October 8, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angela Ardolf
[email protected] | 952-838-9000
YouTube Sensation Bethany Mota joins PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and Viktor’s Quest to S.T.O.P. Bullying at Mall of America® Oct. 20
Together Against Bullying Day is presented by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, with cosponsors the Minnesota Vikings, HopeLine from Verizon, and Mall of America
Minneapolis: October is National Bullying Prevention Month, which was started by PACER Center in 2006, and YouTube sensation Bethany Mota will help mark the occasion Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Mall of America (MOA) during PACER’s Together Against Bullying Day. Mota, who has more than 8 million subscribers on her YouTube channel and has been featured in “TIME Magazine,” on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and numerous other major media outlets, will share her personal experiences with bullying and participate in a Q&A session with 300 fans.
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center is joining with the Minnesota Vikings and HopeLine® from Verizon to host several activities during the day at the Rotunda in Mall of America. Viktor’s Quest to S.T.O.P. Bullying is an interactive, educational bullying prevention assembly that features Viktor, the Official Mascot of the Minnesota Vikings, and an emcee live. The program includes interactive call-in guests featuring Blair Walsh (Minnesota Vikings Player), Paul Allen (Vikings Radio Network), and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. There will be two presentations in the Rotunda for students from Hilltop Elementary of Inver Grove Heights.
“Bethany’s story has impacted countless teens around the world, and we are thrilled that she is coming to Mall of America to share it with her fans in Minnesota,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. “She has been an outstanding partner of PACER’s bullying prevention efforts through her school speaking tour, Inspiring Change, and the positive messages she shares with millions of followers on social media.”
October 20 schedule of events:
- 6:00 a.m.: Wristband distribution for Bethany Mota presentation – Rotunda
Mall of America staff will distribute 300 wristbands for Bethany’s presentation - 10:00 a.m.: Viktor’s Quest to S.T.O.P. Bullying Show #1 – Rotunda
Audience is Kindergarten through second grade students from Hilltop Elementary - 1:00 p.m.: Viktor’s Quest to S.T.O.P. Bullying Show #2: Rotunda
Audience is third to fifth grade students from Hilltop Elementary - 6:00 p.m.: PACER Center and HopeLine from Verizon programming, and Bethany Mota Q&A – Rotunda. Bethany will share her personal story and answer questions from fans.
- 6:30 p.m.: Photographs with Bethany Mota (individuals with wristbands only) – Rotunda
MEDIA ADVISORY
For more details on Bethany Mota’s media availability, and to arrange private interviews, please contact Angela Ardolf ([email protected], or 952-838-9000)
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About PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Founded in 2006, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center actively leads social change, so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood rite of passage. PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students. PACER offers tools to address bullying in schools, the community, and online. For more information, visit PACER.org/bullying or call (952) 838-9000 or (888) 248-0822 (national toll free).
About Bethany Mota: In only five years, YouTube sensation Bethany Mota has become one of the most recognizable names in the world. Today, Bethany’s YouTube channel has over 8 million subscribers. Bethany’s popularity and entrepreneurship in the digital space has garnered notice from a number of top outlets, including TIME magazine where she was named as one of the most influential teens in 2014. She regularly travels across the globe to mentor and help build other social networks. With no signs of slowing down, Bethany kicked off 2015 with an interview with President Obama after his State of the Union address, which was viewed by millions around the world.
About Viktor’s Quest to S.T.O.P. Bullying: “Viktor’s Quest to S.T.O.P Bullying” is an interactive, educational bullying prevention assembly that features Viktor, the Official Mascot of the Minnesota Vikings, and an emcee LIVE at schools in Minnesota. The program includes interactive call-in guests featuring Blair Walsh (Minnesota Vikings Player), Paul Allen (Vikings Radio Network), and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. For more information on the program visit vikings.com/stopbullying.
About HopeLine from Verizon: Verizon is a recognized corporate leader for its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue. Promoting healthy relationships is part of the company’s prevention efforts. HopeLine from Verizon puts the nation’s most reliable wireless network to work in the community by collecting no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider and turning them into support for domestic violence victims. For more information on how you can donate visit verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
About Mall of America®: Mall of America is the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.87 million square feet, the Mall is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor family theme park; EMS Entertainment Exhibit Center; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Hard Rock Café; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America, a 14-screen movie theater with digital projection including 4K, digital sound and 3D capabilities; Radisson Blu Mall of America, a 500-room hotel connected by skyway to Mall of America The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Mall is currently undergoing an expansion project on all three levels on the north side. The expansion will include a 342-room JW Marriott hotel, office tower, high-end retailers, new dining options, a tourist welcome center and large event space. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.
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