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HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — For the fifth year in a row, M&M’s is partnering with Red Nose Day to help America come together to raise money for children in need. In support of the campaign, this year the brand is working with Covenant House Newark, a beneficiary of Red Nose Day, to encourage local young people to find their own comedic voice.
Building on last year’s successful program in Chicago, M&M’s is enlisting coaches from popular improv comedy troupe, Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City, to help teach local young people served by Covenant House New Jersey in Newark how to use laughter as a tool to share their stories. The trainings will culminate with a final performance in front of an audience of media, influencers, family, friends and the local community at The Prudential Center on Monday, May 13, in an event titled, “Step Up to the Mic: An Evening of Comedy with M&M’s In Support of Red Nose Day.” Newark-based comedian, Justin Williams, will serve as the emcee and performers from Upright Citizens Brigade will be on hand to add even more fun to the evening.
“M&M’s were first manufactured in Newark and the city is extremely special to us as we prepare to come home with Mars Wrigley Confectionery’s U.S. headquarters opening here next year,” said Allison Miazga-Bedrick, brand director, M&M’s. “The M&M’s characters have been making people laugh for years and, like Red Nose Day, we know the power and importance of laughter, so together we’re excited to bring that to Newark this year.”
M&M’s will be donating over $1 million to the Red Nose Day Fund this year, resulting in more than $8 million dollars since the beginning of the partnership to support programs that ensure children in need are safe, healthy and educated, both in the U.S. and around the world. One of the nonprofit organizations that benefits from Red Nose Day funds is Covenant House, which provides a safe place and support for homeless youth and teens.
To support Red Nose Day pick up one of the five new Red Noses at your local Walgreens and post a photo wearing it to your social channels using #NosesOn, donate or make an even bigger impact by starting your own fundraiser. You can also purchase select M&M’s products at Walgreens that support the cause.
Red Nose Day is Thursday, May 23. The annual fundraising campaign will culminate in a night of primetime programming on NBC at 8/7c, including a special Red Nose Day edition of “Hollywood Game Night” hosted by Jane Lynch, in partnership with M&M’S, and the fifth annual “Red Nose Day Special,” featuring great comedy, music and compelling films shedding light on children in need.
Red Nose Day came to the United States in 2015, bringing Americans together to have fun, raise money and help change the lives of children in need. Through the generosity of millions of supporters, Red Nose Day has raised nearly $150 million over its first four years, benefitting over 16 million children and young people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and some of the most underserved communities in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
