Lollipop Theater Network
Lollipop Theater Network
Who We Are
Lollipop Theater Network is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to bringing the magic of movies currently in theaters to children confined to hospitals nationwide due to chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
Our goal is to create a fun escape from the daily reality of the illnesses these children face and to offer them and their families a moment of normalcy in an otherwise stressful environment.
What We Do
Shrek, Harry Potter, Surf's Up... Ask any child to name their favorite movie and one of these titles might pop up. There's nothing like seeing a child's face light up as the previews end and the movie that he/she has been anticipating for weeks is finally about to begin!
But what about children who are battling life-threatening illnesses who are unable to visit a movie theater?
LOLLIPOP makes it possible for hospitalized children around the nation to see the season's biggest blockbuster movies* at the same time as their friends and siblings.
We literally roll out the red carpet, distribute movie tickets and memorabilia, and screen movies ONLY available in theaters. Sometimes the stars of the film are even available to make a special visit! To ensure that no child ever misses a movie, LOLLIPOP provides multiple screenings in group and isolation settings.
Our desire is to create a fun escape from the daily reality of the illnesses and medical treatments these children face. And in the process, LOLLIPOP hopes to deliver a "normal" experience for the entire family.
We believe hope and laughter are key ingredients in having the strength to fight and to cope with hospitalization. Most of these pediatric patients - ranging in age from 2-20 years - are normally deprived of the movie-going experience, as they are unable to leave the hospital for weeks or months on end, if ever.
Since LOLLIPOP's first screening in 2002, we have screened over 225 films and now reach hospitalized children in over 18 states nationwide. In 2005, we expanded the program to include other entertainment mediums like TV movies, shows and our new "Rhythm of Hope" music program and collaborations with other organizations to provide movie-themed arts and crafts pre-show activities.
*By working closely with the filmmakers and movie studios, LOLLIPOP has developed strict viewing guidelines that address security and other industry concerns. A LOLLIPOP or studio representative supervises each and every screening.
