Throughout our leadup to the parade as well as during the parade broadcast, you are going to hear a lot about Christmas is Not Cancelled. It’s about purchasing toys for children in need, and they partner directly with Childhelp, Toys for Tots, and Project Orphans.
The concept is pretty simple, with the results being extraordinary.
When you contribute to Christmas is Not Cancelled, the organization purchases toys which are given to children in need. While doing so, you earn entries into sweepstakes. The prizes are amazing (which we’ll mention in a second), and we do have to say our favorite in the Thanksgiving Parade Experience!
The organization is able to make the toy purchases in bulk – allowing Christmas in Not Cancelled to provide children of all ages with toys and books. Their bulk purchasing power means they’re able to buy more toys than you or I could buy for the same amount of money, meaning our contributions go a longer way here than on our own! In just over two-and-a-half years, they have achieved over $1 million in giving impact.
Ale Boggiano (left) and Jen Lilley (right)
Jen Lilley, host of this year’s parade , and Ale Boggiano came together to form Christmas is Not Cancelled after coming to the conclusion that the charitable fundraising model is broken and outdated. Non-profits have limited budgets and lots to accomplish.
“I am beyond thrilled to be hosting the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade and Christmas Is Not Cancelled, Inc is honored to partner with such an incredible event steeped in rich history and tradition,” stated Jen Lilley. “We love the wonderful people of Chicago and all across the United States who are helping provide gifts to children who need them most this holiday season so that Christmas Is Not Cancelled! And who knows, maybe someone from the great city of Chicago will win the Ultimate Christmas by helping our mission!”
Christmas is Not Cancelled has become a series of giving campaigns featuring family-friendly celebrities and community building. The, along with a community of world changers, come together to spread Christmas cheer all year long.
“Our goal is to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for all ! We do this by bringing joy to people at home during the holidays through our Christmas University program and by giving amazing toys to children in need so we can make their Christmas special. This year we have a goal of 25,000 toys going to Toys for Tots, Childhelp and Project Orphans,” stated Ale Boggiano.
They hold two fundraisers during the year to build community and keep the program going. They have tangible goals (backpacks with school supplies during Camp Christmas and toys during Christmas University) and give 10% of the price of these programs (as well as all of the merchandise donated) to the non-profits listed above.
Some of the prizes (and when you can win them) include:
- Thanksgiving Experience
Win the chance to join Jesse Hutch and Jen Lilley in Chicago as they host the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. VIP tickets, premium seating, 2 nights at a premium hotel, $500 airfare credit
Entry Period: October 30 – November 5 - Christmas in the Desert
Enter to win a 2-night stay at the luxurious Amara Resort & Spa in Sedona, AZ, breakfast with Cindy Busby, and a $500 airfare credit
Entry Period: November 6 – 12 - Christmas in the South
Win a Stay at the Cheerful Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, TN, including Dinner with Danica McKellar and Jen Lilly, and a $500 airfar credit
Entry Period: November 20 – 26
To find out more information and all of the sweepstakes rules, visit ChristmasIsNotCancelled.com. You can also find out more Digital Interactive Celebrity Experiences and Christmas Themed Classes, themed merchandise, and much more!
