FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kathy Keleher, Winterfest, Inc.
954-767-0686, kathy@winterfestparade.com
Website: winterfestfoundation.org
FB: WinterfestFoundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/31/22
South Florida Student Wins Winterfest Foundation Art Contest
has Costume Design Brought to Life for the
POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance
New Musical, Magic & Circus Holiday Show Headed to Broadway
Caitlin Donnelly, currently a 5th-grade student at St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Davie, Florida, was one of 1774 kids who entered The Winterfest Foundation Student Art Contest sponsored by Broadway director, Neil Goldberg, author of the new award-winning children’s holiday book, POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance. Goldberg is a Broadway Director, Cirque Dreams Founder and philanthropist whose shows and creations have entertained over 50 million people worldwide from theatres and cruise lines to casinos and Broadway.
Caitlin’s drawing was the winner of the “New Costume Design Award” selected by Goldberg and organizers from the Winterfest Foundation. The costume is now being created by Goldberg and his team to be a part of the over 150 costumes designed for the new POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance musical, magic and circus holiday show. This 75-minute, live production will premiere exclusively for service members and their families at US military bases worldwide before touring the US and making its way to Broadway.
The live POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance musical goes from page to stage with a multi-talented cast of 23 fantastical magicians, musicians, dancers and circus artists who tell the story of three best friends who learn music, magic and circus at a secret university before sharing their unique holiday talents, wonders and lessons with the world.
Goldberg says, “Caitlin’s drawing was both imaginative and an inspiring costume design. Bringing children’s dreams and imaginations to reality has been a lifelong mission. Helping them realize their talent and potential is one of the greatest gifts we can do to support and encourage kids today.”
“Having a talented visionary and partner like Neil Goldberg assist us is both a privilege and honor. His credibility helps families and students everywhere pursue their dreams and aligns with our foundation’s mission,” says Dawn Diehl, Event Director of Winterfest, Inc.
“I’m super glad you picked my drawing to come to life,” exclaimed contest winner Caitlin Donnelly. “I drew a slinky character doing gymnastics all over the boat because I do gymnastics and I thought it would be fun.”
Over 10,000 school kids K-5 have experienced the POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance storybook since its 2021 release. The book is part of USO’s Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program & Libraries, a Literary Excellence Holiday Book Award winner and a multiple winner of the worldwide Purple Dragonfly Book Award for illustrations, holiday and kids’ books. The sequel’s due out in 2024.
POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance will be featured on the cover of Story Monsters Ink magazine this winter reaching teachers, librarians, parents and kids worldwide.
Look for Separate Media alert to meet Caitlin Donnelly, when Neil Goldberg reveals to her for the first time her winning costume creation during the POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance new musical, magic & cirque holiday show rehearsals live at Dream Studios, Pompano Beach, FL
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About the Winterfest Foundation
Founded in 2017, The Winterfest Foundation 501(c) 3 was created to support the South Florida community. The organization focus is education, arts and culture in public places, water safety and assisting other charitable sectors.
ABOUT POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEUMSTANCE
The Adventures of POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance™ is an exciting and magical holiday story of three best friends, POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance who study and learn special music, magic & circus skills at a secret university. After graduation and diplomas from Santa, they share their talents and gifts throughout the universe and learn valuable lessons while spreading holiday spectacle and joy. An original musical stage production of POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance will premiere in 2023. The book officially became part of USO’s Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program and Libraries and has been produced into a 30-minute holiday TV special. A second book in the series is in development. Published by Brown Books Publishing Group. Available in stores, and online now!
Fantasy Boat Student Art Contest, this is open to all Broward County Students K-5 (this includes public, private and home-schooled students). The contest begins in September each year and runs thru February 15 (for final submissions). In 2021, there were 1700+ submissions. We partner with the Museum of Discovery & Science on a Gallery Showing of all the artwork. It is in the Museum beginning on a Thursday followed by an awards reception on Sunday. The entries are categorized for judging in k/1, 2/3,4/5 with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category. Also selected are honorable mentions (5 per category). 1st place winners receive a laptop, and all other winners receive visa gift cards plus their artwork framed (the schools with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners also receive a cash prize). The program also fits into the Broward County Public Schools S.T.E.A.M curriculum. We have partnered the last several years with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation for a special award, as well as give a special Museum of Discovery & Science Award (selected by the organization) and, Neil Goldberg- author and producer of a new Broadway Show selected a piece of artwork that is being brought to life and incorporated into his show.