Charity Boo2Bullying’s Celebrity Kickball Game Brings the Heat!

The acclaimed nonprofit Boo2Bullying — providing outreach, mentoring, inspiration and hope to bullied youth and their families celebrated its 2nd Annual Kick Bullying To The Curb, Wellness Festival on Saturday, September 28 at the Palm Springs Power Stadium.  

The day began with Boo2Bullying and Community Partner organizations hosting information tables/booths and family-friendly activities, DJ, face-painting for children.  Festival-goers were also be treated to a “Petting Zoo and Cool Critters” show by the Mobile Zoo of Southern California and free hot dogs, nachos, icy lemonade and more at the ultra-fun Blue Truck Mobile Snack Bar and the Atomic Game Truck.

Notably, Boo2Bullying’s event was sponsored by City of Palm Springs, with presenting sponsor James MacMillan and BIGHORN Cares Foundation with media sponsorship from Gurus Magazine.

Matt Dallas with his husband Blue Hamilton, and their children, Rosa Ray and Crow, hold up Dallas’ Gurus Magazine Cover at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Additional sponsors included Contour Dermatology, Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Lori and Aubrey Serfling, The Bianco Group, David Perry and Associates, PS HOMEBOYS, CaliWater, The Influence, Palm Springs Unified School District, City of Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Department, Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, First Tee-Coachella Valley, Palm Springs Cheer Squad, and Transgender Health & Wellness Center, and Gay For Good.

PSHS Indians Cheer Squad pumps up the crowd at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

At high noon, the action shifted to the Palm Springs Power Stadium field where the Palm Springs High School Indians Cheer Squad welcomed everyone to compete in Boo2Bullying’s “2nd Annual Kick Bullying to the Curb” game. Significantly, America’s Got Talent fan favorite, Brian Justin Crum sang the national anthem to everyone’s delight.

AGT’s Brian Justin Crum sings the National Anthem at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Then the game was on! It was Team Hollywood versus Team Palm Springs kicking bullying to the curb with commentary from former Miss West Coast, Tala Zoukari, with producer and actor, Kent Burns.

Jy Prishkulnik rocks her new Freshy sneakers and Visto Visor as a part of Team Hollywood at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game in Palm Springs

Shaka Smith runs onto the field for Team Hollywood at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Team Hollywood was comprised of Matt Dallas (Kyle XY), Jy Prishkulnik (Monster High), Anthony Bless (Ruthless), Miia Harris (Monster High), Lauryn Speights (The Good Place), Shaka Smith (Actor), Charlie Chung (Martial Artist), Anthony Keegan-Brown, Mike Keegan-Brown, with Derek Warburton (Publisher) as team captain.

Anthony Bless pitches Team Hollywood at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Miia Harris runs for first base at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Team Palm Springs was comprised of local community leaders including: Team Captain was Tony Signoret (Superintendent at Palm Springs Unified School District), Ellen Goodman (Foundation Director-FOUNDATION OF PALM SPRINGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT), Mike Ventura (Principal of Palm Springs High School) Marian Bouchot (Digital Media Specialist at Palm Springs Unified School District), David Rios (Interior Designer), Art Sanchez (Vice Principal of Palm Springs High School), and Carmen Vargas (Palm Springs High School Softball League Coach).

Shaka Grey of Team Palm Springs kicks the ball at Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Both Teams took to the field in jerseys made by Kid Dangerous, visors by Visto Visors, and the latest Freshy sneakers, as Freshy was one of the presenting sponsors of this fantastic event.

Since Team Palm Springs had the home field advantage, it is no surprise they snagged the victory with a winning score of 6 to 2.

Although the fun did not stop there. Following the kickball game, local store, PS Homeboys & Freshy sneakers hosted an unforgettable after party that celebrated all the wonderful work Boo2bullying has done and continues to do.

Shaka Smith and Shaka Grey celebrate Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game at the official Freshy After Party at PS Homeboys in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Jy Prishkulnik and Miia Harris celebrate Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game at the official Freshy After Party at PS Homeboys in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

Chiefly, everyone involved had an unforgettable weekend in Palm Springs filled with laughter, camaraderie, and fun — all for a great cause.

Derek Warburton, Dimitri Halkidis, & Scott Willman celebrate Boo2Bullying’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Kickball Game at the official Freshy After Party at PS Homeboys in Palm Springs Photo Credit: Tadd Dorazio

The mission of Boo2Bullying is to provide outreach, mentoring, inspiration and hope to bullied youth and their families.  The nonprofit organization founded in 2013 provides free programs in schools and community organization settings and online over social media platforms.  Mental health is enhanced when children and teens feel empowered, build their self-esteem, realize they are not alone, and discover that they have a voice and are capable of standing against bullying to create positive change.

For information about scheduling a Boo2Bullying program in your school or community organization, contact Dimitri Halkidis at dimitrihalkidis@boo2bullying.org.