sabian Cymbals.

Many consider Julian the “Tiger Woods of the Music Industry.” He became the youngest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Drumline at age 15 months and at 20 months recorded a CD, “Go Baby!” with legendary bassist Ralphe Armstrong. He is the youngest to have performed at West Hollywood’s famed Whisky A Go-Go. He invented and received a patent for “Abracadabra” Stain Cover-up, now also making him “The World’s Youngest Inventor!”

He’ll have a busy summer taping the series, performing with his “High School Band” and recording his next CD with Michael J. Powell (4-time Grammy Award winning producer).

For more information on Ribert and Robert’s WonderWorld: www.wonderworldtv.com

For Julian: www.JulianPavone.com

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Hollywood is Helping “Operation Gratitude” & You Can Too

Posted on16. Jun, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

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markharmon

Operation Gratitude is the California-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer organization that sends care packages of snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and on Naval ships at sea. Its mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service members faces and to express to all our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. As shown in the pictures, Hollywood’s finest are showing up to assist in this worthwhile cause: Mark Harmon, Gary Sinese, Ben Affleck, Patricia Heaton, Kathy Ireland and many more.

Operation Gratitude receives the names of thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines from commanders in the field who see the positive impact of care packages on their troops’ morale. The organization sends 100,000+ care packages every year during two major campaigns: A Patriotic Drive in May and a Holiday Drive in the winter. Each package contains donated product valued at $100 and costs the organization $11 to assemble and ship.

For safety and security all assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in March, 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 450,000 packages to American service members deployed overseas. To learn more about how you can help, please visit these websites: www.operationgratitude.com www.youtube.com/OpGrat www.twitter.com/OpGratitude and www.facebook.com/OperationGratitude

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