Bright Starts™ Celebrates Launch of Innovative New Products

NEW YORK, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bright Starts, the award-winning infant brand heralded for its innovation, reliability and aesthetics, introduced its newest products and honored its 2011 Pink Power Mom Tuesday evening at The New Museum in New York City. The exhibit-themed "Mother of Invention" event featured vignettes of antiquated baby toys and gear juxtaposed with Bright Starts' contemporary, groundbreaking products. Celebrity guest speaker Marcia Cross was in attendance to help present the 2011 Pink Power Super Mom with a generous donation towards her organization, The Get In Touch Foundation.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110616/NY21502 )

"As a busy working mother of twins and committed advocate for cancer awareness and cures, Marcia Cross embodies of the type of parent who captures the passion and spirit of innovation that drives Bright Starts," said president & CEO of Bright Starts' parent company, Kids II, Ryan Gunnigle. "We are excited to have a mother like Marcia help us launch and highlight toys that lead the way in innovation, including Having a Ball, the newest and first Bright Starts collection for the six- to 36-month range."

At Tuesday's event, the Bright Starts team showcased the many ways they have revolutionized the baby gear industry while introducing new products to a packed house that included influential members of the media ranging from American Baby and People magazines to Good Morning America and The Rachael Ray Show. Guests checked out new Having a Ball toys, Bright Starts first-time offering of products for the 6-36 month age range; three new energy-saving, easy-to-clean InGenuity products: the Washable Playard, the Sway Seat, and the Chair Top High Chair; and the newest additions to the Kids II family of brands, Taggies and Rhino Toys.

Marcia Cross delivered a heartfelt speech and recognized Mary Ann Wasil Nilan as the 2011 Pink Power Super Mom. Wasil Nilan was secretly nominated by her two daughters and she was selected as the 2011 Pink Power Super Mom from the eight finalists, who were chosen for their braveness throughout their battle with breast cancer. Cross spoke of Wasil Nilan's fight against the illness, and commended Wasil Nilan on her work in educating young women on how to care for their bodies.

"Many women are struggling against the disease, and many are losing the fight. It is commendable that Bright Starts honors these women and recognizes their efforts to help others in their communities," Cross said. "Pink Power Moms are role models to their families and communities due to their unbreakable spirit and perseverance in the face of breast cancer; and this year's recipient of the Pink Power Super Mom award, Mary Ann Wasil Nilan, is no exception. She is an inspiration to mothers across the nation and I am proud to honor her today."

Wasil Nilan took to the stage and moved the audience with her inspiring story and mission to educate young girls on how to do self-examinations. Ryan Gunnigle presented Wasil Nilan with a $20,000 check to The Get In Touch Foundation, which encourages girls of all ages to recognize bodily changes that may require medical attention.

Bright Starts' new products:

• Having a Ball Get Rollin' Activity Table (SRP $44.99)
• Having a Ball Pop & Roll Roadster (SRP $34.99)
• Having a Ball Roll & Chase Bee (SRP $14.99)
• Having a Ball Giggables (SRP $4.99)
• Having a Ball Alphabet Pop Top (SRP $16.99)
• Having a Ball Swirl & Roll Truck (SRP $19.99)
• Having a Ball Cluck & Learn Barn (SRP $24.99)
• InGenuity Washable Playard (SRP $139.99)
• InGenuity Sway Seat (SRP $119.99)
• InGenuity Chair Top High Chair (SRP $54.99)

For a complete list of products and retailers, visit www.brightstarts.com.

About Bright Starts™
Bright Starts™ is an innovating brand of juvenile products that provides parents with smart, fresh solutions.  With a growing portfolio of over 100 innovative activity centers, play gyms, bouncers, swings, playards, and toys; Bright Starts' large selection of progressive products inspire confidence and engage curiosity.  Backed by awards from numerous leading industry and consumer organizations, Bright Starts™ is a trusted name for cleverly-designed, quality products for young children.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Bright Starts is the flag ship brand for Kids II, Inc., manufacturer, designer and marketer of toys and baby gear.  Visit www.brightstarts.com

About Kids II, Inc.
Kids II has been inventing and reinventing infant and toddler toys and gear for more than 40 years and has quickly become one of the world's fastest growing baby product companies. Headquartered in Atlanta, Kids II spans globally with operations in six continents serving customers in more than 70 countries. Driven by innovation, design and a comprehensive brand portfolio, Kids II is the next generation leader of product.

Kids II designs, markets and distributes more than 100 products under its signature Bright Starts brand name and holds the license to design and manufacture products for Disney's Baby Einstein.  Most recently, Kids II acquired Rhino Toys and Taggies, further enhancing its brand collection and reinforcing its position as a global leader. Under its flagship brands, Kids II has produced more than 70 award-winning products.

Kids II's international affiliate operations are located  in Australia, Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Mexico. Visit www.kidsii.com  

SOURCE Bright Starts