South Brunswick Twins Meet Blippi After Family Wins National Contest

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Two Monmouth Junction twins got to meet their favorite YouTube star in Tampa after their mom won a national contest.

Katherine Chala won Halos’ Sweetest Blippi Meet & Greet Contest, which came with an all-expenses-paid trip to meet Blippi in person and a year’s supply of Wonderful Halos mandarins. She traveled to Tampa with her husband and their twin boys, Klay and Kai.

The family found out they had won on the boys’ fourth birthday, Chala said.

“We got to surprise them that day by telling them they were going on a trip to meet the Blippi they watch every night,” she told Patch. “They couldn’t believe it!”

Other prizes, including a Toniebox, arrived before the trip, which made the wait more exciting, Chala said.

When the boys finally met Blippi, she said, one ran up for a high-five. The other hung back with his jaw dropped.

“The twins’ reactions to seeing Blippi were priceless,” Chala said.

According to Wonderful Halos, Blippi has been a familiar part of the family’s routine over a challenging few years, and gave Chala a chance to recharge when she needed it.

Chala said the trip was also a rare break for the family.

“Since having the boys four years ago, their dad and I have been working nonstop to keep our family afloat,” she said. “This trip gave us something we hadn’t really had before – the chance to take a much-needed break, step away from work, visit family we hadn’t seen in ages, and simply slow down and enjoy being together.”

Since getting home, the boys tell almost everyone they meet that they met Blippi, she said.

“I usually have to jump into the conversation and confirm that yes, they really did get to meet the real Blippi because it sounds so unbelievable,” Chala said.

The boys have also asked to get back on an airplane and do it again, she said.

The contest was part of Wonderful Halos’ back-to-school partnership with Blippi, the company said. The two teamed up on the national “Halos Save Lunch” campaign, along with family experiences and in-store events.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com