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PBS’ ‘Alma’s Way’ and ‘Donkey Hodie’ Get 2-Year Funding Renewal

Arthur Vining Davis Foundations extends grant for Fred Rogers Productions' kids' animated TV series, which promote core messages and learning goals in problem-solving skills, resilience, empathy, and other life skills.

Fred Rogers Productions has received a two-year grant renewal from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (AVDF) for its newest series, Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie. The production company, a public media producer, is recognized by the foundation, whose mission is to support institutions it views as pillars of American society.

The popular series, launched in 2021, focused on core messages and learning goals that support children’s development in problem-solving skills, resilience, empathy, and other life skills. Since their debuts, both properties have released educational digital games, major book deals, and licensing partnerships. In addition, each show received Emmy Award nominations for their inaugural seasons. Each show’s Season 2 premieres later this year on PBS KIDS.

“The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations is one of the nation’s foremost patrons of public media for viewers of all ages and a valued supporter of Fred Rogers Productions,” said Fred Rogers Productions president and CEO Paul Siefken. “Their funding enables us to provide a range of innovative and enriching programming to children and families every day.”

“By working with Fred Rogers Productions, we are supporting the very best in children’s media,” added AVDF president and CEO Michael Murray. “The company continues to lead the way with quality content that fills the gap and raises the bar in educational and prosocial children’s programming, and we’re delighted to help ensure that Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie remain sources of learning and growth for young viewers.”

Created by Sonia Manzano (known by generations of Sesame Street viewers as “Maria” Manzano), Alma’s Way is inspired by Manzan’s childhood. The show centers on 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members. Infused with humor and grounded in a social and emotional curriculum, the series will give children ages 4-6 the tools to find their own answers, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others. Ellen Doherty and Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer and co-executive producer. Additional co-executive producers are Luis Lopez and Juan Lopez. Supervising producer for Fred Rogers Productions is Olubunmi Mia Olufemi.

The puppet series Donkey Hodie is inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else. The show follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic and charming go-getter, and her pals: Purple Panda, her loyal and empathetic best friend; Duck Duck, a practical, quick-witted young; and Bob Dog, an energetic and eager canine. The series empowers children ages 3-5 to dream big and overcome obstacles in their own lives, work hard and persevere in the face of failure, be resourceful, and discover they can solve problems on their own—and laugh themselves silly along the way.

The show is produced by Fred Rogers Productions in association with Spiffy Pictures, created by Adam Rudman and David Rudman of Spiffy Pictures, and developed by Doherty, chief creative officer of Fred Rogers Productions. Executive producers are Doherty, Adam Rudman, and David Rudman. Supervising Producer for Fred Rogers Productions is Kristin DiQuollo, and Caroline Bandolik is Supervising Producer for Spiffy Pictures.

Source: Fred Rogers Productions

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.