Philanthropy VS BRANDS Philanthropy VS BRANDS

Disney Dreamers Academy 2025 Welcomes Tyler James Williams, Tamela Mann, and Adam Blackstone as Mentors

ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” stars Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie • Disney/Pamela Littky

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 24, 2025 (VSNewsNetwork.com) — Mentorship program Disney Dreamers Academy, a Walt Disney World Resort initiative that provides career development and life skills experiences to high school students from diverse backgrounds, will host its 2025 session from March 26–30 in Florida. The event will feature Golden Globe-winning actor Tyler James Williams as “DREAMbassador,” alongside Grammy Award-winning artists Tamela Mann and Adam Blackstone.

The program annually selects 100 high school students from across the United States to participate in a multi-day, all-expenses-paid experience. Participants, known as Disney Dreamers, are chosen through an application process that includes essays about their personal stories and aspirations. Each student is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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Williams, known for his roles in "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Abbott Elementary," will engage with students in career workshops and the event’s commencement ceremony. According to the company, he will also share his career journey and participate in mentoring sessions throughout the event.

Blackstone, a musical director and producer, and Mann, recognized for her work in gospel music and television, are among several notable figures participating. Other confirmed guests include actor David Mann, radio host Rickey Smiley, the band Infinity Song, fashion influencer Jerome Lamaar, and Hot 97 radio personality DJ Suss One.

The event is supported by presenting sponsors Sprite and Delta Air Lines, with additional support from AdventHealth, Zero-G, Dolby, and the Orlando Magic.

Since its founding in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy has hosted over 1,700 students, many of whom have pursued careers in journalism, the arts, engineering, and other fields. Some former participants have returned to the program as mentors.

For more information, visit www.disneydreamersacademy.com.

Source: Walt Disney World Resort

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Philanthropy, Music VS BRANDS Philanthropy, Music VS BRANDS

Sir Elton John Named 15th Glenn Gould Prize Laureate for Artistic and Humanitarian Contributions

Sir Elton John, 15th Glenn Gould Prize Laureate · Photo Credit Peggy Sirota

TORONTO, March 11, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Arts foundation, The Glenn Gould Foundation, has announced that musician Sir Elton John has been named the Laureate of the 15th Glenn Gould Prize. The biennial award recognizes an individual whose lifetime contributions in the arts have enriched the human condition. Sir Elton was selected by an international jury of artists and cultural leaders.

The Glenn Gould Prize, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of the Arts," includes a CAD$100,000 award for the laureate and a CAD$25,000 Glenn Gould Protégé Prize, granted to a young artist chosen by the winner.

“After spending decades admiring the virtuosity of Glenn Gould’s work, I am awestruck and honoured to receive this award,” said Sir Elton John.

With more than five decades in music, John has sold over 300 million albums, produced more than 50 Top 40 hits, and achieved EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. He is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in HIV/AIDS advocacy through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over USD$600 million globally.

The 15th Glenn Gould Prize jury was chaired by former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell and included actor Jeremy Irons, screenwriter Lee Hall, BBC Radio 3 Controller Sam Jackson, filmmaker Nyla Innuksuk, and other global arts leaders.

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'In selecting our Laureate, Elton John, we chose to honour someone who has great artistic accomplishments but whose life and whose art has been translated into something much greater than just performance or the consumption of music and things they’ve created. Elton John has used his enormous talent and his great success to change lives. He’s been courageous in taking on causes, whether AIDS, LGBTQ+ rights, addiction and all sorts of issues that were not popular when he engaged with them and he was prepared to take the wonderful success that his musical talent had given him to make a difference in the world. And from our perspective that represents the highest level of achievement for an artist and celebrates the memory of Glenn Gould in the best way,' said Kim Campbell, Jury Chair of the 15th Glenn Gould Prize and former Prime Minister of Canada.

A special public event at Kings Place in London announced the prize, which included performances by South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza and Canadian pianist Ryan Wang. The official award presentation will take place at a gala in Toronto this fall.

For more information, visit www.glenngould.ca.

Source: The Glenn Gould Foundation

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Television VS BRANDS Television VS BRANDS

Hearst Media Production Group to Launch "The Visioneers with Zay Harding" on CBS

Zay Harding • Photo Credit: Hearst Media Production group

NEW YORK, March 11, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Media production company Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) has announced the debut of The Visioneers with Zay Harding, a new educational series airing on the CBS Television Network. The program, produced in partnership with VoLo Foundation, will premiere on Saturday, April 5, as part of the "CBS WKND" educational and informational programming block. The series will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.

The 30-minute weekly series, airing at the start of Earth Month, will highlight scientists, engineers, and individuals developing environmental solutions. Harding, who previously hosted the long-running PBS series Globe Trekker, will lead the program.

"Through our partnership with VoLo Foundation, The Visioneers will inspire and amaze audiences. The 'Visioneers' who are featured will showcase how they are accelerating positive change through sustainable and futuristic solutions," said Bryan Curb, HMPG executive vice president and general manager of education and information.

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"The Visioneers aligns perfectly with VoLo Foundation's mission to connect the scientific community with the public. Zay Harding presents groundbreaking climate solutions in a dynamic and engaging way. Don't miss the chance to be informed and inspired," said Thais Lopez Vogel, cofounder and trustee of VoLo Foundation.

HMPG produces more than 30 original series annually and distributes content across television and streaming platforms in 97 countries. The company’s programming includes educational blocks such as Weekend Adventure on ABC, CBS WKND on CBS, The More You Know on NBC, and One Magnificent Morning on The CW.

For more information, visit www.hmpg.com.

Source: Hearst Media Production Group, LLC

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Food & Beverages VS BRANDS Food & Beverages VS BRANDS

Demi Lovato Joins Caliwater as Brand Partner and Investor

Photo Credit: Caliwater

LOS ANGELES, February 28, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Beverage company Caliwater has announced that musician and actor Demi Lovato has joined as a brand partner, investor, and ambassador.

"I have been a fan of Caliwater for a while now and I am excited to officially partner with the brand. Caliwater is a delicious way to feel good, stay hydrated, and make sure I am getting the electrolytes, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that my body needs to stay healthy," said Lovato.

Caliwater, co-founded by Vanessa Hudgens and Oliver Trevena, is sourced from the prickly pear cactus in the Sonoran Desert. According to the company, its beverage contains naturally occurring electrolytes, antioxidants, and essential nutrients while offering fewer calories and less sugar than coconut water.

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"We’re thrilled to have Demi Lovato join the Caliwater family. Her authentic commitment to health and wellness mirrors what we stand for at Caliwater. Together, we hope to offer consumers better choices in the beverage space, whether that’s choosing a refreshing Caliwater or finding joy in a healthy lifestyle," said Trevena.

The announcement comes ahead of Caliwater’s participation in the 2025 Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, where the company will debut a new can design.

For more information, visit www.drinkcaliwater.com.

Source: Caliwater/The Influence

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Entertainment, Food & Beverages VS BRANDS Entertainment, Food & Beverages VS BRANDS

Rap Snacks Names Hip-Hop Artist Sexyy Red as Brand Ambassador

Rapper Sexyy Red • Photo Credit: Gwendolyn Priestley PR

MIAMI, Fla., February 27, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Snack brand Rap Snacks has announced the addition of hip-hop artist Sexyy Red as its newest brand ambassador. The flavor associated with her brand partnership has not yet been determined, and the company will hold a contest to engage consumers in selecting the new snack.

James Lindsay, Founder and CEO Rap Snacks • Photo Credit: Gwendolyn Priestley PR

“Sexyy Red will be a great addition to our already amazing artist collective. She has a unique energy that we love and appreciate. Rap Snacks is unique, so it makes sense,” said James Lindsay, founder and CEO of Rap Snacks.

Sexyy Red, who gained recognition in 2023 with her single “Proud Town,” shared her enthusiasm for the partnership. “I am thrilled to be joining the Rap Snacks family. I love the snacks and the rawness of the brand. I grew up eating Rap Snacks,” said Sexyy Red.

Rap Snacks will incorporate social media engagement in determining the final flavor selection. “We have very loyal support, and our Rap Snacks community is always involved in our movement with the brand. We want to give the consumer what they want, so having a new artist, we like to get their input,” said Lindsay.

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The new Sexy Red-branded snacks are expected to launch in the spring and will be available nationally at retailers where Rap Snacks are sold.

For more information, visit www.rapsnacks.net.

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Entertainment, Television VS BRANDS Entertainment, Television VS BRANDS

‘Lucky Dog’ Celebrates 300th Episode on CBS

Animal trainer Brandon McMillan hosts "Lucky Dog Reunions" on CBS • Photo Credit: Hearst Media Production Group

NEW YORK, February 26, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Television production company Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) has announced that Lucky Dog, the CBS weekend series focused on dog rescue and training, will air its 300th episode on March 1, 2025. The Emmy-winning series, currently titled Lucky Dog: Reunions, is part of the "CBS WKND" educational and informational programming block.

Since its debut in 2013, Lucky Dog has featured the rescue, rehabilitation, training, and rehoming of more than 200 dogs. The show is hosted by animal trainer Brandon McMillan, who has been with the series since its inception. McMillan has received two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Travel/Children's or Family Viewing Program. The series has earned three Daytime Emmy Awards, 39 Telly Awards, seven Parents' Choice Awards, and five Cynopsis Kids Imagination Awards.

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"Lucky Dog has become a familiar brand audiences trust for pet care insights, presented in an engaging and entertaining way. We are thankful to our fans, our sponsors and the CBS Television Network for helping make this show a success," said Bryan Curb, executive vice president and general manager of education and information programming at HMPG.

HMPG produces over 30 original series annually across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. The company’s program portfolio includes Weekend Adventure on ABC, CBS WKND, The More You Know on NBC, and One Magnificent Morning on The CW.

For more information, visit the official show page here.

Source: Hearst Media Production Group

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Sports, Entertainment VS BRANDS Sports, Entertainment VS BRANDS

Marriott Bonvoy and Courtyard by Marriott Host Jason Kelce Lookalike Challenge for Super Bowl Sleepover Suite

Courtyard Super Bowl Sleepover Suite inside Caesar's Superdome ᐧ Photo Credit: Marriott International, Inc.

BETHESDA, Md., February 5, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Marriott Bonvoy and Courtyard by Marriott organized a Jason Kelce lookalike challenge in New Orleans, awarding a stay in the Courtyard Super Bowl Sleepover Suite inside Caesars Superdome and tickets to Super Bowl LIX.

Five fan duos competed in a citywide search to "Find the Real Jason Kelce," with Maris and Donnovan from Texas winning the prize. The challenge featured 25 Kelce lookalikes across the French Quarter as part of a promotional event ahead of the game.

"The Marriott Bonvoy partnership with the NFL is all about creating incredible opportunities to bring football fans closer to the game they love, and teaming up with Jason Kelce this season helped us to fulfill this promise in new and fun ways for our members. Bringing dozens of Jason Kelce lookalikes down to New Orleans to help select our Courtyard by Marriott Super Bowl Sleepover Suite winner seemed to be the only fitting end to this incredible season, and if you're down in New Orleans, you might just spot one of them running around the French Quarter this weekend!" said Peggy Roe, executive vice president and chief customer officer of Marriott International.

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The Jason Kelce lookalikes will continue appearing around New Orleans throughout Super Bowl week, giving away Marriott Bonvoy and Courtyard by Marriott merchandise, gift cards, and other prizes to fans.

The Courtyard Super Bowl Sleepover Suite, an annual tradition now in its ninth year, transforms a stadium suite into a functioning hotel room. The contest allows one fan duo to stay overnight inside the stadium before the game, making them the first guests inside the venue on game day.

For more information about Marriott Bonvoy experiences, visit moments.marriottbonvoy.com.

Source: Marriott International, Inc.

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