Life is good has received many memorable and moving letters over the years from people who feel a special bond with our products and the simple, optimistic messages they carry. This has been especially true of people who face great adversity. Providing hope and relief in a time of adversity was the motivation for Life is good's first significant fundraising effort following the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
The public's overwhelming response to our American flag tees enabled us to make a $207,000 donation to the United Way on behalf of families whose loved ones were victims of the terrorist attacks. That experience enabled us to see more clearly the opportunity to have a sustained, positive impact through charitable giving. Good, old-fashioned outdoor festivals seemed just right for our brand and our values.
We held our first fundraising festival in Portland, Maine in October, 2003. Thousands enjoyed the day, and over $52,000 was raised for nearby Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
On October 21, 2006 more than 100,000 people attended the Life is good Pumpkin Festival in Boston and helped set a new world record for carved, lit pumpkins. Combined fundraising that day in Boston and at Festivals in 7 different states: a whopping $590,000 for kids in need.
On July 7, 2007, a playful crowd enjoyed Life is good at Fenway, a unique celebration of good old-fashioned summer fun and Americana at Fenway Park, the nation's best-loved ballpark. Together, we hit one out of the park — our biggest fundraiser ever, with a total of $802,636 raised for kids.
The Little Brand That Could took its festival train to four great cities in 2009: San Francisco, Boston, Toronto, and St. Charles, MO. We continued to step up our music with amazing shows from Brett Dennen, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Martin Sexton, Julian Marley, ALO, and more. Thousands joined our fundraising Good Walks for Kids and thousands more played dozens of games sprawled across the green grass and contributed to our colossal Art for All Murals.
To date, more than 300,000 people have enjoyed our Festivals and helped us raise more than $4 million for the Life is good Kids Foundation. We're building great memories, but we've only just begun. Our goal is to continue to keep our Festivals fresh, raise the bar on unique outdoor fun and music for all ages, and provide more and more funds to kids in need.
The Life is good Kids Foundation was established to wisely and effectively distribute all money raised nationally through Life is good Festivals to the best organizations serving children facing unfair challenges. For more on our Foundation, click here.