In 2003, Joanne “JoJo” LaRiccia founded JoJo’s DreamCart as a nonprofit, children’s educational television show that promotes pro-social values. The show is dedicated to teaching children ages 7 to 9 that positive thinking is the first step to achieving their dreams. Through actively engaging young audiences, JoJo helps them realize the tools they need to achieve their dreams are already within themselves. The aim of the show is to encourage kids to believe in themselves and know they can do whatever they dream, big or small.

JoJo is the host and producer of the show, and her enthusiasm for life seems to rub off on everyone she meets. Her goal in life is simply “to spread happiness that is contagious.” Living by this motto, JoJo spreads her passion for life through JoJo’s DreamCart.

Every day, children are faced with new obstacles, whether it’s adjusting to a new school or getting the top off the pickle jar. When kids get discouraged, JoJo’s DreamCart inspires them to conquer these “Negative No No’s” and help them trust that they’re capable of anything they put their mind to.

JoJo wants you to know that believing in yourself is the first step in making your dreams come true. You just need a sprinkle of confidence, a dash of motivation and a whole lot of effort. Like JoJo says, it’s 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration! 

The show has aired on PBS Rhode Island and over 100 local access TV stations in the US. Each show features an expert in a specific field, including topics such as Science, Sports, Medicine, Music and History, to educate children in an interactive manner.

An important part of JoJo’s DreamCart is its focus on children’s health. JoJo wants to help find fun, tasty ways for kids to eat right. She has been working with Boston Public Schools in organizing a program that centers on making sure kids know how important it is to eat healthy, and be healthy.  

JoJo’s DreamCart is endorsed by the Boston Public School System and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino as a positive learning tool for children. The show is sponsored by National Grid, the international utility corporation whose core business is the delivery of electricity and natural gas.

Awards

2008 - Regional Emmy Award Nominee for Children’s Programming
2006 - National Hometown Video Awards for Children’s Programs
2007 - Regional Emmy Award Nominee for Children’s Programming
2004 - First Place for Outstanding Achievement Children & Youth Program Alliance for Community Media Northeast

Testimonials

“I recommend Joanne LaRiccia highly and without reservation. I hope you will give her talent and skills every consideration.”

-Thomas M. Menino Mayor of Boston

“This generous offer would be another tool for our schools to spread the message of ‘JoJo’s DreamCart,’ which contains lessons about values, self-esteem, careers, science, and other age-appropriate subjects. We would be happy to inform our schools of the television show, including ways teachers can access the show for free, as well as the (Boston) Children’s Museum’s role.”

-Anand Vaishnav Chief of Staff Boston Public Schools

“I am writing in support of your production of JoJo’s DreamCart, one of the most popular programs ever produced at SCAT (Somerville Community Access Television).”

“We look forward to receiving a new season of shows for cablecast on our Channel, which reaches 20,000 households in Somerville. The show serves our mission, which is to enable Somerville residents to produce TV programs that inform, entertain, and inspire. We are proud to be connected with such an outstanding program and wish you all the best in making season two a great success.”

-Wendy Blom Executive Director, Somerville Community Access TV

“I was thoroughly impressed with her ability to reach out to the children and capture their attention and interest.” “Her series offers both children and their families, a much needed addition to their choice of educational programming.”

-Deborach A. Cyr, School Adjustment Counselor Robin Hood School