#United States #Philadelphia #WildBrain #Philly Specials #Jason Kelce

WildBrain Collaborates with The Philly Specials for Holiday Cheer

In a delightful fusion of sports and music, WildBrain, a renowned leader in family entertainment, has teamed up with The Philly Specials, a musical collective formed by NFL stars and hometown heroes Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata. This collaboration results in a brand-new animated music video for their catchy holiday tune, "It's Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)," featuring the smooth vocals of the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men. This initiative is part of their holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party, set for release in 2024.

The project isn't just about music; it serves a greater purpose. The new video launches today, coinciding with the Operation Snowball initiative, a charitable effort aimed at bringing joy to the children within the School District of Philadelphia. With the goal of delivering gifts to every student and raising funds for local children's charities, this initiative builds on the success of previous holiday albums while inspiring goodwill across the city.

A Musical Journey through Cleveland Heights

The album's first single, which reached #7 on the iTunes Holiday Chart, captures the nostalgia of returning home for Christmas. It takes listeners back to Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where the Kelce brothers grew up. The song's production, helmed by Charlie Hall from The War on Drugs, alongside executive producer Connor Barwin, showcases a lively blend of contemporary and classic holiday sounds.

In the animated video, fans will follow The Philly Specials on an adventurous quest to find and rescue Santa! Set against the backdrop of a winter wonderland, the characters embark on a thrilling journey across the polar tundra where they must locate Santa’s lost sleigh and toys while ensuring Christmas is saved for all.

Supporting Charity Through Entertainment

The new animated venture goes beyond entertainment; it embodies a mission to support families in need. The Philly Specials have committed a portion of the proceeds from A Philly Special Christmas Party to Operation Snowball. This charitable approach aims to surpass the $4 million raised from previous campaigns in the last two years. The team hopes to uplift spirits this holiday season not just with music, but with tangible aid to those less fortunate.

Stephanie Betts, Executive Vice President of Content Creation at WildBrain, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “It was a true pleasure to work with The Philly Specials and fully embrace their vision for a magical holiday experience through animation.” She emphasized the team's commitment to creating heartwarming content that reflects the holiday spirit.

An Animation Experience for the Family

Supported by WildBrain’s Vancouver studio—known for producing family-friendly hits like Sonic Prime and Camp Snoopy—the animated video aims to be a nostalgic yet fun experience for both kids and adults. The combination of catchy music, delightful animation, and a feel-good message promises to engage families during this festive time.

Fans can enjoy the new animated video on the WildBrain Kids YouTube channel and other platforms, showcasing The Philly Specials' efforts to create a joyous holiday atmosphere.

How to Help

Music lovers can support this initiative by purchasing the upcoming album on various platforms including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music, or by lending a hand directly to Operation Snowball through donations. This holiday season, every little bit helps, and together, communities can build a brighter future for children across Philadelphia.

About The Philly Specials: This ensemble represents a unique collaboration between NFL players and musicians, coming together to spread holiday cheer and support local charitable endeavors. Their previous albums have raised significant funds for children’s charities, and their new project is set to continue this noble tradition.

For a taste of the holiday spirit and to follow along with their journey, you can find more information and engage with The Philly Specials on their official website and social media platforms.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate the joy of giving, community, and unity through music and creativity.