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American Girl Honors New Orleans: Cecile and Marie-Grace {Giveaway}

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As the 6th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina draws near, I am reminded of how she tried to rob my City of it’s structures, it’s landscape, it’s culture and it’s music.  Unfortunately, New Orleans did lose a great deal during the Storm of 2005, but we did not lose our pride and desire to come together as a community to rebuild…better than before.

Much in this spirit of coming together, American Girl has released a heart warming six book series set in 1853 New Orleans.  For the first time, the company which encourages girls ages 3-12 to dream, grow, inspire and create is releasing two historical characters at once.  Cecile Ray, an African American girl and Marie-Grace Gardner, a Caucasian girl, illustrate the story of a unique friendship which allows the girls to reach across the boundaries of race and class.  Struggling through the hardships of yellow fever which became rampant in 1853 New Orleans, the girls work together to help a community in need.

I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarity to 2005 New Orleans as the people of New Orleans became one and vowed to make the City better than before.  One such example is the soon to open Ellis Marsalis Center of Music located in the heart of Musician’s Village in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans.  Especially in a time where music programs are being cut from local schools, it is imperative for the people of New Orleans to preserve our music culture.  The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music will host many after school programs in music and dance for local children, many of whom lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.  Providing a safe place for the kids to learn from the very people who are part of New Orleans history is only one aspect of the Center.  This 17,000 square foot facility will also contain a performance hall, recording studios and a gathering place for the community to keep the music alive in post-Katrina New Orleans.

To support the effort, American Girl has teamed up with 13 year old Kate Connick and her father Harry Connick, Jr., a music legend here in New Orleans.  The pair created an original song, “A Lot Like Me” to accompany the new American Girl series which is available for download on iTunes.  The best part?  All proceeds will benefit the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music!

Of course, American Girl is bringing the story to life with two new dolls and fabulous accessories which reflect the time period of 1853 New Orleans.  I am so excited for New Orleans characters to be included in the infamous American Girl collection!  The dolls and accessories can be pre-ordered now (the masquerade ball outfits are adorable!) and will be available in American Girl Outlet stores on August 30th. My daughters are so excited!

GIVEAWAY

In honor of this historic release by American Girl, I have BOTH Cecile Ray and Marie-Grace Gardner dolls for one lucky winner!!

How to Enter:

1. Check out the New Orleans series by American Girl and tell me one accessory you would love to own!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and American Girl (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and American Girl on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on September 6th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While I received the first two books in the series to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.

1,844 thoughts on “American Girl Honors New Orleans: Cecile and Marie-Grace {Giveaway}”

  3. I LOVE these dolls. My mom’s name is Marie Grace and her best friend’s name is Cecilia (not quite the same, but close), so these have a special place in my heart.

    Cecile’s parrot is adorable, so I’d go with Cecile’s parrot and games as a favorite accessory.

  6. It’s hard to pick just one favorite accessory, but I really like Cecile’s Parrot and Games. I like the paperdolls that come in that set!

  14. I would like to have the fancy dress and accessoreis…though it looks more like a Mardi Gras outfit to me 😉

  27. I’m a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and American Girl on Facebook (Margaret E. Smith)
    Thanks
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  44. My daughter loves American Girl! She would love to have these dolls.
    We also liked the Fancy Dress from the New Orleans collection.

  56. I like the nightie and i know brea would love hers
    Debbie Jackson
    djackson1958 at hotmail dot com

  75. being a proper NO girl, my daugther wants the Fairy Costume Accessories, so her doll can mardi gras when she gets one!

  80. I would definitely have to have the Fairy Costume. My daughter adores anything Fairy and would love it!

  84. I would love to have the School Backpack Set for Dolls Item# V6015. It’s simply adorable and looks so much like something my Lydia would actually use.

  150. Marie-Grace’s Dog, Argos is so cute, but then everything American Girls makes is wonderful. Their attention to detail is amazing! Thanks!

  185. I would like the Fairy Costume Accessories. Like on FB.
    Thanks for the great sweep and hope to win 🙂

  361. I really like Cécile’s Bed & Bedding, I think my daughter would have fun with this princess type of bed. I also like Cécile’s special dress, it is a bit different and unique. Thanks, Jackie

  506. The Fairy Costume Accessories is really adorable! Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com