Tween Icon Daniella Monet Joins South Bay Galleria To End Bullying In The South Bay

SOUTH BAY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- South Bay Galleria is teaming up with the national "Malls & Retailers Unite Against Bullying" campaign and tween icon and anti-bullying activist Daniella Monet, to bring the community together for a special anti-bullying event. Best known for her portrayal as Trina Vega in Nickelodeon's hit live-action series Victorious, Monet will meet and greet young kids and tweens as they learn the importance of eliminating bullying on Saturday, October 5^th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at South Bay Galleria.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130926/LA87317)

"Studies have shown that bullying causes serious social and emotional problems for children, including depression, low self-esteem and anxiety. Without intervention, bullies also suffer," explains Monet. 

Monet also notes that educational events such as the upcoming anti-bullying event at South Bay Galleria are essential to young kids and families.

"It is so important to come together within our individual communities and become educated about how bullying affects us all, and how we can take a stand together to stop it," she says.

South Bay Galleria's free anti-bullying event is an extension of the "Malls & Retailers Unite Against Bullying" campaign.  This national anti-bullying campaign was designed to bring local communities together to educate children about bullying, teaching them to be kind to one another and to reject this dangerous behavior.

Daniella Monet will be joined by Captain McFinn, the mascot of the national anti-bullying campaign, as well as local community leaders who will take the pledge to end bullying in the South Bay.

"The bullying epidemic that our nation is facing affects us all," says Mickey Marraffino, Regional Marketing Director of South Bay Galleria.  "As a leading shopping center in the South Bay, it is our responsibility to take action, helping the community to make positive changes that will benefit local children and families."

Marraffino notes that the "Malls & Retailers Unite Against Bullying" movement was created in conjunction with a national education program based on the lessons of Captain McFinn and Friends.  The stories in this program revolve around the underwater inhabitants of a fictional world called "Sand Dusty Reef."  Captain McFinn, the hero, is a black-tipped reef shark who used to be a bully, but transformed into a hero through the example of others.

"Through these stories, as well as our partnership with Daniella Monet, we are providing the opportunity for kids and tweens to better understand this important cause, and to become inspired to stand up against bullying," says Marraffino.

For more information about this event please visit www.southbaygalleria.com.

As one of the South Bay's leading shopping centers, South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach, Calif. encompasses nearly one million square feet on three levels, and is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy's, Kohl's and AMC South Bay Galleria 16.  Guests have more than 135 stores and restaurants to enjoy, including Banana Republic, GUESS, bebe, California Pizza Kitchen, Nordstrom Cafe, and Red Robin, among others. 

South Bay Galleria features a number of amenities designed to enhance the customer experience including family restrooms, a full-service Guest Services Center, security escorts, and valet parking.  In addition, the shopping center hosts various events for the South Bay community, including Kid's Club, Galleria Gaitors walking club, musical performances and educational programs.  For more information and a complete list of stores and restaurants please visit www.SouthBayGalleria.com.

About Forest City
Forest City Enterprises, Inc., which owns and operates South Bay Galleria, is an NYSE-listed national real estate company with $10.5 billion in total assets. The Company is principally engaged in the ownership, development, management and acquisition of commercial and residential real estate and land throughout the United States.  For more information, visit www.forestcity.net.

Contact:
Amanda Alenick / Jenn Quader
Brower, Miller & Cole
(949) 955-7940
[email protected]

SOURCE South Bay Galleria