New York, NY (January 16, 2013) — MTV is partnering with United Way and mtvU, the network’s 24-hour college channel, to host “Spring Fix,” an alternative spring break, in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. Beginning today, students can apply to be one of the 50 young people MTV will bring to the New York / New Jersey area to help rebuild communities devastated by the storm. “Spring Fix,” will kick-off on Sunday, March 17 and culminate on Saturday, March 23 with a special concert at Six Flags Great Adventure. MTV cameras will be on the ground capturing all the “Spring Fix” activities, and the network expects celebrities, politicians and more to stop in and take part. All of the “Spring Fix” coverage will air during a special “Spring Break” themed week on MTV, mtvU and MTV2.
“We’re thrilled to partner with our audience and United Way to provide desperately needed help to communities in need following Hurricane Sandy,” said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV. “These young people are skipping the typical spring break parties to give back, and we’re honored to spotlight their work across our network.”
To thank the 50 students for their service and raise funds for the United Way, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey will host a “Spring Fix” concert on Saturday, March 23, 2013, the season opening of the Park. Six Flags guests will also have a chance to attend the concert, and a portion of the proceeds from that day will be donated to United Way. Additional details on the “Spring Fix” concert and performers will be announced at a later date.
“Six Flags is incredibly proud to partner with MTV and The United Way to participate in this national spring break benefit program, driving awareness and assistance to those in need from Superstorm Sandy,” said David McKillips, SVP of Corporate Alliances at Six Flags Entertainment.
College students interested in participating in “Spring Fix” can submit applications online today through January 28, 2013 at Springbreak.MTV.com. Travel and accommodations will be covered for the 50 students selected. Young people who are unable to join but want to get involved will be able to find additional service opportunities at SpringBreak.MTV.com or at Serve.MTV.com.
MTV’s “Spring Fix” efforts are a continuation of the sustained effort by MTV to help rebuild Seaside Heights, New Jersey, and other areas devastated by Sandy. In November 2012, dozens of stars, artists and organizations joined with MTV for an hour-long fundraising special, “Restore the Shore,” which helped raise desperately needed aid to help rebuild the heart of the Jersey Shore. Additionally, MTV partnered with Omaze.com to let viewers bid on six different experiences – from tickets to the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards to a Manicure with Snooki – as part of a raffle with proceeds going to Architecture for Humanity’s seaside rebuilding fund.
“People who experience a disaster like Hurricane Sandy face major challenges, like disruptions to their education, loss of income and even health risks. This project will shine a light on young people who are doing something about it and hopefully inspire many others to join us,” said Edwin Goutier who oversees Student United Way.
In 2006, MTV partnered to host the first ever United Way Alternative Spring Break, with students from around the country trading the typical beach parties and nights out to go to communities in the Gulf Coast to help with long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. United Way Alternative Spring Break has offered thousands of young people the opportunity to do meaningful service since inception.
For more information or to get involved, go to Springbreak.MTV.com.
