For so many kids, opportunities to be creative mean the world. They can explore all the areas of their mind that they might not get to under normal circumstances. It's also a great emotional outlet for those who might be dealing with more than what they're saying.
That said, the opportunities to be creative in schools and community programs have diminished due to funding throughout the years. Chips Ahoy! decided to step in and support its teen fans who need the arts the most. For these teens, the arts isn't just an elective or passion project; it's an essential part of making them happy every day. The brand teamed up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to launch the "Follow Your Art" campaign. This campaign signals a commitment to a $1 million donation to help fund BGCA art programs through 2024.
Another important member of this partnership has been actor Mario Lopez. The television and radio personality is a BGCA alum who has benefitted from their arts programs and knows what it means to these kids. Mario chatted with LittleThings about his relationship with the organization.
In support of BGCA, Chips Ahoy! is releasing limited-edition cookies with blue candy-coated chocolate chips, inspired by the brand colors. The packaging of the cookies will feature designs by six BGCA teens. Each teen won a nationwide contest to have their artwork featured on the brand's packaging as well as winning $2,500 for their local club from Chips Ahoy! The packs are available in Walmart this week and retailers nationwide by May.
Chips Ahoy! hosted an immersive art experience for members of the Variety Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. Artist and poet Amber Vittoria led a painting class where she also spoke about her creative process and how making art brings her to her happy place. Helping out was Mario Lopez, who chatted about the experience and its significance with LittleThings.
"I've been involved with the Boys & Girls clubs ever since I was a little kid," he shared. "I grew up going since I was 5-years-old — had a huge impact on my life, exposed me to both wrestling and the arts."
"So that's why I was really happy to partner up with Chips Ahoy! for this, harnessing happy, because they recognize that — that teens need an outlet to be creative, and it's essential."
"Growing up, both my parents worked. You know, we came from very blue-collar family and not the most upscale neighborhood and it was a lot of potential for me to get into trouble, being hyper kid," Mario noted.
"BGCA provided a safe haven with some mentors and I couldn't be more grateful. Chips Ahoy! is donating a million dollars over the next few years to the clubs to fund these art programs. I think it's awesome. I just wanted to help raise the awareness of that."
Mario believes access to these programs can be life-changing, especially for underprivileged kids.
"Well, I don't think they'd be exposed to it otherwise," he noted.
"There's a lot of talented kids out there that just don't have the opportunity or or the environment to maybe let those creative skills be showcased or the flex, those creative muscles, and that's what's great about it."
Mario knows a thing or two about getting creative with kids as a dad to 10-year-old Gia, 7-year-old Dominic, and 2-year-old Santino, who he shares with wife Courtney Mazza Lopez.
"My wife and I met on Broadway," Mario said.
"She's a singer/dancer/actress. So the kids, I think, just inherited some of those genes. They love to sing dance, act. They're involved in gymnastics and martial arts. They're pretty busy."
Mario shared some details about his upcoming project with Lifetime. He will star and executive produce an untitled holiday movie alongside Jana Kramer, Cheri Oteri, and his wife, Courtney. The film follows Mario's character, Billy, who returns to his hometown for Christmas after being abruptly fired — and replaced by Courtney's character, Joanna. While home, he makes a connection with Jenna's character, Rae, the owner of the local dance studio.
"We're actually going to be leaving to Nashville Monday for the next few weeks for that movie," he shared.
"It's a musical. It's got some musical elements, and it's a lot of fun. I can't really talk to much about it but hopefully people check it out."
If you love the arts and want to help make a difference for these kids, you're in luck. Chips Ahoy! is launching the Follow Your Art Sweepstakes, which triggers an additional $1 donation, up to $100,000, to BGCA art programs for every sweepstakes entry from April 4 to June 30, 2022.
Alongside the potential $100,000 donation, 20 grand prize winners will receive a $1,000 prize package to support them in pursuing their artistic passion, while 100 first prize winners will be gifted a $250 gift card to an online retailer that sells the necessary supplies to help them follow their art and passion.
Visit CAFollowYourArt.com to register or head to Twitter or Instagram to follow @chipsahoy and post a photo or video of the creative passion that makes you happiest with the hashtags #cafollowyourart and #sweepstakes.
