Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 27, 2011

CONTACT:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or Michael Kline, mike@framedartoutlet.com

AMIDST OUTBREAKS OF WAR, PAIN AT THE PUMPS AND BULLYING IN SCHOOLS, MT WASHINGTON  VALLEY, NH TURNS TO KINDNESS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS AND ATTRACT VISITORS

First ever Kindness Weekend planned for May 27-30 to kick-start a kinder, gentler and welcoming community

North Conway, NH - While headlines are plagued with outbreaks of war and protest,  stalled government budget planning, increasing gas prices and school bullying, one small community in New Hampshire has decided to take a new approach to problem solving...through kindness.  Following the lead of The Kindness Center Mt Washington Valley, NH is out to become the Kindness Capital of New England as random acts of kindness and community sharing will highlight the lives of visitors and residents alike, during the first Kindness Weekend, May 27-30, 2011.  The weekend begins with an inspiring lecture by Michael J. Chase, author, lecturer, founder of The Kindness Center, and also referred to as "The Kindness Guy". Events throughout the weekend will include kindness story sharing,  tools to provide random acts of kindness, free massages, arts and crafts, an uplifting concert and a "Be Kind to the Earth" walk.  A complete list of Kindness Weekend events is found at www.kindnessweekend.com/event-schedule.html.

"While the Mt Washington Valley is filled with family, outdoor and adventure attractions, during Memorial Day weekend kindness will be the primary attraction in this vacation destination," said Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.  "Disney has magic, we have kindness," she finished. 

"For us to have our whole community to come together to commit random acts of kindness and help promote kindness as a tourist attraction offers a unique and important message," said Michael Kline, owner of the Framed Art Superstore, Kline Seminars, and Soyfire Candle, and event organizer.

The events of the weekend are mostly free to the public.  Three hundred free tickets are available for the Kindness Weekend kick-off lecture on Friday night, May 27, at Theater in the Woods, where Michael J. Chase will instill the spirit of kindness in all who attend.  Tickets may be picked up at Soyfire Candles or The Met Coffeehouse in North Conway, NH.

Kindness Weekend has been made possible by sponsors including the North Conway Village Association, a committee of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, support comes from Evergreen Institute for Wellness, Soyfire Candle and The Met Coffeehouse along with other Valley attractions including Conway Scenic RR, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, Mount Washington Auto Road, Story Land and Flatbread Company. Lodging sponsors include the White Mountain Hotel and Resort. Media sponsors include WMWV radio and Magic 104fm.

Kindness weekend culminates a month of community spirit in Mt Washington Valley, which begins with one of New England's largest community cleanup efforts, dubbed Valley Pride Day.  Thousands of volunteers from communities all over Western Maine and Mt Washington Valley will gather on Saturday, May 7 for the 11th Annual Valley Pride Day, a massive community clean up followed by a BBQ celebration of spring.

Memorial Day kicks off the summer season for most travelers.  In Mt Washington Valley, it kicks off kinder, gentler summer filled with kindness, outdoor beauty, adventure and nature.  For more information on visiting Mt Washington Valley this summer, visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/ or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).  To learn more about Kindness Weekend in Mt Washington Valley, including a full line-up of events visit http://www.kindnessweekend.com/.

                                                                                  #   #   #