Entertainment
Kevin Bacon’s SixDegrees.org is Partnering with SOS Children’s Villages USA to Support Vulnerable Children and Youth in the United States through the #HomecomingChallenge
WASHINGTON — Kevin Bacon’s SixDegrees.orgis partnering with SOS Children’s Villages USA to raise money and awareness for SOS’s extraordinary work, using SixDegrees’ new platform, 6Tag, to launch the #HomecomingChallenge.
SixDegrees.org has developed a revolutionary web-based platform called “6Tag” for launching socially driven campaigns in order to raise financial support, volunteerism, awareness and anything else a charity might need to fulfill its mission. 6Tag—a messaging app for giving back—gives users the opportunity to challenge their friends to create 30-second videos in order to create awareness and fundraise for a great cause. Inspired by the wildly successful ALS ice bucket challenge, which raised over $115 million for the ALS Association, 6Tag makes it easy to duplicate the video challenge concept at scale for multiple charities.
By inviting their friends to participate in the #HomecomingChallenge, SOS USA and its partners hope to inspire growing support for SOS’s global work with orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children. “In 2017, we directly helped over 2 million vulnerable children and families in 135 countries, including right here in the United States. But right now, there are still 220 million children at risk of growing up alone. We need to do more. I believe this partnership with SixDegrees.org and Kevin Bacon will energize people to contribute to SOS USA so every child has a loving home and the opportunity to reach their potential,” explains Neil Ghosh, CEO of SOS USA.
Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Jesse Metcalfe, Beverley Mitchell and other celebrity influencers have already taken the Homecoming Challenge and are declaring that every child deserves a place to call home. “At SixDegrees, we really try to shed light on charities that are doing extraordinary work,” says founder Kevin Bacon. “We wanted to invite more people to join us. With 6Tag, people can start to see how small actions can create real change. As a community, we can gather to create real impact.”
SOS Children’s Villages builds loving, stable families for orphaned, abandoned and other vulnerable children in 135 countries, including the United States. In addition to providing family-based care for kids who would otherwise grow up alone, SOS supports struggling families so children can stay with their parents, and helps at-risk teens navigate the road to adulthood. Through family strengthening programs, long-term care for children, education and job skills training, and emergency relief efforts, SOS provides life-changing support to millions of children and families worldwide each year.
Over the past two decades, Golden Globe-winning actor, musician, and philanthropist Kevin Bacon’s wide-reaching professional network has inspired a popular game that connects him to anyone in the Hollywoodfilm industry in six degrees or less. Bacon decided to turn the idea on its head.
Bacon launched SixDegrees at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT. In the beginning, the nonprofit partnered with institutions like the University of Maryland and Stanford University to launch projects that promoted giving and fundraising for a variety of causes. Over the last two years, the organization has refocused and has coordinated countless drop-ins and surprise pop-ups to amplify causes, community organizations, and campaigns around the country. SixDegrees makes it easy for celebrities to give a small amount of their time and lend their influence to draw attention to unsung heroes around the world. SixDegrees continues to gain involvement from a growing list of stars.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
