October 11 in Palm Springs Boo2Bullying Presents Third Annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb”
October 11 in Palm Springs Boo2Bullying Presents Third Annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb”
Free Community Wellness Festival and Celebrity Kickball Tournament: Saturday, October 11 – National Coming Out Day — in Palm Springs
Steve Knill of “The Voice” Fame to Perform the National Anthem
29 August 2025 Palm Springs, CA: It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the super hero Boo2Bullying’s third annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb” community wellness festival in Palm Springs! On Saturday, October 11 (4pm – 7pm at Power Stadium in Sunrise Park, 1901 E. Baristo Road ), the acclaimed nonprofit returns with a its mission of outreach, mentoring, inspiration, hope and suicide prevention to bullied youth and their families. The day culminates in a celebrity kickball game at 6pm, led by two dynamic community leaders: Shaka Gray (Team Palm Springs) and Connie Golds (Team Coachella). Starting the game in traditional fashion will be “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by Palm Springs’ own Steve Knill known to fans from Season 17 of “The Voice.” Admission, food, and parking are free, but advance registration is encouraged via the link below:
https://boo2bullying.org/event/3rd-annual-kick-bullying-to-the-curb/
“Every child and every family deserves a safe and welcoming environment,” said Dimitri Halkidis, Founder of Boo2Bullying. “This event is more than a game – it’s a movement to create communities where kindness and inclusion win every time. Plus, what better day to celebrate and make our message clear than October 11: National Coming Out Day.”
Founded in 2011 by Halkidis after losing a close friend to suicide, B2B as it is colloquially known, now reaches thousands of youth annually through school programs, community events, and digital platforms. With a mission to give young people the tools to speak up, stand strong, and build inclusive communities free from bullying and discrimination, Boo2Bullying provides outreach, mentoring, inspiration and hope to bullied youth and their families.
“Mental health is enhanced when children and teens feel empowered, build their self-esteem, and realize they are not alone,” says Halkidis. “They discover that they have a voice and are capable of standing against bullying to create positive change.”
Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte praised the event’s message: “Palm Springs is proud to support Boo2Bullying and this joyful festival. Events like these remind us of the power of coming together as one community – diverse, inclusive, and strong.”
Shaka Gray, Captain of Team Palm Springs, said: “Bullying has no place in our schools or our neighborhoods. I’m honored to represent Palm Springs in this positive and uplifting way.”
Connie Golds, Captain of Team Coachella, added: “This is about teamwork – not just on the kickball field, but in life. When we work together, we can create safe spaces where everyone belongs.”
From 4pm until 5:30pm, Boo2Bullying and Community Partner organizations will host information tables/booths and family-friendly activities, DJ, face-painting for children. Festival-goers will also be treated to a “Petting Zoo and Cool Critters” show by the Mobile Zoo of Southern California and free hot dogs, nachos, icy lemonade and more.
From 4pm – 6pm, attendees will engage in activities for all youth, families and community allies including the Palm Springs Unified Districts. At 6:00pm, the action shifts to the Palm Springs Power Stadium field where Coachella Valley notables compete in Boo2Bullying’s “3rd Annual Kick Bullying to the Curb” kickball game. A special guest singer will sing the National Anthem.
Presenting Sponsor: Bighorn Cares
Additional Sponsors: Desert Healthcare District & Foundation • Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa / Grace Helen Spearman Foundation • City of Palm Springs • Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center • The Bianco Group • David Perry & Associates, Inc.
About Boo2Bullying:
Boo2Bullying is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outreach, mentoring, education, and support for youth and families affected by bullying. Its mission is to empower communities to create environments where all people can thrive with dignity, respect, and inclusion. For information about scheduling a Boo2Bullying program in your school or community organization, contact Dimitri Halkidis at (310) 435-8528 or dimitrihalkidis@boo2bullying.org. For more information, visit: www.boo2bullying.org