This summer, Project Sunshine is proud to celebrate an exciting new partnership with Mattel, a global leader in play and imagination, for our annual Summer Solstice Play-A-Thon.
They have joined with us to amplify our mission of delivering the healing power of play to children and families who need it most.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
Mattel, whose iconic brands have inspired generations through creativity and play, brings a natural alignment to our mission. We both understand that play is more than just fun—it’s essential to personal well-being, connection, resilience and healing.
“Play has the power to transform moments of fear and uncertainty into joy, confidence, and connection,” said Project Sunshine CEO, Meg Moloney. “Our partnership with Mattel allows us an even bigger opportunity to deliver meaningful play experiences to children and families during some of their most challenging times.”
Similarly, Mattel has embraced this collaboration as part of their Play it Forward initiative. This philanthropic program operates under the belief every child has a fundamental right to play, and they leverage their resources to partner with nonprofits to bring this mission to life.
“At Mattel, we believe play isn’t just fun—it’s essential,” said Nancy Molenda, Vice President of Philanthropy and Global Corporate Events, Mattel. “Through our Play It Forward mission, we’re proud to partner with Project Sunshine to help deliver joy, comfort, and connection to children facing medical challenges. We’re especially excited to bring the power of play to the Summer Solstice—the longest day of play—creating even more moments of joy for children and families when it matters most.”
Bringing Play to Life
The centerpiece of this partnership will come to life at The Mattel Store in their El Segundo, CA, global headquarters. Visitors to the store throughout the month of June will be greeted with vibrant graphics and a “sunshine” path the brings them to the Play-A-Thon display where they can learn more about the healing power of play. They can then pick up their “prescription for play” mystery bags that offer benefits like Togetherness, Silliness, Wonder and Adventure. These blind bags range from $1 - $20 and feature some of Mattel’s most iconic brands.
In addition to this special display, other Mattel store locations around the country are generously offering a register round-up opportunity designed to support the fundraising initiative that brings much needed materials to pediatric patients across the US.
Join the Movement
The Summer Solstice Play-A-Thon is more than an event—it’s a movement to bring joy and a sense of normalcy to children facing medical challenges which may not have the opportunity to just be a kid. By harnessing the power of play, Project Sunshine and Mattel are at the forefront of a movement to show how joy can be a powerful form of healing.
Help us spread the healing power of PLAY! It's not too late to join our Summer Solstice Play-A-Thon. You can attend one of our events and sign up your team today to make this the longest—and most meaningful—day of play yet.
