Disney Star and Recording Artist Bridgit Mendler and Kids Across America Kick Off Save the Children's #BabySitIn Volunteer Campaign in Nation's Capital

Disney Star and Recording Artist Bridgit Mendler and Kids Across America Kick Off Save the Children's #BabySitIn Volunteer Campaign in Nation's Capital

Save the Children's newly inducted artist ambassador launches a volunteer project to engage teens in helping babies get a strong and healthy start

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Actress and platinum-selling recording artist Bridgit Mendler has teamed up with Save the Children to launch #BabySitIn, a volunteer campaign for teens to help babies in the United States and around the world get a healthy start. Known for her star role on the Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie series, Mendler is also a youth advocate and has become the newest artist ambassador for Save the Children, the organization announced today.

"I am so excited to launch the #BabySitIn campaign with Save the Children, especially because it empowers kids to change the world by helping other kids," said Mendler, who made the announcement on April 8 and will be talking more about it in front of teens from across the country during Save the Children's annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.. "It's an easy way for kids to help little ones everywhere get a healthy start and an opportunity to learn just by doing something they do most weekends anyway."

Mendler is calling on all babysitters to hold a #BabySitIn between Mother's Day on May 11 and Father's Day on June 15. Here is how a #BabySitIn works: a teen volunteers his/her babysitting time to a family; the family gives a donation to Save the Children in the babysitter's name; and Save the Children uses that donation to help the world's babies and toddlers. Then, everyone spreads the word through social media. To get involved, visit: www.savethechildren.org\BabySitIn.

After seeing first-hand Save the Children's education, health and nutrition programs in the mountainous region of El Quiche, Guatemala, last month, and early learning activities in California's Central Valley last fall, Bridgit became an avid supporter of the organization and advocate for issues affecting children.

"We are thrilled to have Bridgit on board. Her passion for helping children truly came through when she met with families and kids during her visits to the remote communities in the deserts of California and Guatemala's western highlands," said Carolyn Miles, Save the Children's president and CEO. "We encourage Bridgit's fans and students around the country to get involved, hold a #BabySitIn and show that you care about kids everywhere!"

In addition to Mendler, key speakers at Save the Children's Advocacy Summit on April 8 and 9 include Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Congressman Richard Hanna (R-NY), Andrea Mitchell of MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports, Cokie Roberts of ABC and NPR, and CNN's Kevin Madden and Stephanie Cutter.

Designed to encourage youth across America to become advocates for children around the globe, Save the Children's Advocacy Summit is broadcast live online from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. EST on April 8 and from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. EST on April 9. To view the live stream, visit: www.savethechildren.org/virtual-summit.

Save the Childrenis the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Follow us onTwitterand Facebook.

Media Contact
Ajla Grozdanic,202.251.5859, agrozdanic@savechildren.org
Eileen Burke, 203.216.0718, eburke@savechildren.org

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Related Links:
#BabySitIn volunteer campaign
Save the Children

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SOURCE Save the Children

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Video:http://youtu.be/8nPz4_d00kw
Save the Children

Web Site: http://www.savethechildren.org


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