March 29 was a special day for families at SouthPark mall. [1] Kidgits, SouthPark’s first official kids’ club, hosted a free, inaugural Book Blast.

As I approached Center Court, I saw DJ Denny from [2] [3] Radio Disney spinning the tunes, as two
boys swished hula-hoops on their hips.
A variety of books were read throughout the event. Mrs. North Carolina 2007, Kathryn Hancock
Stuart, read “Bedtime Safari” and said she would love to participate again.
Tonia Bendickson, anchor for WBTV news and mother of four, read “Vote for Me: All About
Civics” and announced the results of the cookie election. Chocolate chip beat sugar cookies,
hands down.
In between story times and giveaways, [2] [3] Radio Disney led the children in activities and games
relating to the books. After Susan Goode, child life coordinator at [4] Levine Children’s Hospital,
read “It’s Earth Day!”, Natalie Steen, promotions manager at Radio Disney, engaged the children
in a game about recycling.
With Center Court events planned year-round, Kidgits focuses on health and wellness, education,
safety and entertainment. A good combination, if you ask me.
Most Kidgits events will include a charitable component. On March 29, families were asked to
bring gently used books to the Book Blast. A total of 40 books were donated by the 60 to 70
families who attended. About half of those children joined Kidgits, said Nicole Bostic, director
of marketing at SouthPark. The books will be given to Levine Children’s Hospital and the Harris
YMCA.
“Up until now, SouthPark hasn’t had programming catered to children,” Bostic said. “The Kidgits
Club gives something for children to do while shopping.” The event was a win-win for the entire
family.
The Kidgits Club is marketed to 3- to 8-year-olds, but I noticed children of all ages enjoying the
two hours of constant activity. My 22-month-old son, normally a whirling dervish, was intrigued
by the scene and didn’t stray for nearly an hour. That, my friends, is saying something.
Cheryl Gullo of Waxhaw, mother of five ranging from 20 years old to 7 months old, said her
family “stayed for a long time. The kids had wonderful time.”
The $5 membership includes access to members-only events throughout the year, a Kidgits Tshirt
and a quarterly newsletter. Around the child’s birthday, Kidgits will send a special card, and
a present will be awaiting your child at the mall.
Parents receive coupons, redeemable all over SouthPark mall. On our way home, my son
enjoyed a free meal, compliments of Chick-fil-A.
“You want to provide your kids with fun activities, educational activities, but you need to put
food on the table too,” Gullo said. “It’s hard to find things that are family friendly and not costing
a million dollars.”
WANT TO JOIN?
The next free Kidgits event, “Super Duper Mini Chefs,” is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June
28, but Nicole Bostic hopes to schedule another event even sooner. To join, go to
[5] www.simon.com/kidgits or sign up at Guest Services, in Center Court.