In 1983, the Cabbage Patch Kids hit toy store shelves for the first time. 30 years later, the toy has become an iconic brand that continues to bring smiles to children’s faces everywhere!
On October 15, JAKKS Pacific and ChizComm held a press conference play date to celebrate the Cabbage Patch Kids 30th anniversary! The event was held at Black Creek Pioneer Village. After riding a horse-pulled carriage to the conference area, young participants were treated to balloons and face painting before the event began. Everyone found a small Cabbage Patch Kids baby doll waiting for them at their seats.
Harold Chizick, president of ChizComm, led the press conference. Harold started with a brief history of the Cabbage Patch Kids and how it came to be what it is today. He described that “the Cabbage Patch were to toys as what Beatlemania was to music.” The toy came out before the Internet and social media, yet people lined up at stores and participated in bids and auctions in order to get their hands on one.
Beginning on November 1st, JAKKS Pacific will be kicking off a 30 days of doll giveaways on their Facebook page. Everyday, parents can post on the page and share their story for a chance to win a Cabbage Patch Kids doll.
On November 16, exclusive parties will be held at six Toys R Us locations across Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and two stores in the Greater Toronto Area – Vaughan Mills and Sherway Gardens. Children will be able to get their picture taken and receive a customized Cabbage Patch Kids frame. The stores will also have special pricing on Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.
Cabbage Patch Kids will be working in partnership leading up to the holiday season of giving with the Make A Wish Foundation, which also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The Foundation was presented with a $5000 donation and a commitment for a season of partnership with toys and fundraising.
Following the press conference, young participants were invited to the front of the conference area, where Cabbage Patch Kids dolls were waiting to be “picked” from the garden. Every child chose a doll to keep and went home with a smile!