It is with a sad heart, that I have decided to close ZisBoomBah. We fought a good battle against the USDA and Michele Obama’s Let’s Move who had chosen to use the hard work and designs of our Pick Chow! Plate and claim it as theirs. Thank you Jen Laszlo & McCliman Law firm and of course LaszloLaw for your heroic efforts! After being awarded the Grand Prize from the USDA/Let’s Move Apps for Healthy Kids contest (with the written agreement that the USDA and Let’s Move were legally bound to NOT take our design and concepts), the USDA and Let’s Move did in fact use our designs to launch MyPlate.gov. Unfortunately, we could not afford the legal battle to fight the huge giant called our Government.
Even so, our team went on to launch group programs with the Girl Scouts of Colorado, develop the first corporate wellness programs for families with the University of Colorado, develop school programs, community programs, medical programs and family programs. While we had some successes, there was not enough to sustain the business.
As of August 31, 2017, we will close our doors. I wanted to take a moment to thank:
The thousands of families who worked with us on what they needed to help make their families healthy. Many parents wrote to tell us their kids would say “Hey, I need more fiber!” or “I should have fruit and veggies not candy to get energy!”
Our advertisers who care so deeply about our children’s health such as Children Hospital of Colorado, LakeShore Athletic Club, and many others
Our partners such as WebMD, NuVal, 5th Gear, and Girl Scouts of Colorado
The many famous chefs who participated in Pick Chow! Across America such as Bob Blumer, Howie “Bulldog” Kleinberg, Hosea Rosenberg, Chris Blackwood, Elise Wiggins and many others
My partner and brother Mike Carcaise who stood hand in hand with me as we were awarded the Grand Prize, when we were crushed by it, and when we were told by a top level White House Staff member “we cannot touch you. You are now blackballed from Washington D.C.”
My husband who stood beside me the entire time and believed even when I wanted to give up
My daughter, Jennifer, who kept believing in me, helped me file trademarks and continued telling me how amazing and impactful ZisBoomBah was
My sons and their families who loved the concept and were often testing the product Ted & Jessica, Theo, Josie, Xander and Andrew, Mike & Sarah, Maddie and Mikey
To my great big family of 9 brothers and sister who were impressed by what we created and appalled by what was stolen
The ZisBoomBah team that dedicated time and energy over the years especially Lisa, MaryKate, Jacob, Brandon, Allison, Mike P., Andy, Brenda, Ashley, Melissa, Alex, Jackie, Jennifer, Jessica, Rylan, Elizabeth, Christine, Heather, Malia, Hyla, Beth, Mark, Josi, Jessica, Kristin, Amanda, Susan, Marion, Sandra, Rebecca, Kearstin, and Jane Reagan and her children!
A big thanks to MaryKate, Jacob, and Brandon. I will never forget the day we got the news of the My Plate image using our trademarked IP. As I looked up to see Brandon, who face was drawn and pale standing in the doorway, MaryKate standing and staring in shock, Jacob sitting on the floor shaking his head and me not knowing what to say or how to respond to my devastated team. Nothing had prepared us for such an event.
Our advisors Jim Hill, David Shaw, Nicole, Lisa and Keith Ayoob who helped us stay focused and answered the questions of how & what and just plain encouragement.
University of Colorado for their student legal team and many interns who have been very enlightening in their research
Thank you to everyone who contributed used our games and information and told us how much you loved the ZisBoomBah experience. We did this for you and your children so that you had a chance to NOT join the epidemic of obesity and diabetes, heart disease and low levels of happiness.
We wish you many days of health, happiness and joy!
