KIDS FIRST! News

We’re excited to share updates on our year-end fundraising campaign. In August, we set a goal of raising $55,000, and thanks to your generous support, we’ve already reached $37,736 – which is 69% of our goal!

We need your help to reach our final goal of $55,000. KIDS FIRST! needs your support!

Your donation will directly support our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program, empowering young people to become the next generation of media leaders.

Inspiring Stories from Our Alumni

We’re thrilled to share the stories of three talented KIDS FIRST! alumni:

• Ryan Rivera: A former KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Ryan’s passion for film led him to Connecticut College, where he’s actively involved in award-winning film projects.
• Talia Jacnuk: Talia’s experience with KIDS FIRST! ignited her love for filmmaking. She’s currently pursuing her passion at USC and working on various media projects.
• Carlee Spagnolo: A recent KIDS FIRST! alumna, Carlee is studying Environmental Science and hopes to combine her love for film with her passion for environmental issues.

At KIDS FIRST!, we don’t just train young minds – we launch careers. We transform enthusiastic tweens and teens into media professionals – future journalists, YouTubers, influencers, and beyond.

But it’s more than just titles. We give them real-world experience through interviews with industry talent, both on and off-screen. From filmmakers to actors, they learn the ropes and prepare for their future, whether it’s in entertainment or not.

The skills they gain are invaluable: meeting deadlines, crafting clear communication, and captivating audiences online and in person. These are skills that benefit them in any field they choose.

We need your support!

Your contribution helps us continue this crucial work. We’re nearing our year-end goal, which unlocks matching donations from generous supporters.

Every contribution counts! Whether online, through PayPal, Venmo, or a mailed check, your generosity makes a difference. Donate now: https://fnd.us/kidsfirst?ref=sh_bCo1e4

Thank you for believing in the power of young voices. Wishing you a joyful fall and holiday season!

Sincerely,

Ranny and the KIDS FIRST! Team

@kidsfirstmedia

Ryan M. Invites you to support KIDS FIRST! Film Critics.

♬ original sound – Kidsfirstmedia – Kidsfirstmedia

The 12^th annual Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Initiated in 2012 by Henry Timms at the 92^nd Street Y in New York City and co-founded by the United Nations Foundation, Giving Tuesday was created as a simple idea: to encourage people to do good.

This year, more than ever, KIDS FIRST! needs your support!

For 33 years, KIDS FIRST! has been encouraging young people to do good – for themselves and for others. Since 1991, we have been teaching kids critical viewing skills and to sharing their film reviews with other kids and adults. Rather give young people a list of suitable programs considered safe for them, they learn to make their own thoughtful media choices. After all, “smart kids make smart consumers.” With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices. https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal

In 2011, we launched KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program and created an opportunity for tweens and teens to have their voices heard about their take on the latest films and TV shows being released. More than 400 kids have participated in this program and, not only have they have shared their reviews with millions of parents, teachers, grandparents, and children worldwide, they have developed their career skills while doing it. Our alumni has spoken up about how their experiences as a KIDS FIRST! reporter influenced their career moves. Here are comments from two of them:

1. There are SO many positive memories I have from KIDS FIRST! My first one is when I auditioned on the DreamWorks lot and the Trolls premiere was happening that day. Seeing Ranny explain the movie and television business and hearing the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics explain how this passion changed their lives made me feel inspired, empowered and made me feel like I could achieve my dreams. Audition day changed my life and made me realize KIDS FIRST! was the key for me to discover my confidence and my true potential. (Samantha Marcus)
2. My time at KIDS FIRST! was the most influential period of my life. I joined when I was 13 with a speech impediment and no experience in the film industry. Thankfully, Ranny Levy took me under her wing. From exciting private screenings to unforgettable red carpet events, KIDS FIRST! gave me opportunities that I could only dream of. I learned how to be a professional presenter and a conscientious writer. My education at KIDS FIRST! was intensive but never patronizing because KIDS FIRST! sees the limitless potential in children and pushes them to be the best they can be.  (Keefer Blakeslee)

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we invite you to help us “Do Good” and reach millions of parents and kids looking for guidance in their media selections. Thankfully our success is due to the generous donations from supporters like you who believe in KIDS FIRST!, the work we do, and the community we impact.

We set a goal of $55,000 for our end of year campaign and broke it into two parts; the first part was to raise $25,000, which we surpassed by $5,000. For part 2, we need to raise the last $25,000 and are asking for your support. Not just you personally, but help us spread the word to your friends and family. See if your employer makes matching gifts for donations that you make. Many do. No amount is too small or too big! If everyone that receives this newsletter made a $5 donation, that would be $225,000!

Your gifts to KIDS FIRST! make a difference. You help us change lives, engage youth in career-building activities, expand the awareness of cultural understanding, environmental responsibility and gender and racial equity.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

The KIDS FIRST! Team

Dear Friends,

A Matching Gift Opportunity: I am thrilled to announce a $25,000 matching gift to KIDS FIRST! This means every dollar you donate will be doubled, up to $25,000.

The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media (CQCM), home to the KIDS FIRST! Film Critic program and KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, is seeking your support to bridge a critical funding gap between now and the end of the year.

We have a matching opportunity!  An anonymous donor will match your donation, up to $25,000.  This means your gift will have twice the impact on empowering young media consumers.

Since 1991, KIDS FIRST! has been at the forefront of media literacy, empowering young people to become discerning media consumers. Our unique approach centers on the voices of children, providing them with a platform to review films as they develop essential life skills. We have a team of 65 kids, ages 9 through 22, who attend press screenings, press junkets and film premieres. They review the latest films rated PG13 or younger and interview celebrities. Their reviews reach over 5 million people every week through the KIDS FIRST! website, blogs, social media and partnerships with like-minded publications. As one alumna, Samantha Marcus, recently told us:

“I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego with a BA inInternational Business. My journey toward the entertainment industry began with a pivotal role at KIDS FIRST! in 2016, where I worked as a radio show host and film critic. This rewarding experience provided me with a unique glimpse into the entertainment world, sparking my passion for marketing and business within this vibrant field. Witnessing Ranny Levy’s remarkable leadership and success at KIDS FIRST! deeply inspired me, positively shaping my professional path, encouraging me to find my voice and make the world a better place. 

Additionally, KIDS FIRST! curates a collection of indie and student films that we provide to film festivals, children’s museums and others that host screenings for youth and families. We have 30+ partners all across the US, plus 4 international partners in Ukraine, Pakistan, Uganda and India. These festivals focus on deep cultural, environmental and sociological issues such as environmental solutions, cross-cultural understanding, and empowering marginalized communities. Our festival screenings will reach over 500,000 kids and parents in 2025.

The young people we work with are truly remarkable. They aren’t just talking about making a difference; they’re doing it. I thought that you would resonate with the goals of this organization and be honored to help support its cause.

Become a partner!  Help us double our impact!  Donate today and have your gift matched, up to $25,000 at https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal. Alternatively, you can send a check to the address below.

Your donation supports:

• KIDS FIRST! Film Critics: Empowering young voices, reaching millions.
• KIDS FIRST! Film Festival: Inspiring change through film, reaching half a million.
• Education: Training the next generation of media critics and advocates.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

SKIDS FIRST! Team

Dear Friends,

For 33 years, KIDS FIRST! has been at the forefront of empowering young people to become critical media consumers. Our programs equip kids and their parents with the tools to discern age-appropriate content and make informed choices.

@kidsfirstmedia

Help support KIDS FIRST. Make a donation at https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirst global

♬ original sound – Kidsfirstmedia

Central to our mission is the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program. Our team of 65 dedicated young reporters, ages 9 to 22, immerse themselves in the world of film, attending press screenings, junkets, and red carpet events. They review the latest PG-13 and under-rated films, interview celebrities, and share their insights with over 5 million people through our website, social media, and partner publications.

Today, we are at a critical junction. To sustain and grow these impactful programs, we need your support. As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we’re asking for your help to fuel our mission. While our young reporters volunteer their time, our dedicated staff – responsible for training, coaching, editing, and promoting their work – requires financial support.

Another cornerstone of KIDS FIRST! is our Film Festival. We curate a collection of inspiring films that promote pro-social values, cultural understanding, environmental responsibility, and gender and racial equity. We have successfully co-hosted screenings with 30 venues across the USA and worldwide, including the Atlanta Children’s Film Festival, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Tallgrass Film Festival, Phoenix Film Festival, Peoria Film Festival plus partners in Ukraine, Pakistan, Uganda and India where we will reach over 500,000 youth and families in 2025.

Our goal is to cultivate a generation of informed and conscientious consumers. We measure our success not by awards, but by the positive impact we have on young lives. As we celebrate our 33rd Anniversary, we invite you to join us in shaping the future by making a donation of $33, $330, or $3300. https://fundrazr.com/kidsfirstglobal

Your donation supports:

• KIDS FIRST! Film Critics: Empowering young voices, reaching millions.
• KIDS FIRST! Film Festival: Inspiring change through film, reaching half a million.
• Education: Training the next generation of media critics and advocates.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

KIDS FIRST! Team

As the year comes to an end, remember that your donation is tax deductible; so, rather than send your hard earned dollars to the government, you can decide how to make a difference in the lives of children nationwide. How can we tell you how much your support means for KIDS FIRST! It really makes a difference because without your support, we would not have a program. We still have just a bit over $3,000 to raise, so please keep spreading the word – we are so close now!

Launched in 2012, KIDS FIRST! Film Critics is the only program that teaching tweens and teens to become entertainment reporters. Their reviews and interviews are shared reviews with other kids, teachers, parents and grandparents. At the same time, they are developing lifelong skills in writing, presentation and on-camera appearances. We are teaching a community of young creatives build skills and develop relationships in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Our alumni have shared how their experience as KIDS FIRST! reporters affected them in college and as young professionals. Check out Keefer Carteen‘s story below. Keefer was a member of our team from 2013 to 2021, is a 2022 college graduate and now fully employed in the entertainment business.

If you were to make a “statement of support” about what you gained from your KIDS FIRST! experience, something that you would like to tell potential benefactors or media industry professionals, what would that look like?

I learned how to express my passion for films in a clear and concise way through my video reviews. As a writer, they pushed me to analyze what makes a good film and how media influences our youth. KIDS FIRST! gave me a voice when I felt my opinion as a kid didn’t matter.

My time at KIDS FIRST! was the most influential period of my life. I joined when I was 13 with a speech impediment and no experience in the film industry. Thankfully, Ranny Levy took me under her wing. From exciting private screenings to unforgettable red carpet events, KIDS FIRST! gave me opportunities that I could only dream of. Under the tutelage of Ranny Levy, I learned how to be a professional presenter and a conscientious writer. My education at KIDS FIRST! was intensive but never patronizing because Ranny sees the limitless potential in children and pushes them to be the best they can be. 

What are you currently doing related to school, film, media and/or the entertainment business?

I recently earned my BA in Practical Filmmaking at MET Film School in Ealing, London. Still residing in London, I’m pursuing a career as a director/writer/producer. I’ve worked on feature films, high end commercials and award winning short films. My most recent accomplishment was being a Production Manager for the Short Film Last Call Starring Tom Holland and Lindsay Duncan which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival.  With every project I still use the same communication skills that KIDS FIRST! equipped me with. 

Can you share one or more memories of your experience as a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic that you fondly remember and something that affected your life – in terms of your college experience, your professional work or just your own self esteem?

My fondest memory in my life was because of KIDS FIRST! Mel Brooks is my comedy hero and when he was presented his AFI Life Achievement award, it was Ranny Levy that gave me the chance to interview my hero. On the red carpet Mr. Brooks came forward and shook my hand. His warm smile and energetic nature overwhelmed me. I was able to ask him one question about why he wanted to be a filmmaker. He listed off the comedy legends that inspired him; Marx Brothers, Ritz Brothers, etc. and he said “Comedy, that’s the way to go kid! To this day I keep that memory in my heart. Writing this made me very nostalgic. I truly miss you. 

Cruising memory lane, here’s one of my favorite reviews of Keefer’s:

At KIDS FIRST!, we strive to give the young people we work with the best possible experience as we introduce them not just the latest films, but to key players in the entertainment business. And, as much as they benefit from this, they also impact millions of people who read and watch their reviews and interviews as well – making them more conscientious media users.

Additionally, their help in curating films for our KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals has reached new heights this year as live film festivals return and virtual ones remain robust. This fall we programmed for 5 festivals – 3 in the US, one in Pakistan and one in Ukraine. The Ukraine event was particularly uplifting as educators there wanted to provide positive activities for kids who are living in a country that is at war. We couldn’t do this work without the valuable contribution of our young reporters as festival jurors.

That’s why we are asking you to continue to support KIDS FIRST! with a donation of any amount you are comfortable with. Our goal is to raise $15,000 with this campaign. Every penny will go to support the KIDS FIRST! program so we can share their authentic film reviews with the world and positively affect the way kids and families absorb media.

Here’s a story from Harmony: https://www.kidsfirst.org/about-us/KFFC.Bio.HarmonyMakhfi.html

And one more from Samantha: https://www.kidsfirst.org/about-us/KFFC.Bio.SamanthaMarcus.html

You can donate here: https://fnd.us/kidsfirst?ref=sh_bCo1e4 or, you can mail us a check.

Thank you in advance for your generosity,

Ranny and the KIDS FIRST! team