HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES TO GATHER ON PITT'S STUDENT UNION LAWN FOR KIDSFEST

PITTSBURGH, March 14 -- Jumpstart KidsFest will host more than 800 children and families on March 31, 2001, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union Lawn. The free event is a fun and educational festival aimed at pre-schoolers and their families.

KidsFest will engage children in more than 20 activity stations, including face painting, puppet pals, and making grass heads. National artists and celebrities will perform on a main stage.

Jumpstart runs a part-time school year program and a full-time summer program providing qualified college students the opportunity to mentor and tutor preschool children, one-on-one. The program aims to develop literacy and social skills in young children, actively involve families in their child's development, and train college students to be leaders in early childhood education.

A nonprofit organization, Jumpstart relies on national and local sponsors and partners, as well as Pittsburgh volunteers. City agencies include the Pittsburgh Fire Department, the Children's Museum, and the Carnegie Library. Nationally, American Eagle Outfitters, Starbucks, and Skoodles participate. At this year's KidsFest, Jumpstart is partnering with the Pitt Greeks and their carnival for children with Cystic Fibrosis, which will take place on the same day at the same location, allowing children to attend both events simultaneously.

For more information about the event, call 412-648-1250.

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