Philadelphia Entrepreneur to Raise $250,000 for Educational Programs and to Create Dozens of Jobs, Over Next 12 Months

Online, July 18, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Mark Kendall, CEO, Madness Studios, LLC, and founder, Stop The Madness Foundation (STMF), a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization dedicated to preventing violence and bullying by empowering children through education, the arts and community outreach, today announced plans to raise more than $250,000 through STMF, for school supplies, scholarships and future programs for children and teens in the Philadelphia area, over the next 12 months. In addition, Kendall will grow his community outreach program to create dozens of job opportunities for local teens and adults who may not have a high school diploma or post-secondary education degrees or certificates.

Through STMF, which was founded in 2006, and its mascot Max Madness the scientist, Kendall plans to raise the funds by partnering with local businesses and health organizations for health-awareness and science initiatives; selling of merchandise and bookings for Max; and a science fair in the Spring of 2013, from which the first, second and third-place high school winners will receive scholarship money to assist with college tuition. In addition, the foundation also plans to host community events such as Halloween haunted houses, Thanksgiving and Christmas toy drives

Through Madness Studios, LLC, which includes graphic design, recording and photography studios and services, and Waterview Lounge, a 1900-square-foot, 200-person capacity events venue, Kendall's outreach program would employ and train individuals in music, art, design, administrative services and event planning.

According to a March 2012 report done by the Bureau of Labor of Statistics, Philadelphia County has an unemployment rate of 10.3 percent, two percent higher than the national average, as reported on July 6, 2012 by the U.S. Labor Department. In addition, in April 2012, the School District of Philadelphia announced that it would close 40 schools in this upcoming school year, and another six schools per year, until 2017.

"Fifteen years ago, when I decided to start my business, I wanted to create an economic ecosystem that would offer people something tangible, and assist them in achieving their goals," said, Kendall. He continued, "My affection for the community and seeing children achieve is the inspiration behind the Stop the Madness Foundation. With the support of the City and the community-at-large, STMF can grow to fund an educational center that includes athletic, trade, career development, entrepreneurial and health programs for children and adults. That's my vision. That's what I want to do for my city."

Currently, Kendall and STMF are organizing a 12-part non-profit fundraising and networking event series entitled Connect 6, which would partner STMF with 12 Philadelphia-area non-profit organizations that focus on youth advocacy, performing arts, social justice and economic development. Through the series, organizers and directors of participating non-profit organizations will have the opportunity to showcase their programs' mission and communicate directly with local small-business owners, corporate business leaders, elected officials, community leaders and grassroots advocates, facilitating the connection between advocacy programs, government and the business community for further development.

At the end of the 12-month period, Kendall will host an event disclosing the final dollar amount raised through the year-long effort, at Waterview Lounge, wherein city officials, local business leaders, partnering organizations and media will be invited.

About Madness Studios, LLC
Founded by Mark Kendall in 2011, Madness Studios, LLC, operates recording and photo studios, graphic design services and Waterview Lounge; Madness Designs, a clothing line for men and women; and operates Stop The Madness Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing violence and bullying by empowering children through education, arts and community outreach services.

About Markeem Kendall
A native South Philadelphian, Mark Kendall started his first company, a music record label, Mark Madness Entertainment, in 1998. In 2001, Kendall developed his second business, Madness Designs, which he still owns and operates, today. In addition to Madness Studios, LLC, his latest project, Waterview Lounge opened its doors June 24, 2011, in Philadelphia, Pa.