Actor and dad to twin girls, Jerry O'Connell and GoGo squeeZ (applesauce in a pouch) partnered to kick off their “Wherever You Go, Go Playfully” campaign, where the brand launched a commitment to help fuel playfulness for kids and families. Also as part of the campaign, GoGo squeeZ will donate $100K to the Life is Good Playmakers, a nonprofit organization that helps kids overcome poverty, violence and illness by using the power of play to strengthen them and their communities.
If you're not familiar with GoGo squeeZ, it's the leading squeezable, re-sealable, 100% fruit in a pouch. GoGo squeeZ’s products are crafted with high-quality natural ingredients and they are perfect for on the go snacks. They now come in ten delicious flavors such as Apple Cherry, Apple Peach, Apple Strawberry, Apple Mango, Apple Berry.
Jerry recently sat down with Examiner.com to talk about his involvement with GoGo squeeZ, being a Dad and his new CBS show We Are Men.
Tell us about your work with GoGo squeeZ and how did you get started with them?
I teamed up with GoGo squeeZ (the all-natural applesauce in a pouch!) when they wanted some help raising money for Life is good, Playmakers. Playmakers is a nonprofit that uses the power of joyful play to heal and strengthen children and communities most in need of play. They are a terrific charity.
GoGo squeeZ did a survey about playfulness that found 3 out of 4 parents with kids 4 to 12 years old have problems including playfulness into their daily life – and it is even tougher once school starts.
My daughters love GoGo squeeZ so when they reached out to me to be a part of this campaign, I just couldn’t say no. Not only is their applesauce awesome but the campaign is all about raising money for a cause that’s near and dear to my heart. I try to incorporate an element of play into everything that I do, especially with my girls.
School has started again, so I drop GoGo squeeZ in their lunchboxes! It’s all natural and fun to eat. I pound a few myself.
Since June, I’ve been helping GoGo squeeZ spread their playful message to families nationwide. We created these cool videos, played in the rain for our kickoff event in NYC, and have raised almost $100,000 for Playmakers. Now that school has started again, it’s really important for families to continue being playful. Everybody should visit www.GoGosqueeZ.com to learn tips and tricks for being more playful every day. For everyone who goes there, we’ll give a dollar to Playmakers up to $100,000.
What do you love most about being a Dad?
Watching them grow. Hearing them laugh. Seeing them become big girls! The days are long but the years are fast. My girls (Dolly and Charlie) are a couple of characters. I love ‘em!
Do you have any parenting advice for new parents?
I dunno. We’re figuring this out as we go along. Run them ragged so they go to sleep early. Get out there and play!
I hear you are a playfulness expert what tips can you provide on how families can keep their everyday routines playful and exciting?
Actually, my friends at Life is good Playmakers have shared some tips on www.GoGosqueeZ.com that are really easy to fit into our busy days. They’ve got more than two decades of experience out in the field working with youth and communities, so they know what they’re talking about. Some of my favorites are:
- Celebrate every day. Find moments every day to validate and acknowledge the little wins.
- Create a playfulness plan.
- Play in the rain.
- Do the unexpected and find opportunities to be spontaneous.
- And most importantly: Smile.
You have a new CBS Sitcom, We Are Men, premiering September 30. What is it about? What is your character like?
We Are Men is about four newly single men who live in the same apartment complex. I play Dr. Stuart Webber. He has a little bit of a temper since his two divorces. With the help of his friends/neighbors (played by Kal Penn, Chris Smith and the hilarious Tony Shalhoub) he’s working through his issues.
I haven’t brought the girls to set yet because I’m afraid they will ruin takes. We do a bunch of scenes by the pool. I’ll bring them one of those days so they can jump in the pool. I need to keep it fun for them! My cast mates can help me out with them!
