MTV and United Way to Host ASB

New York, NY (January 14, 2013) -- MTV is partnering with United Way and mtvU, the network’s 24-hour college channel, to host “Spring Fix,” an alternative spring break, in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Beginning today, students can apply to be one of the 50 young people MTV will bring to the New York / New Jersey area to help rebuild communities devastated by the storm. “Spring Fix,” will kick-off on Sunday, March 17 and culminate on Saturday, March 23 with a special concert at Six Flags Great Adventure.  MTV cameras will be on the ground capturing all the “Spring Fix” activities, and the network expects celebrities, politicians and more to stop in and take part.  All of the “Spring Fix” coverage will air during a special “Spring Break” themed week on MTV, mtvU and MTV2.

 

“We’re thrilled to partner with our audience and United Way to provide desperately needed help to communities in need following Hurricane Sandy,” said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV.  “These young people are skipping the typical spring break parties to give back, and we’re honored to spotlight their work across our network.” 

 

To thank the 50 students for their service and raise funds for the United Way, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey will host a “Spring Fix” concert on Saturday, March 23, 2013, the season opening of the Park.  Six Flags guests will also have a chance to attend the concert, and a portion of the proceeds from that day will be donated to United Way.  Additional details on the “Spring Fix” concert and performers will be announced at a later date. 

 

“Six Flags is incredibly proud to partner with MTV and The United Way to participate in this national spring break benefit program, driving awareness and assistance to those in need from Superstorm Sandy,” said David McKillips, SVP of Corporate Alliances at Six Flags Entertainment.

 

College students interested in participating in “Spring Fix” can submit applications online today through January 28, 2013 at Springbreak.MTV.com.   Travel and accommodations will be covered for the 50 students selected.  Young people who are unable to join but want to get involved will be able to find additional service opportunities at SpringBreak.MTV.com or at Serve.MTV.com.  

 

MTV’s “Spring Fix” efforts are a continuation of the sustained effort by MTV to help rebuild Seaside Heights, New Jersey, and other areas devastated by Sandy.  In November 2012, dozens of stars, artists and organizations joined with MTV for an hour-long fundraising special, “Restore the Shore,” which helped raise desperately needed aid to help rebuild the heart of the Jersey Shore. Additionally, MTV partnered with Omaze.com to let viewers bid on six different experiences – from tickets to the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards to a Manicure with Snooki – as part of a raffle with proceeds going to Architecture for Humanity’s seaside rebuilding fund. 

 

“People who experience a disaster like Hurricane Sandy face major challenges, like disruptions to their education, loss of income and even health risks.  This project will shine a light on young people who are doing something about it and hopefully inspire many others to join us,” said Edwin Goutier who oversees Student United Way.

 

In 2006, MTV partnered to host the first ever United Way Alternative Spring Break, with students from around the country trading the typical beach parties and nights out to go to communities in the Gulf Coast to help with long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina.  United Way Alternative Spring Break has offered thousands of young people the opportunity to do meaningful service since inception. 

 

For more information or to get involved, go to Springbreak.MTV.com. 

 

About MTV:

MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand.   With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people.  MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile.  MTV’s sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is the leading destination for music, news and pop culture.  MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com.

 

About mtvU

Broadcast to more than 750 college campuses and via top cable distributors in 700 college communities nationwide, mtvU reaches nearly 9 million U.S. college students – making it the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, mtvU can be seen in the dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses throughout the U.S., as well as on cable systems from Charter Communications, Verizon FiOS TV, Suddenlink Communications, AT&T u-Verse and nearly 70 others. mtvU is dedicated to every aspect of college life, reaching students everywhere they are: on-air, online and on campus. mtvU programs music videos from emerging artists that can’t be seen anywhere else, news, student life features and initiatives that give college students the tools to advance positive social change. mtvU is always on campus, with hundreds of events per year, including exclusive concerts, giveaways, shooting mtvU series and more. For more information about mtvU, and a complete programming schedule, visit www.mtvU.com.

 

About United Way:

United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.UnitedWay.org.

 

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation:

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit sixflags.com.

 

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