Contact:
Andrea Lang
Jericho Communications, Inc.
andrea@jerichopr.com
212.645.6900 x118

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHILDREN WILL GET TO VOTE IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AMERICAN HISTORY…
THANKS TO THEIR PARENTS!

New ‘ADOPT-A-VOTE’ Program Urges Parents to Give Children A Voice and Help Make a Difference For Their Future

NEW YORK, April 5, 2004 — Through his best-selling book, PBS Network television series and numerous appearances across the country, Dr. Fad --a.k.a. Ken Hakuta-- has spent the last two decades challenging, fostering and rewarding children’s minds and creativity. Continuing his pursuit to develop these qualities in the minds of American youth, Dr. Fad is launching his latest endeavor, Kidsvote2004.com, a website devoted to giving kids a voice this election year through a new program, “ADOPT-A-VOTE.”

Dr. Fad recognizes that just because kids aren’t old enough to vote, doesn’t mean their voice has to be lost on the decisions being made today which will impact their lives in the future. Kidsvote2004.com and Dr. Fad’s ADOPT-A-VOTE program were created to give children under the age of 18 the forum to share their opinions and ideas about the upcoming presidential election and the key issues candidates are debating. It also provides an opportunity to expose children to civil duty and service early on, in addition to literally giving them the chance to vote this November, through their parents.

All parents have to do with their children is go to http://www.kidsvote2004.com, print out the ADOPT-A-VOTE Contract, sign it together and demonstrate just how important their opinion is and how much they care about issues affecting their lives and those of their fellow Americans.

“Kids today are engaged and interested in making a positive difference in the world that they are inheriting,” explained Dr. Fad. “The ADOPT-A-VOTE program enables kids to have their voice be heard and gives them an opportunity to cast a vote, through their parents, and make a big difference. They may only stand 3-feet tall, but their contributing thoughts, concerns, insights and solutions are very real.”

The new program can easily be used as a supplement with schools’ educational curriculum as well as during dinnertime at home with the family. The site will also feature kid’s polls and profile details about each Presidential candidate and their positions explained in kid-friendly terms. Additionally, information about how children can be active in civil service, get in touch with local politicians and even volunteer will be available.

Dr. Fad estimates that anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 children will get involved with the program, and he hopes to have thousands of adults pledge their votes to the candidate that their child picks. Dr. Fad plans to periodically announce results of various polls on the site, which will include a National Kids-Endorsed Candidate.

About Ken Hakuta

Entrepreneur Ken Hakuta introduced the Wacky WallWalker, which became one of the best-selling fad-toys of all time and helped earn him the title "Dr. Fad." Ken had a series of eclectic and triumphant business endeavors -- all proving that his success is anything but a passing trend. In 1982, he purchased the North American distribution rights to the Wacky WallWalker, a plastic toy that crept down smooth surfaces. Over a period of six years, Hakuta earned $20 million while selling 250 million of this fad-toy. His Emmy-nominated "Dr. Fad Show" on PBS showcased kids' inventions and was syndicated nationally from 1987-1993. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and author of the best-selling book, "How To Create Your Own Fad and Make A Million Dollars." He has appeared on several national broadcast outlets including "The Today Show," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Show with Conan O'Brien," "Oprah Winfrey Show," "60 Minutes," "Larry King Live," "CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and VH1's "I Love the 80's," and in print outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Time magazine, Newsweek, BusinessWeek, Fortune and Forbes.

To schedule an interview with Ken Hakuta (“Dr. Fad”),
Please contact 212.645.6900 ext. 118.