The Rite Aid Foundation's KidCents program gifts $2 million to Fred Rogers Company
CAMP HILL, Pa. - The Rite Aid Foundation's KidCents program announced today a $2 million donation to The Fred Rogers Company, a non-profit company that specializes in creating quality children's programming for public television. The donation will be used to support production of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, the Emmy-nominated hit children's series that airs daily on PBS KIDS.
"The mission of The Fred Rogers Company perfectly aligns with The Rite Aid Foundation's goal of supporting the health and wellbeing of children in the 'neighborhoods' we serve," stated Ken Martindale, president of the Rite Aid Foundation. "A beloved part of households nationwide, every day, Daniel Tiger and his friends are teaching young viewers important life lessons and social skills, helping them grow and learn. The Rite Aid Foundation is proud to partner with The Fred Rogers Company and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and join them in their efforts to promote positive childhood development in the most formative years."
As part of the partnership, a special Rite Aid Foundation underwriting spot will air before and after every episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, beginning next month. Underwriting credits will also be included on digital platforms, building awareness about The Rite Aid Foundation's KidCents program among fans of the series.
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood follows the adventures of 4-year-old Daniel Tiger and uses musical strategies grounded in Fred Rogers' landmark social-emotional curriculum. Through imagination, creativity, and music, Daniel and his friends learn the key social skills necessary for success in school and in life. The popular animated series was created by some of today's preeminent innovators of quality children's media. Creator Angela Santomero, from lead production partner Out of the Blue Enterprises, is co-executive producer, along with Kevin Morrison of The Fred Rogers Company and Vince Commisso of the award-winning animation studio, 9 Story Entertainment.
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood has garnered a host of prestigious awards, and most recently was nominated for a 2015 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program. This recognition follows a string of additional honors, including a 2015 Parents' Choice Gold Award and 2014 Prix Jeunesse International Selection as well as the 2013 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series in the Preschool Category, and 2013 Cynopsis: Kids! Imagination Award for Preschool Series.