A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words, and Then Some, at Woodfield Mall
Released: 07/27/05
Media Contact: Bonni Pear or Abby Dalhart,
Miller-Pear Public Relations, (312) 649-0466;
bpear@millerpear.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Woodfield, Big Brothers Big Sisters Unveil "Kids Helping Kids Go Back to School" Photo Exhibit
Schaumburg, Ill. (July 27,2005) - Back-to-school shopping, for most families, is about getting the hottest fashions and gotta'-have gadgets for a successful start to the new year. This August at Woodfield Mall, it's also about giving.
Through a unique "Kids Helping Kids Go Back to School" partnership between Woodfield and Big Brothers Big Sister of Metropolitan Chicago, a poignant exhibition of photographs taken by elementary school-aged "Littles" will be unveiled on Aug. 2 and remain on display at Woodfield Mall through Aug. 26. Each photograph - taken with cameras and instruction donated by Woodfield - represents the Littles portrayal of "What I Wish for in Life," and will be accompanied by a short biography about the photographer.
Shoppers moved by a particular image are invited to visit Woodfield Customer Service, pick up a personalized back-to-school wish list from the young photographer of their choice and donate one or more items on that student's list. Each donated wish-list item automatically enters the Little Brother or Little Sister recipient, as well as the giver, in a drawing for four years of pre-paid college tuition. In addition, each donation entitles the giver to a coupon booklet including back-to-school savings at participating mall stores, and a leather wristband embossed with the phrase, "Looking Out for One Another." Those who wish may designate relatives or friends' children instead of their own for the scholarship drawing and bonus gift.
"The Little who heads back to school with his first-ever new denim backpack won't be the only beneficiary of this program," said Lisa Stricker, Woodfield marketing director. "The more fortunate youngster who has his eyes opened to another's situation, and actually gets the chance to do something about it, will benefit too.
"Among all of the great programs providing back-to-school support and supplies to underprivileged youngsters, our goal is to put an indelible 'face' on the need and to establish a real sense of connection between the giver and the recipent."
Woodfield Mall is one of 15 Taubman shopping centers across the country featuring a "Kids Helping Kids Go Back to School" photography exhibition this August. Woodfield entrants will be combined with those from the other 14 centers for the grandprize scholarship drawing, which will be held after the exhibition closes at the end of the month.
The Chicago area's largest mall, Woodfield is home to nearly 300 stores and restaurants, including dozens that can't be found anywhere else in the Midwest. Merchants range from the unique - fine art and jewelry dealers, cutting-edge clothiers for men, women, teens and children, and home furnishing emporiums - to nationally-recognized department stores JCPenny, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Field's, Nordstrom and Sears. Notable newcomers since last year's back-to-school season include the Chicago area's only Jimmy'Z, a new, trend-right your apparel concept from Aerpostale, and first national pilot of Ruehl by Abercrombie & Fitch.
Located at Route 53 and Golf Road in Schaumburg, 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Woodfield Mall welcomes more than 27 million vistors annually and is the top tourist destination in Illinois. For information on seasonal programs and services, or mall hours, visit www.shopwoodfield.com or call (847) 330-1537.