Local Teen Featured on Ricki Lake Show

Sept. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- In March of 2008, MaryMargaret O'Neill founded the non-profit Kids Are Heroes through a very innocent request to her dad: "Daddy, I want to build a website. I want to help animals." Through their discussion about expanding their efforts to include people and the environment emerged the Kids Are Heroes organization, which is now in its fifth year of showcasing children from all over the world who give back to their communities.

MaryMargaret and her dad had been following the social media efforts of the producers of the new Ricki Lake show, and recently noticed a tweet that requested ideas for content . In response MaryMargaret tweaked her own PSA about the organization so that she could pitch her idea directly to the show. They all loved the idea! A few weeks later she was whisked on a plane to Los Angeles for the taping. MaryMargaret was able to bring another hero from her website on the show so she chose Jonas Corona, an 8-year-old boy from California whose passion is to help the homeless. MaryMargaret really hopes that her appearance on the show will draw more heroes to her organization. The show will air on Thursday, September 20. Check your local listings.

"It's not just about doing good", said her dad Gabe O'Neill. "These kids who are active with us are developing leadership qualities, building self esteem and gaining compassion as they complete their philanthropic projects. It's an amazing thing to witness on a first hand basis."

Gabe is the biggest cheerleader for his daughter MaryMargaret. She herself has completed several projects that have benefited many yet also has to juggle being a freshman in high school and her Kids Are Heroes obligations. Gabe is hoping that the new found exposure from the Ricki Lake show will draw not only more heroes but people who can help them bring their organization to the next level. "We now feature more than 300 heroes from 10 countries, " Gabe said. "This concept works in every country. Our mission is to have volunteerism be a natural part of child development as there are so many life-long benefits that go to everyone involved."

Here is the pitch that MaryMargaret sent in to the show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_9T5xNIUFg



Here is the preview of the show itself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOkBu1QtDBw

After the show MaryMargaret and her dad change their focus to their 5th annual Kids Are Heroes Day event which will host 50 of their heroes coming from 3 countries. This will be held at the Francis Scott Key Mall in Frederick, Maryland from 10AM-4PM in center court. It is a celebration of all of what the kids do to benefit others and is headlined by Disney's Allisyn Ashley Arm.

See kidsareheroes.org for more information.