AZ Insider: #LoveUP Opens Apparel Store

 
 
 

Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside view on the people who make a difference. 

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 Kathy chats with iHeartRadio's Johnjay and Rich on this charitable movement.

  Looking for a fashion statement? Especially one that spreads awareness and funds to help foster children? Well, try the new #LoveUP store in Chandler, AZ. There’s a diversity of designs of Tees, tanks and hats spotlighting the now trendy hashtag.

 It’s all part of the charitable movement started by Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra of iHeartRadio’s Johnjay & Rich Show. The proceeds benefit the Johnjay and Rich Care for Kids Foundation which now focuses on helping kids living in the foster care system. 

 The two radio personalities whose morning show is heard in 25 cities, and their radio fans have helped fuel the online sales of the #LoveUP apparel.

Of course, you can still always order from the online site. But at the store, you can try the items on and there’s a good chance you could run into Johnjay or Rich and their families. (Johnjay and wife Blake Van Es adopted their eldest child and Rich's three kids love shopping for #LoveUP shirts)

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Johnjay likes to stop by the store and help the printer out with the designs. And here’s a scoop and a good way to remember the store’s location! It's coincidently located on  Arizona and Ray Roads, the same corner where he used to ride his hand-me down motor cross bike and then a Beach Cruiser, delivering newspapers.  “#LoveUP isn't  about marketing our show. We don't put our logo on it- just the logo reminding people to do good things,” says Johnjay. 

Rich echoes Johnjay’s passion. “We realize this is beyond epidemic portions and we’ve got to start somewhere. In 2014 there were 12,000 kids in system in Arizona and now there are over 20,000 waiting for forever homes,“ says Rich. “We’d like to turn that around and see that there are more foster parents waiting for kids - that’s Love Up. We want to make people more aware with a call to action and use the bullhorn of our radio show.”

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Kirsten Johnson, the Foundation’s president points out that, “the proceeds from each purchase go to the Johnjay and Rich Care for Kids Foundation to directly help others. “

#LoveUP  started accidentally when Johnjay’s auto correct on his cell phone changed his text from "love it" to "Love Up”. Now the phenomenon which includes #LovePUP is Johjay and Rich’s way to remind people to pay it forward and spread the love! 

kathy shayna shocket copy Kathy Shayna Shocket, a freelance Writer, and TV- Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. The former TV-Reporter has written for publications such as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it