Taubman Shopping Centers, Big Brothers Big Sisters Debut 'Kids Helping Kids Go Back to School' Photography Exhibits Nationwide

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Taubman Centers, Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters today unveil a moving photography exhibition, which is at the heart of a unique back-to-school initiative, "Kids Helping Kids Go Back to School." By teaching students valuable lessons in photojournalism, while also having them share their dreams with the world, the "Kids Helping Kids" campaign is making some concrete dreams come true.

The poignant images featured in the exhibits represent what the Little Brother and Little Sister photographers wish most for in life, and provide thought-provoking portraits of these children -- their hopes, concerns and inspirations. The photographs are unique and compelling: an image of hundreds of little white crosses on a beach with the wish for the war to end; an image of a hearse with the wish for people to stop dying; a hand drawn picture of a little girl and her father with the wish for her dad to live with her; an image of medics with the wish to be brave.

Taubman shopping centers, creators of the "Kids Helping Kids Go Back to School" program, teamed with Big Brothers Big Sisters and celebrity photojournalist Linda Solomon to execute the initiative, which was also developed to grant back-to-school wishes that might otherwise go unfulfilled. "Kids Helping Kids" gives kids across America a chance to reach out and provide a fellow student with items frequently associated with back-to-school: a backpack, or an article of clothing, for instance, or other items on the "Littles" wish lists. The first photography unveiling will be hosted at Beverly Center in Los Angeles, California on August 1.

"Every year, there are many kids who miss out on that special excitement of back-to-school shopping for clothes and supplies because the family budget just won't stretch," observes Karen Mac Donald, Taubman director of communications. "'Kids Helping Kids Go Back to School' can help brighten the start of school for them, while also providing a valuable lesson about helping others."

"Kids Helping Kids" began last month when Solomon conducted photo workshops with students participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters in- school mentoring program. The children were set loose with a single-use camera and the assignment to photograph images they felt represented the theme "What I Wish for in Life."

"This is a wonderful opportunity for our Little Brothers and Sisters around the country to work with a nationally recognized professional photographer and expand their horizons under her tutelage," said Robin Palley, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "We thank Linda Solomon for giving of her time and Taubman for making the back-to-school experience for youth who participate a plus," she added.

Amber Tamblyn, star of the summer blockbuster "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," and the critically acclaimed television series "Joan of Arcadia," will kick-off the first photography unveiling at Beverly Center in Los Angeles. Tamblyn will also be appearing in a special public service announcement to help raise awareness and support the program.

On August 2, "Kids Helping Kids" photography exhibits will be unveiled in 14 additional Taubman shopping centers nationwide. Shoppers can admire the images taken by Little Brothers and Little Sisters, and read short biographies about each child photographer through the close of the exhibit on August 31.

After viewing the exhibit, shoppers can visit the mall's customer service center, pick up a back-to-school wish list from the local child photographer of their choice and donate one or more items on that student's list. Children put together their own lists which included things they needed to go back to school this fall. This way, "Kids Helping Kids" ensures that Little Brothers and Little Sisters (ages 6 and up) have a great back to school experience.

Each donated wish-list item automatically enters the Little Brother or Little Sister's name in a drawing for four years of pre-paid college tuition. Shoppers can also enter one of their own children in a drawing to win a similar scholarship for each item they donate. The college scholarship drawing will be held after the photography show closes. In addition, each donation entitles shoppers to a leather wristband embossed with 'Looking Out For One Another.'

Participating Taubman shopping centers include: Beverly Center (Los Angeles, CA), Dolphin Mall (Miami, FL), Fairlane Town Center (Dearborn, MI), Fair Oaks (Fairfax, VA), Great Lakes Crossing (Auburn Hills, MI), MacArthur Center (Norfolk, VA), Regency Square (Richmond, VA), Stamford Town Center (Stamford, CT), Stony Point Fashion Park (Richmond, VA), Sunvalley (Concord, CA), Twelve Oaks Mall (Novi, MI), The Mall at Wellington Green (Wellington, FL), Westfarms (Farmington, CT), Woodfield Mall (Schaumburg, IL) and Woodland (Grand Rapids, MI).

For more information, please visit http://www.taubman.com/khk . About Taubman Centers Inc.

Taubman Centers, Inc., a real estate investment trust, owns and/or manages 22 urban and suburban regional and super regional shopping centers in 10 states. Taubman Centers is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brother Big Sisters is the oldest, largest, and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. It helps children reach their potential through one to one relationships, professionally supported, with measurable results. The organization serves 225,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. National research has shown that the positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children's lives. The national office is located in Philadelphia. For additional information visit http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org/ .