– Kids’ WB! promo links toons with hoops

Kids’ WB! is jumping through hoops to promote its Saturday morning lineup this spring with a new multi-tiered promotion titled ‘Basket Toons.’ Sponsored by Kraft Kids, the nationwide promotion combines Warner’s animated characters with the WB Sport brand and Kraft Foods products. WB Sport is Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ new sports and entertainment brand under its sports licensing division. The ‘Basket Toons’ promotion will appear on 90 million Kraft packages over 11 brands.

Part of the promotion involves a contest in which kids tune in to Kids’ WB! on Saturday morning to win. During the animated lineup, kids search for a hidden ‘Basket Toons’ basketball inserted into selected episodes, then mail in delivery cards obtained at stores, identifying when and where the ball was spotted. Prizes include a trip to Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, plus lunch with a WB Sport player and a ride with Patrick Ewing in the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile.

A studio spokesperson notes that the promotion allows both Kids’ WB! and Kraft Foods to benefit from their partner’s high visibility.

Kraft is promoting the event with a substantial print and TV campaign. Point-of-purchase materials include life-size standees of players Patrick Ewing, Tyrone ‘Muggsy’ Bogues and Bryant ‘Big Country’ Reeves.

-Babar supports the Red Cross

PARIS: Babar, the king of Celesteville, has volunteered for the French Red Cross. The royal elephant will help the institution promote its national blood collection day on June 8. Ellipse, which holds the French rights for the property, has produced a 20-second commercial for the event, which will be broadcast on all French networks.