KICK BULLYING TO THE CURB
A Free Community Wellness Festival & Celebrity Kickball Game

Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 4pm – 8pm Location: Palm Springs Power Stadium.

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 –8pm 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: Tara Lazar (Team Palm Springs) and Connie Golds (Team Coachella).  Sounds by DJ Aaron Aldosirio. 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 

“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.”

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 6:00pm, Boo2Bullying and Community Partner organizations will host information tables/booths and family-friendly activities, DJ, face-painting. Festival-goers will also be treated to a “Petting Zoo and Cool Critters” show by the Mobile Zoo of Southern California, Atomic Game Truck and more

Presenting Sponsor: James MacMillan, Bighorn Cares and VRTX Lab

Additional Sponsors:  City of Palm Springs • F 10 Love  • Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa / Grace Helen Spearman Foundation • Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center • David Perry & Associates, Inc. • Desert Healthcare District & Foundation • Kid Dangerous • The Bianco Group

Community Partners: Boys & Girls Club Palm Springs • Palm Springs High School Cheer Squad • Transgender Health and Wellness Center • College of the Desert • Hope & Healing Counseling Services

For more information on Community Partners or Sponsorship opportunities please contact Dimitri Halkidis, or dimitrihalkidis@boo2bullying.org