For many years now, we have associated Kool-Aid with a large anthropomorphic frosty pitcher, also known as the Kool-Aid man.  Now, the artificially-flavored soft drink mix owned by the Kraft Foods Company has decided to use another face to promote its upcoming ventures.  Enter Rev. Run, one of the founding members of hip hop group Run-D.M.C and the star of the reality series Run's House.

Although the Kool-Aid man will remain the mascot of Kool-Aid, the Run's House star is set to appear in POS displays and other promotions of Kool-Aid and will speak directly to consumers about healthy lifestyle choices and the benefits of play.  These are all part of Rev. Run's job as the new brand ambassador for the Kool-Aid KaBOOM! initiative.

KaBoom!, a non-profit organization dedicated to building playgrounds for inner-city kids, has teamed up with Kool-Aid in an effort to build 24 playgrounds in cities around the country, provide funding toward building 20 more, and work with local communities, parents and children to encourage healthier and more active lifestyles.

"We can't imagine better partners than Reverend Run and KaBOOM! to help us start a national conversation about the benefits of safe play for kids and the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle," Kool-Aid senior brand manager Kirstie Krall said.

Meanwhile, Kool-Aid isn't the only one excited about this venture.

"I grew up drinking and loving Kool-Aid and associate it with fun childhood memories," the Run's House star said.  "I'm personally committed to bringing families together -- at the dinner table, in communities and on playgrounds.  I'm hopeful that by working together, Kool-Aid, KaBOOM!, and I can make a real difference in kids' lives by allowing them to have fun and create the memories that will serve them well for many years to come."

In addition to Rev. Run, the rest of his family, who also appears on Run's House, are also expected to put on hard hats and wield shovels as they join the brand on local community building sites.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: www.kaboom.org
(Image courtesy of WireImage.com)