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K'NEX in the News
...Welcome to the K'NEX Newsroom - a place to read about what's hot in the news!
Welcome to the K'NEX Newsroom - a place to read about what's hot in the news! From Toy Fairs to K'NEX builders on TV, the newsroom is sure to keep you updated. So make sure you check back often and stay "in the news"!
If you have a news story to share, please contact us
20 years of Building Worlds Kids Love!
2012 is an exciting year for K'NEX, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary and as we celebrate, we invite you to celebrate with us! To thank YOU, our loyal fans, we will be hosting
a variety of contests & sweepstakes all year long. For more details or to enter check out our 20th anniversary page!
Rodon Group named finalist for Processor of the year award; Ceremony to take place Janaury 31st
The Rodon Group, K'NEX's sister company, has been named as a finalist for the 16th Annual Processor of Year Award presented by Plastics News. This prestigious award will be presented at the end
of January at the Plastics News Executive Forum in Tampa, FL. Read more about it here:
K'NEX says THANK YOU for your C.H.O.P. donations!
We donated 10% of sales from KNEX.com to pediatric gastroenterology research at CHOP this holiday season and thanks to you we have donated $20,194.06 to CHOP!
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Ultimate Bowser's Castle Building Set one of Toys R Us' HOT Holiday Toys!
K'NEX is pleased to be among the manufacturers included in the annual Toys "R" Us Holiday Hot Toy List. The Holiday Hot list features the 36 most exciting new items from around the world that are sure to WOW kids on Christmas morning.
Inspired by Mario Kart™ Wii, one of the most popular titles for the Wii™ console, the K'NEX Mario Kart Wii Bowser's Castle Ultimate Building Set™ lets young
Nintendo® fans build and play with their favorite video game characters Mario™ and Luigi™ and build the Bowser's Castle track. Check it out here
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K'NEXosaurus Rex named one of the Best 100 Toys of 2011
"I spend a great deal of time reviewing a large quantity of products created by a myriad of manufacturers and designers.
I make sure my selections meet the criteria of my high standards of excellence," according to Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., also known as Dr. Toy. K'NEX is honored to be amongst the top 100 toys of 2011.
The K'NEXosaurus Rex stimulates your child's imagination and creativity as he builds a walking dinosaur!
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Mario and Standard Kart Building Set named an Honors Winner in 2011 NAPPA competition!
 "This year's Children's Products winners represent an exciting combination of traditional children's
toys, books and games along with virtual products like video games, ebooks and apps," said Julie Kertes, National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA) general manager. NAPPA's independent expert judges evaluated hundreds of
submissions for their innovation, entertainment and education values and quality. Learn more about this award-winning new set, plus the rest of the Mario Kart™ Wii line, by clicking here
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K'NEX Plays Part in Creating a Children's Museum in Rutland, Vermont
 The Rutland Creative Economy initiative to create a children's museum for the small city of Rutland, Vermont took a step forward with the July opening of a six week rotating set of exhibits for children that engages the community in hopes of a permanent future for the museum.
Opening day exhibits about energy in motion featured an educational display of K'NEX donated by the Hatfield, PA building toy company. Over 350 adults and children in the small city of Rutland visited the exhibits on opening day.
The exhibits are open on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 8 thru August 13. For more information please visit www.WonderfeetKidsMuseum.org.
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K'NEX Toy Designer Featured in NASCAR Program
Michael Klitsch, senior toy designer leading the development of the K'NEX NASCAR building sets was interviewed in the NASCAR
Pocono Raceway souvenir program. Learn more about what goes into creating these fun NASCAR sets from the designer himself.
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K'NEX Facebook Page Reaches 10,000 Fans
On July 5th the K'NEX Facebook page reached 10,000 fans and lucky fan Christine from Valdosta, GA was chosen randomly to
win $1,000! If you haven't joined this vibrant fan community you're missing out. "Like" us today to meet other builders and enjoy special offers, product news, and fun contests.
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K'NEX Sister Company The Rodon Group Launches Blog
K'NEX bricks, rods and connectors are manufactured by The Rodon Group , our sister company, at their
eco-friendly facility in Hatfield, PA. Check out Rodon's cool new blog for more information on how K'NEX are made, American manufacturing and our commitment to sustainability.
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Monster Jam Driver Tour K'NEX/Rodon
On July 22nd John Seasock, driver of Monster Jam's Grinder visited K'NEX headquarters in Hatfield, PA to meet with staff, sign autographs and tour The Rodon Group manufacturing facility where he saw K'NEX being made. Thanks for visiting, John!
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Champion Cyclist Visits K'NEX
Champion cyclist Matt Baranoski, son of Rodon Mold Designer Michael Baranoski, and a member of our K'NEX/Rodon family,
stopped by to present a framed jersey to K'NEX President Michael Araten and Founder Joel Glickman as a token of appreciation.
K'NEX is one of Matt's sponsors. Matt recently won the Keirin Cup. We wish him luck in upcoming races!
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K'NEX and Nintendo World are throwing a huge bash to celebrate the launch of the new Mario Kart Wii building sets. Be amongst the first fans to see these awesome new sets in action!
DATE: Thursday, July 21st, 2011
TIME: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
PLACE: Nintendo World, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 (48th St between 5th and 6th avenues)
WHAT: Product demonstrations, contests, building stations, character photos and MORE!
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Sunday night's 2011 Monster Jam® Award Ceremony, from Harrah's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, was the perfect culmination to the 2011 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals℠ weekend where drivers, crew, and sponsors were honored in front of their peers.
Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals℠ XII presented by NGK Spark Plugs concluded Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV and the newly crowned World Racing Champion Tom Meents, driver of Maximum Destruction®, and World Freestyle Champion Jim Koehler, driver of Avenger, were the headliners.
"It is because of the fans" said Tom Meents during his speech as he held up a sign given to him by a fan "this was the best moment of the weekend."
A special tribute was made to veteran Monster Jam announcer Scott Douglas as he was presented with a new award, the Leadership Award.
| 2011 Monster Jam® Awards Ceremony Recipients: |
| George Balhan, MohawkWarrior℠ |
Stadium Wheelie of the Year |
| Daren Migues, Stone Crusher |
Rising Star Award |
| Daren Migues, Stone Crusher |
Rising Star Award |
| Chad Fortune, Superman™ monster truck |
Arena Wheelie of the Year |
| Adam Anderson, Grave Digger The Legend℠ |
Extreme Air of the Year |
| Neil Elliott, Maximum Destruction® |
Extreme Air - Sky High |
| Marc McDonald, El Toro Loco® |
Donut of the Year |
| Bari Musawwir, El Toro Loco® & Nick Owens, Iron Outlaw |
Rookie of the Year |
| Lupe Soza, Advance Auto Parts Grinder℠ |
Save of the Year |
| Candice Jolly, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian |
Humanitarian Award |
| Brandon Lambert (crew chief), Maximum Destruction® |
Humanitarian Award |
| Adam Anderson, Grave Digger The Legend℠ |
Arena Freestyle of the Year |
| Jim Koehler, Avenger |
Sportsman of the Year |
| Tom Meents, Maximum Destruction® |
Crash Madness of the Year |
| Charlie Pauken, Grave Digger® |
Stadium Freestyle of the Year |
| Mark Hanson, AAP Grinder & Jon Zimmer, Shock Therapy |
UTI Technician of the Year |
| Scott Buetow, Iron-Man™ |
Wow Factor of the Year |
| Stone Crusher/Mopar Magic (Monster Truck LTD) |
Team of the Year |
| Tom Meents, Maximum Destruction® |
2011 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam
World Racing Champion |
| Jim Koehler, Avenger |
2011 Advance Auto Parts Monster
Jam World Freestyle Champion |
| Scott Douglas |
Leadership Award |
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| Tickets for the 2012 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals go on-sale in two weeks. See below for detailed on-sale information: |
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| April 5-11, 2011 |
Exclusive Double Down Fan Pre-sale
All fans that purchased 2011 Double Down packages have the first chance to renew their same seats by April 11th. |
| April 12-14, 2011 |
Priority Pre-sale
All fans that attended the 2011 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals, but did not attend the Double Down, will have a chance to participate in the priority on-sale. Those fans must register at www.MonsterJam.com by April 8th. |
| April 15, 2011 |
General Public On-sale
Double Down packages and regular tickets will go on-sale to the general public at 1pm EST/ 10am |
| For more information on the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, log onto www.MonsterJam.com. |
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K'NEX Ferris Wheels Named a Best Classic Toy for 2011"Classic toys are toys you return to from your own childhood, like the shiny, durable Radio Flyer red wagon, scooter, or tricycle," according to Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., also known as Dr. Toy. K'NEX was pleased to have its ferris wheels chosen as a Dr. Toy Best Classic Toy for 2011. K'NEX ferris wheels are a favorite of builders, including the popular new K'NEX Light Up Ferris Wheel ! |
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Local High School Students Create K'NEX Grandfather ClockStudents from Souderton Area High School's Big Red Marching Band took on a different role recently as they constructed a grandfather clock that was donated by K'NEX. As a local business K'NEX serves as one of Souderton Area High School's Career Pathway Partners and participates in events such as the high school's Career Day and Scholars Banquet. The Big Red Marching Band toured K'NEX to learn about the business of making building toys after completing the clock. |
Dennis Anderson, Driver of Grave Digger Profiled by the WSJ
The Wall Street Journal profiled Dennis Anderson, driver of Grave Digger and a "legend in the monster-truck circuit" in a recent article called "The Maestro of the Monster Truck." Did you know that at home Dennis Anderson drives a 2005 Z71 Chevrolet 4×4 pickup truck? Learn more cool facts about this popular monster truck driver in this in-depth article.
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K'NEX Participates in Toy Drive for Canada's Children of the North
Thanks to the generosity of over 50 CTA members, we assembled over $30,000 worth of toys-on display for thousands of people, and many thousands more watching on television, to see-at the Santa Claus Parade free breakfast event in the heart of Toronto in Yonge-Dundas Square. Special thanks to those member companies who far exceeded the toy donations that were made by all who participated in the annual CTA Hot Toys for the Holidays event. Together they raised our forecast donation from $10,000 to $30,000+.
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Formula Smiles and K'NEX Team Up Over the Holidays
This holiday season NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya and wife Connie will visit the Early Beginnings Academy Northshore to donate K'NEX toys to the children attending the school. The Montoya's will present toys on behalf of their foundation - Formula Smiles and K'NEX. K'NEX donated the 1000 building toys, including some of the No. 42 Target Car Building Sets (Juan Pablo's car) to Formula Smiles. The Academy is a charter school for children with special needs, located near Miami Shores, FL. It is part of the non-profit organization: United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida and serves approximately 80 children, ranging from ages birth to six years old with varying exceptionalities including but not limited to: Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Language Delays, Global Developmental Delays, Genetic Disorders, Blindness and Orthopedic Impairments.
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Dover International Speedway donates K'NEX toys statewide to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware
DOVER, Del. - Children in Delaware received a special delivery last week from the Dover International Speedway pace truck. K'NEX toy sets were delivered statewide to 13 Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. The K'NEX toys included a variety of construction sets including dragsters, sports cars, helicopters, formula cars and monster trucks. |
K'NEX Featured in PA Parenting Magazine
Want to learn more about K'NEX? Check out this month's Parents Express Magazine, a regional parenting publication that highlighted K'NEX in the July issue. |
Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) airs a video tour of K'NEX and Rodon headquarters
On Monday, June 27th at 6:00 pm the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) aired a video tour of K'NEX and Rodon headquarters.
K'NEX displays HUGE TD Bank Logo for the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship
Hey Philly folks - did you see the HUGE TD Bank logo we built out of K'NEX last weekend as part of the festivities surrounding the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship? It was 32 feet long and more than 300,000 pieces!
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K'NEX and Rodon Cheer On Matt Baranoski
Matt Baranoski, son of long-tenured Rodon employee, Michael Baranoski a mold designer, has found increasing success as an elite track cyclist. Matt began track racing at age six along with his brother. As his father, also a cycling enthusiast explained, the goal back then was just to "still be able to enjoy riding a bike after the race was over." Not only did Matt enjoy riding even when not racing but in competition he flourished...
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Earnhardt Jr. To Reach Make-A-Wish® Milestone at Charlotte
Special No. 88 paint scheme & events to commemorate 200th wish granted
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 22, 2010) - In specific terms, the wish is simple - meet Dale Earnhardt Jr., share a few laughs and stories, ask questions like "What is your favorite hobby?" or "What video games do you play?" and enjoy a NASCAR experience that on any other weekend would come through a television. Learn more about Earnhardt Jr. To Reach Make-A-Wish®
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One-Hour Special of 2010 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® NGK Spark Plugs World Finals on CBS Sunday April 11
CBS Sports will provide coverage of the 2010 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® NGK Spark Plugs World Finals from Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium this Sunday, April 11 at Noon EST.
The one-hour broadcast will capture the action packed weekend from Friday's Double Down through Sunday night's awards ceremony. Fans can follow Monster Jam icon Dennis Anderson's triumphant path to his third Monster Jam World Finals Racing Championship in Grave Digger® and Charlie Pauken's awe-inspiring Monster Jam Freestyle Championship in Monster Mutt®.
"It felt great to get the championship," said Anderson. "I have not even seen the playback from the championship-winning run, so I am going to watch it this Sunday on CBS. I love Tom (Meents) off the track, but on the track, I want to win. I am starting a new decade as a champion, and there is no better place to showcase that than on national television."
K'NEX hosted a tent at the 2010 Monster Jam World Finals in Las Vegas to introduce the new K'NEX Monster Jam Building Sets available in July 2010. Monster Jam fans can reserve their K'NEX building sets online before the official release.
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2010 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® Awards Winners Honored in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (March 29, 2010) - The 2010 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® NGK Spark Plugs World Finals concluded Saturday in-front of a sold-out Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV while the world champions and other award winners were honored Sunday night before the Monster Jam industry, drivers, crews, and sponsors at Harrah's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Read more about Monster Jam® Awards Winners Honored in Las Vegas
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Grave Digger® Tops Maximum Destruction® in Racing World Championship as Monster Mutt Fetches First-Ever Freestyle World Championship at Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® NGK Spark Plugs World Finals
LAS VEGAS (March 27, 2010) - Before a sold out crowd at the 11th Annual Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® NGK Spark Plugs World Finals, icon Dennis Anderson, driving Grave Digger®, claimed his third Monster Jam World Finals Racing Championship and Charlie Pauken, driving Monster Mutt®, captured the first Freestyle Championship of his career at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium.
Read more about Monster Jam World Finals
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Lincoln Logs Bicentennial Edition and Lava Launch Coaster Featured on Amazon Holiday Toy List
Both the K'NEX Lava Launch CoasterTM and Lincoln Logs® Lincoln's Log Cabin Bicentennial set are included on Amazon.com's prestigious Holiday Toy List for 2009. The recently released list allows customers to easily find the season's hottest toys, video games, sporting goods, electronics, and more. The Holiday Toy List features search tools that help customers quickly narrow and expand search results to find the perfect gift based on age, gender, category, price and discount.
K'NEX Sesame Street 1-2-3 Brownstone Lauded by San Diego Family Magazine
The K'NEX Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection 1-2-3 Brownstone Building Set received a boost from San Diego Family Magazine which included the building set in its holiday toy review and awarded it a 10 out of 10 rating. The selected toys were rated by families on educational concepts, creativity, price, assembly and "fun" factor.
Zoo Buddies Building Set and Lava Launch Coaster Win Parents' Choice Awards
Two K'NEX products, the Zoo Buddies Building Set and the Lava Launch CoasterTM, were awarded prestigious Parents' Choice Awards. Established in 1978, Parents' Choice Foundation is the nation's oldest nonprofit consumer guide to quality children's media. The Zoo Buddies Building Set is Parents' Choice Recommended and the Lava Launch Coaster is Parents' Choice Approved. Fewer than 20% of the products submitted to the Parents' Choice Awards program receive any level of commendation. Parents' Choice serves as a trusted and independent source for educators and librarians, journalists and families searching for children's media and toys.
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K'NEX® Dinosaurs 20 Model Building Set™ Wins T.O.Y. Award
The K'NEX Dinosaurs 20 Model Building Set was selected as one of FamilyFun Magazine's 18th annual Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.) Award winners. Dozens of families across the United States served as toy testers for the award. The testers assessed the quality, value, and fun factor of more than 375 toys to create a list of 30 kid- and parent-approved winners. The top ten toys were announced on Live with Regis and Kelly on Friday, October 2, 2009.
The K'NEX Dinosaurs 20 Model Building Set was hailed as "a toy 65 million years in the making" in the November issue of FamilyFun Magazine which features all the winners. The award-winning set which includes more than 300 parts and a motion-activated sound brick can be purchased at Wal-Mart® and Toys R Us® stores.
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K'NEX Makes a Cameo Appearance in Interactive Annual Report
A K'NEX robot is one of the stars of The Johnson City Power Board's 2008 Annual Report. In the industry section of the report, entitled Experience How We Are Making Your Connection, visitors can plug in a virtual power cord and watch a K'NEX welding robot move. The JCPB decided to use the paperless annual report because it is the most environmentally friendly option available. To create a virtual K'NEX robot, the creators of the report, Stellar Studios, first built it using K'NEX parts. Using the 3-D robot as their model, they were able create the animation you see in the report. K'NEX is highlighted in the credits section of the report for providing the parts for the robot included in this inventive online piece created using both digital media and handcrafted artwork. To view the report, go to http://www.jcpb.com/annualReport/ and select Industry in the left column. Drag the power cord plug to the socket to see the robot work.
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Visit Abby Cadabby's K'NEX® Giant Pumpkin at Sesame Place
For the second year in a row, K'NEX is pleased to join in the fall fun at Sesame Place's Halloween Spooktacular by providing Abby Cadabby's giant pumpkin. The massive pumpkin made entirely of K'NEX parts weighs 400 pounds and took two weeks to build. "It was pretty cool," according to Andrea Thomas, the K'NEX designer who built the pumpkin and explained, "as it got bigger and bigger it got heavier and heavier. Before I sealed the model I could fit inside it!" Andrea enjoyed creating Abby Cadabby's pumpkin, "it was fun, all the large models are fun to build" she said.
Visitors to the Spooktacular can try to win a Sesame Street Kid K'NEX® Abby Cadabby Building Set™ by correctly guessing the number of K'NEX pieces in the giant pumpkin. The Count's Halloween Spooktacular runs from September 26th to October 31st, weekends only.
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K'NEX and NASCAR team up for Cool New Building Sets, coming in 2010!
Exciting news for all you NASCAR fans! In January 2010, K'NEX is introducing a brand new line of building sets, featuring 2 of the sport's most popular drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon.
Check out the whole story here and be sure to keep an eye out on knex.com later this year for previews!
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The 2010 K'NEXpert Search has officially begun!
This year's prizes include three $10,000 savings bonds for college, tons of FREE K'NEX and a trip to visit K'NEX Headquarters near Philadelphia, PA! Grand prizes will be awarded in three separate age groups - 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12 - so everyone has a chance!
It's easy to enter... So if you or someone you know LOVES to build, spread the word!
For more information and details check out the Official K'NEXpert page
And don't forget to check out last year's winners for inspiration.
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K'NEX is now on Facebook!
Become a fan of K'NEX on Facebook and join the growing online community of K'NEX fans.
You'll be the FIRST to hear about exciting K'NEX news plus you'll be able to share your stories, pictures and videos with K'NEX fans across the globe!
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K'NEX Workshops at National Engineering Month !
From February 28 to March 8 2009, thousands of Ontario residents came together to celebrate National Engineering Month 2009 (NEM) at various locations across the province. Created in 1992 as National Engineering Week, Canada’s largest engineering volunteer run event was re-branded to National Engineering Month in 2008. Read more... |
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K'NEX says THANK YOU for your help to cure Crohn's & Colitis!
Due to your online purchases and generous individual donations, over $6,000 were raised in May and June to support the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America!
In addition, a team of K'NEX employees participated in 2 Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Events in Philadelphia.
K'NEX gives a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported the cause!
Go to www.ccfa.org to learn more about the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America or visit the official K'NEX Take Steps page.
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Bridging to the future, two graduating seniors in structural engineering had fun putting their classroom knowledge to work and left a parting gift to campus and the professors that helped them along the way.
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President Obama Portrait!
Rising over 8 feet tall, this incredible portrait of President Obama was recently completed by a talented and dedicated team of K'NEX designers including Andrea, Norm, Andy, Josh and David.
Check out more pictures of this amazing model and other impressive K'NEX Giant Builds!
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K'NEX 400pc Tub awarded as one of Dr. Toy's Best Classic Products for 2009!
Recognized as a toy that has delivered consistent play value over many years (Originally Introduced in 1993!), the K'NEX 400pc Tub joins the Yo-Yo and Hula Hoop among others as a Best Classic Product.
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K'NEX Brands and The United Way Partner to Build a Better Community
Through a unique partnership, K'NEX Brands and The United Way created the 'Have a Heart' promotion, where 10% of all net proceeds from www.knex.com from the entire month of February were donated directy to the North Penn United Way.
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