HERSHEY film backs push to send 1 million children to theaters

A new campaign tied to the upcoming film HERSHEY is aiming to give one million underprivileged children across America tickets to see the movie. The effort, backed by donors, filmmakers and business leaders, builds on the Hershey legacy of child-focused philanthropy and school access.

Why it matters: - The campaign ties a commercial film release to a national philanthropy push aimed at giving disadvantaged children a shared cultural experience. - Supporters are framing the effort as a way to spread hope, belonging and opportunity through both storytelling and ticket donations.

What happened: - Donors, filmmakers and business leaders gathered at a private viewing hosted by Harbor Fund at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah. - The event centered on a goal to provide one million disadvantaged children across America with tickets to see HERSHEY in theaters. - Angel Studios is helping organize the effort and is inviting moviegoers to support the ticket campaign. - A Utah benefactor pledged to cover movie tickets for disadvantaged children across the state.

The details: - The initiative is tied to the legacy of Milton and Catherine "Kitty" Hershey and the founding of the Hershey Industrial School in 1909. - Kirk Tanner, president and CEO of The Hershey Company, said the Milton Hershey School remains central to the company’s community and values. - Tanner said the school serves more than 2,200 students who live on campus and receive an education at no cost to their families. - Sharon Paul, screenwriter, producer and actress and co-CEO of Dandelion Media, said Milton Hershey School alumni described the school as providing belonging. - Lindsay Smoot Hadley, co-founder and CEO of Harbor Fund, said stories can inspire generosity and drive cultural and societal change. - Matt Peterson, Harbor Fund co-founder, served as an executive producer on Hershey and helped bring philanthropists into the effort. - Jordan Harmon, president and co-founder of Angel Studios, said the collaboration among The Hershey Company, Harbor Fund, Angel Studios and the filmmakers has strong potential ahead of the film’s November release. - HERSHEY is directed by Mark Waters and written by Sharon Paul and Timothy Michael Hayes. - The film stars Finn Wittrock as Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario as Kitty Hershey. - Dandelion Media produced the film with the Hershey Entities and in association with Aloe Entertainment and Peachtree Group.

Between the lines: - The campaign uses the film’s release to reinforce Hershey’s long-running public image as a company tied to philanthropy and child welfare. - The ticket drive also gives partners a concrete way to turn the movie’s message into a real-world distribution effort. - The framing suggests organizers want the film to function as both entertainment and a fundraising catalyst.

What's next: - Organizers want philanthropists in other states to follow Utah’s lead until the ticket goal reaches one million children. - Supporters are being asked to help fund movie tickets so underserved youth can see the film and connect with its themes. - The film’s November release will be the next major test of whether the campaign can scale nationally.

The bottom line: - HERSHEY is being positioned as more than a movie. It is also a vehicle for a nationwide child-ticket campaign built around the Hershey legacy of giving.