by columnist Suzanne Struglinski
Just when you thought the elections were over, along comes Kitty: Hello Kitty for President just in time for Tuesday’s election.
Cuteness oozed out of the Hello Kitty for President headquarters in the Living Social space on F. St on Saturday.
From a Mount Rushmore painting augmented with the kitty’s signature red hair bows and other artwork, to Georgetown Cupcake desserts decorated with the Japanese icon’s likeness and numerous fan photo ops with the kitty herself, there was almost an adorableness overload–but Hip Hop artist Biz Markie helped keep things balanced.
Jill Koch, vice president of brand management and marketing for Sanrio –the company behind Hello Kitty and friends — said the company wanted to find a way to infuse some happiness and fun messaging into this otherwise crazy time. “We wanted to make people smile,” Koch said. “We wanted to promote a message of happiness.”
Koch explained that Hello Kitty is running as part of The Friendship Party. Kitty’s main platform focuses on sharing, friendship, fun and happiness. If elected, Hello Kitty would be America’s first female (and feline) president and already has millions of fans around the world. “We like to say she’s a favorite of those four to forever,” Koch said.
Hello Kitty, dressed in her patriotic best, happily posed for photos at Saturday’s party. The blue penguin Tuxedosam, her running mate chosen via a Facebook poll, waddled and waved to guests too. Sephora makeup artists were on hand to help with express kitty looks and sent guests home with Hello Kitty mirrors. Georgetown Cupcakes decorated with the campaign’s logo were served at the party and also as a take away treat.
The Living Social space was a packed house with Hello Kitty fans checking out the campaign’s pop-up store, taking photos and dancing to Markie’s mixes.
Before hitting the turn tables, Markie (yes, that Biz Markie of 1989’s hit “Just A Friend” and now kids show Yo Gabba Gabba fame) took a turn at the claw machine to try to pick out some Hello Kitty toys. He was unsuccessful at the first few tries, and turned to the crowd asking for just two more quarters. Sarah DeGuilio came to his rescue and the hip-hop star won his very own kitty on the next try.
“My quarters got Biz Markie his prize!” DeGuilio cheerfully told her friend. Her willingness to help Markie illustrated the event’s whole theme of supporting “The Friendship Party.” “That’s the direction the country really wants to go,” DeGuilio said.
This was Sanrio’s first Hello Kitty event in D.C. Proceeds from the sale of presidential-themed Hello Kitty cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes, the claw machine at the campaign headquarters and an art auction will benefit local group 826DC, an organization aimed at improving creative-writing skills of students aged 6 to 18 years old.
Meanwhile, in wake of last week’s hurricane, Sanrio will donate 100 of net proceeds from Hello Kitty’s campaign headquarters pop up shop sales to the Red Cross for relief efforts.
Joe Callahan, executive director of 826DC, said he was thrilled to be able to partner with Sanrio on the project. Hello Kitty’s birthday was Nov. 1, which coincidentally is 826DC’s anniversary too, so it is a great partnership –and he can support her for president. “She cares about the things that everyone should care about – friendship, love partnerships and I like to think she cares about education too,” Callahan said. “I see her and I can’t feel sad. It’s impossible.”
Kasie Murphy
Kasie Murphy, 23 of Baltimore, said she has loved Hello Kitty since at least third grade. The Hello Kitty tattoo covering her shoulder, inked on in March, was the finishing touch matching her Hello Kitty dress, purse and signature red bow and white kitty ears. “She’s just cute and kind,” Murphy said of her favorite feline, standing in the pop-up store on the top floor of the campaign headquarters. Murphy checked out the store for the first time on Friday and came back Saturday for the party. “I love it,” Murphy said.
Tiffany Ding, 28, said she can never miss a Hello Kitty party. “It’s all about the love,” Ding said shortly after getting a photo with the candidate herself. Although Ding has met her favorite character before, she was still excited about Saturday”s brush with fame. “It’s amazing,” Ding said. “Every single time is like the first time, so exciting.”
Tiffany Ding
The campaign headquarters will close on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6th.
Hail to the Chief: Miss Kitty
