KIDS FIRST! News

Every single dollar counts—and 48 hours remain in our KIDS FIRST! campaign.

We have two quick updates as we enter the final 48 hours of our KIDS FIRST! fall campaign:

First, thanks to our incredible community, we just officially crossed the $3,000 mark! 🎉

Second, I wanted to share a quick moment from earlier today that truly captured the spirit of this campaign. Someone I care deeply about—who happens to be going through a tough patch right now and looking for work—saw our campaign update. Without hesitating, she reached out and said:

“I have a dollar. Where do I send it?”

That is the heart of what we do at KIDS FIRST!

It’s not about huge financial commitments; it’s about a community coming together to back our young journalists, filmmakers, and film festival showcases.

As we make this final push toward our deadline on October 17th, I want to pose that same question to our entire community:

If every single person reading this email donated just $1 today, we would make a massive leap toward empowering the next generation of storytellers.

👉 Pitch in $1 or enter our sweepstakes here: 

When you chip in $1, you enter our sweepstakes for fantastic prizes!

If we could ask one more thing of you, it is to forward this email to a friend. Who knows you might just win a trip to Portugal for $1.

Remember, your support gives young reporters the tools, equipment, and platforms they need to make their voices heard.

Thank you for believing in our youth!

Warmly,

The KIDS FIRST! Dream Team and the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics

Time is officially running out! There are only 3 days left to enter the KIDS FIRST! 35th Anniversary Grand Sweepstakes. The deadline is this Saturday, October 17, and we don’t want you to miss out on these incredible rewards.

Every single donation directly empowers the next generation of youth media critics—and puts you in the running for a truly world-class lineup of prizes:

• ✈️ The European Escape: A dream vacation for two to beautiful Portugal!
• 🌵 The Luxury Getaway: Two nights at a posh Airbnb in historic Santa Fe, NM, just blocks from the plaza!
• 💡 The Masterclass Experience: A private business consultation with Kenn Viselman—the legendary entertainment executive who brought Teletubbies and Thomas & Friends to the U.S.!
• 🐑 The Nostalgia Prize: A private, magical afternoon with Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop!

👉 Click Here to Get Your Entries in by midnight Oct 17. 

Whether you enter with a small donation or step up to a higher tier for extra entries, your generosity keeps our 35-year mission thriving.

Thank you for your incredible support, and good luck!

Evie, Robin, Nancy and Ranny

The KIDS FIRST! Dream Team

Dear Friends,

KIDS FIRST! celebrates its 35th birthday! And our celebration continues. Go Here to Donate and Enter the Sweepstakes: https://go.rallyup.com/kidsfirst-portugal2027

 Your support over the past three decades has made all the difference—and today, a simple gesture from you helps us keep providing trusted guidance for the media your family loves.

Our Story Began at Tsankawi– In 1991, five founders gathered at the Tsankawi Prehistoric Sites. Standing among ancient rock art and cliff dwellings, Peggy Charren—founder of Action for Children’s Television—remarked that ancient storytellers didn’t have to worry about the content of media. Their stories were true to their lives, carved straight into the rock walls for future generations.

Inspired by that truth, the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media and its signature program, KIDS FIRST!, were born. At the time, major media outlets were trying to convince Congress that The Flintstones taught history and The Jetsons taught the future to satisfy educational television mandates. It was a massive stretch. Shortly after, an influx of hyper-violent video games and media left families with few places to turn for honest guidance.

Guided by leading child development specialists, media educators, and librarians, KIDS FIRST!  created a rigorous evaluation system. We trained adult and youth reviewers to work side-by-side evaluating, rating, and recommending media worth your family’s precious time.

That effort evolved into our flagship KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program—empowering youth ages 9 to 18 to deliver honest, peer-to-peer reviews of the latest movies, TV shows, and digital content.

Impact by the Numbers (Last Year Alone)

• 500+ films, TV shows, and digital media projects evaluated
• 200+ cast and crew members interviewed
• 1,000+ video reviews published across YouTube and social media

All of this is offered to the public 100% free of charge—made possible solely through the generosity of supporters like you.

Celebrate 35 Years With Us: Donate & Enter Our Sweepstakes!

Every day, more families reach out to us because they are tired of content that relies on hostility, drama, and a talking-down tone. To celebrate 35 years of championing quality media, we invite you to make a special anniversary gift of $35, $350, or $3,500.

As a token of our gratitude, every donation enters you into our Fundraising Sweepstakes!

• Grand Prize: A trip to Portugal to spend an afternoon with Mallory Lewis & Lamb Chop!
• Plus: Dozens of other incredible prizes.

Go Here to Donate and Enter the Sweepstakes: https://go.rallyup.com/kidsfirst-portugal2027

Since 1991, our mission has been to empower kids to become critical viewers, make quality entertainment easily accessible, and inspire young filmmakers. That promise has never mattered more than it does today.

Thank you for serving kids and families with the care, respect, and humanity they deserve.

With gratitude,

The KIDS FIRST! Team

For 35 years, KIDS FIRST! has helped parents and educators navigate youth media. From honest reviews to red-carpet interviews by our 65 youth reporters, we empower families to make informed media choices.

To celebrate our official 35th Anniversary on September 26, we’re giving back to the supporters who make our mission possible.

Donate by September 26 for 35th Anniversary Perks:

• Donate Any Amount: Automatically enters you into our Grand Sweepstakes!
• Donate $25 or More: Unlocks exclusive KIDS FIRST! supporter rewards plus your sweepstakes entries.
• Anniversary Early Bird Incentive: Give by September 26 to join our special 35th Anniversary Celebration list! (Campaign runs through October 17).

Sweepstakes Prizes Include:

• Grand Prize: A trip for two to Portugal!
• Featured Prize: An afternoon visit with legendary ventriloquist Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop.
• Plus: Additional runner-up prizes and rewards!

👉 Donate Before Sept 26 & Enter the Sweepstakes

No purchase or donation necessary to enter or win. A donation does not increase your chances of winning. Campaign ends October 17. See Official Rules for free entry details.

The secret is finally out, and we are going big! This year, we’re switching out our annual fundraising campaign and launching an unbelievable sweepstakes.

Your Dream Vacation Awaits – Every entry directly impacts children’s media literacy, celebrating a historic legacy of quality entertainment.

Imagine flying across the Atlantic, checking into a gorgeous beachfront hotel, and spending an unforgettable afternoon cruising the stunning waters of Cascais, Portugal. Now, imagine doing all of that alongside Emmy Award-winning performer Mallory Lewis—daughter of the legendary entertainment icon Shari Lewis—and her timeless, lovable partner, Lamb Chop!

Here is a sneak peek at what you could win:

✈️ The Grand Prize: A dream trip to Portugal—including airfare—and an unforgettable afternoon with the iconic Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop!

✨ Secondary Prize: A luxurious 2-night getaway at a 5-star Airbnb in beautiful Santa Fe. And there are three more secondary prizes.

👕 Instant Reward: EVERYONE wins something! Donate just $25 to enter, and you’ll automatically score a limited-edition sweepstakes T-shirt to commemorate the event.

Whether you’re jet-setting across the Atlantic, relaxing in Santa Fe, or rocking a brand-new exclusive tee, nobody walks away empty-handed.

Mark your calendar: The official kickoff is right around the corner! Keep a close eye on your inbox over the next few days for the entry link so you can be first in line.

Get ready to enter, win, and make a difference!

Best,

Your Sweepstakes Team: Evie, Nancy, Robin and Ranny