Being Class Clown Can Really Pay Off

By: Arts & Entertainment News

They say laughter is the best medicine, but making others laugh may also be a good prescription for success in life. Experts agree that learning to perform comedy can prepare children to be top notch public speakers, to think on their feet and to develop a quick mind along with a quick wit. It is important for parents to encourage kids to be creative, use their imagination and embrace their individuality, whether it is through music, sports, drawing or even just telling a joke. With this in mind, My Fruit Roll-Ups®, the customizable fruit-flavored snack, is kicking off the “Eat My Words” Contest, a nationwide search for America’s funniest child comedians or “kidmedians.”

Starting September 18, kids ages 8 to 12 are invited to put their talents to the test, creating videos of themselves telling jokes and performing their comedic routine. The top ten videos will then be posted online at www.myfruitrollups.com for America to choose their favorite kid comic. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 U.S. savings bond, $1,000 in cash toward a fully customized party with a comedian and personalized decorations and a one-year supply of My Fruit Roll-Ups® fruit-flavored snacks. In addition, the winning joke may be featured on www.myfruitrollups.com, where it can be ordered online so consumers can literally eat the winner’s words.

Dustin Joiner, who has been performing stand up since the age of six will be on hand to help judge the contest. “I love doing stand up comedy so I’m excited to help other kids get the chance to perform and make people laugh,” said Joiner. “I can’t wait to see what great jokes these kids will have to tell, plus it will be so cool to get your joke put on a Fruit Roll-Up!”

Entries for the My Fruit Roll-Ups® “Eat My Words Contest” will be accepted September 18th through December 11th. Parents can send in VHS or DVD videos, up to one minute in length, of their children performing their funniest jokes along with a complete entry form. Performances will be judged on personality, joke delivery, and finally, humor. The ten finalists selected by a panel of experts and Dustin Joiner will be posted on www.myfruitrollups.com beginning in March 2008. Finalists will also receive a $500 savings bond and a one-year supply of My Fruit Roll-Ups® fruit-flavored snacks. America will then choose one grand prize winner by casting their votes for their favorite performance. The winner will be announced nationally in April 2008.

“We are so excited to give talented children the chance to make all of America smile,” said Amol Dixit, marketing manager for My Fruit Roll-Ups® Fruit Flavored Snacks. “And My Fruit Roll-Ups are a great way to add that extra little something to everyday that will make a child grin from ear to ear.”

For more information and a full list of official rules for the My Fruit Roll-Ups® “Eat My Words Contest” visit www.myfruitrollups.com.

About General Mills

General Mills is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products, with annual worldwide net sales of $12.5 billion. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Bugles and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. Included in the U.S. portfolio are some of the nation's most popular brands including Cheerios, Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts, Betty Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks; Totino's frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups. General Mills is also a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business.

About Dustin Joiner

Nine year old Dustin Joiner has been performing stand up comedy since the age of six. Based in Los Angeles, California, Joiner has made several television appearances including “Steve Harvey’s Big Time,” “HOUSE” and “America’s Most Talented Kids” as the only contestant nationwide to be selected for ‘Comedian’ category. Joiner has also appeared with his father, comedian Michael Joiner at several comedy clubs including The Improv and Ice House. Additionally, Joiner is a commercial and television actor currently appearing in several national commercials. In 2006 Dustin Joiner was a nominee for the “Inspirational Country Music Awards in the “Funniest Comedian” category.