Electronic Arts Inc. announced that its casual gaming destination Pogo.com has teamed up with Rosie O'Donnell to launch their newest charitable program "Pogo Cares Benefiting Rosie's For All Kids Foundation." This two-month program raises awareness within the Pogo.com community of 11 million players. Rosie's For All Kids Foundation helps bring childcare and education to America's kids. With the help of its players, Pogo.com will donate $30,000 to the foundation.
Players are invited to participate in several online events at Pogo.com. The first event in the Pogo Cares program is the "Play & Chat with Rosie Sweepstakes" where anyone who plays TUMBLE BEES between May 17, and May 23, 2007, will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win an opportunity to play and chat live with O'Donnell during the month of June. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the sweepstakes.
EA also announced that from May 22 to July 17, Club Pogo players can collect special limited edition Rosie-designed items to customize their Pogo Minis, free of charge (Club Pogo subscription required). The Rosie-Mini Collection includes fashion t-shirts, sweatshirts, backgrounds and accessories.
O'Donnell stated, "I played a lot of videogames as a kid and now I am an avid Club Pogo member and have been for quite awhile. I play WORD WHOMP, TUMBLE BEES, POPPIT! SQUELCHIES, QWERTY and WORLD CLASS SOLITAIRE -- I like to mix it up. I'm online almost every night! It is a great way to relax and stay in touch with people out of state. There is a grandmother in Kansas that I play with... she has no idea who I am. We talk for hours about her grandkids and her latest projects. I love it!"
Karen Schulman, vp/gm of Pogo, commented, "The Pogo community has a history of coming together to raise money and awareness to help those in need. We are very excited to work with Rosie O'Donnell and her 'For All Kids' Foundation to support causes that are important to Pogo players, such as education and early childhood development."
EA launched its first Pogo Cares Program in 2001 with a campaign to help seriously ill children maintain a better life while going through medical treatment. Since then, the Pogo community has come together to support many other issues including: the fight against breast cancer and heart & lung health. In the last two years, Pogo players have successfully raised more than $100,000 in charitable giving.
For more information about Pogo Cares Benefiting Rosie's For All Kids Foundation, visit www.pogo.com/rosie. For more information on Pogo in general, visit www.pogo.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
