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MINNEAPOLIS, Sep 21, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE)
Yoplait(R), the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and SELF magazine today announced the launch of the second annual Yoplait Champions program, a nationwide search for up to 25 ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things in the fight against breast cancer.
Between September 19 and October 31, individuals can visit www.yoplaitusa.com to nominate a friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker or themselves for the opportunity to be selected as one of up to 25 Yoplait Champions. On behalf of each Champion, Yoplait will donate $1,000 to the charity of their choice, totaling up to $25,000 for 25 champions.
Applicants are asked to describe, in 1,000 words or less, how the nominee embodies a champion. Each champion will have clearly demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to the breast cancer cause; shown personal sacrifices for the cause; illustrated a creative and innovative approach to fighting breast cancer; impacted others' lives or the community; and sparked changes that have resulted from their activities.
"The Yoplait Champions program highlights the 'power of the individual' in the breast cancer cause and is a way for others to be inspired by these stories of courage and strength in overcoming seemingly impossible situations," said Camille Gibson, vice president of Yoplait. "Yoplait has a long-standing commitment to the breast cancer cause and this program is another way for Yoplait to continue to extend its support for this important issue."
The search for Yoplait Champions will kick off this fall in tandem with the company's signature Save Lids to Save Lives(R) promotion. Now in its eighth year, Yoplait is giving consumers a chance to be an everyday champion by helping Yoplait raise up to 1.5 million dollars for the fight against breast cancer. Special pink lids will top Yoplait yogurt cups in September and October, and for every lid that is saved and mailed in through December 31, 2005, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to the Komen Foundation, up to $1.5 million with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000. The Save Lids to Save Lives program is a way for ordinary men and women across the country to be Champions in their own community.
As part of the Champions program in 2003, Yoplait recognized a diverse and passionate group of individuals who, through their personal and life-altering encounters with breast cancer, demonstrated a range of innovative and creative ways to give back to the cause; educating, informing and raising awareness around the issue, in diverse communities across the country, in an effort to save the lives of those affected. Through the Champions program, Yoplait was able to raise awareness and support for the unique ways in which ordinary people can engage in the fight against breast cancer.
The broad spectrum of accomplishments achieved by 2003 Champions are indicative of the many forms that activism can take. Yoplait's pioneering Champions were responsible for founding such diverse programs as Sense of Security, dedicated to providing financial assistance to patients in the midst of treatment; FertileHope, a nonprofit organization educating men and women diagnosed with cancer on fertility options; and The Witness Project, a culturally informed, community-based breast and cervical cancer educational program designed in 1991, now in 32 locations in 22 states across the country. It is Yoplait's hope that public recognition of the kind of extraordinary commitment and creativity that these survivors and activists embody will inspire others across the country to do the same.
For more information on the search, please visit www.yoplaitusa.com or contact yoplaitchampions@coneinc.com or 1-617-939-8477 with any questions.
About Yoplait
For more than 17 years, Yoplait has been committed to raising awareness of women's issues, including breast cancer, heart health, osteoporosis prevention and fitness. With the attainment of this year's goals and the fulfillment of this year's commitment, Yoplait, its parent company General Mills and its Foundation have donated more than $14 million to the breast cancer cause over the past seven years. In addition to the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign, Yoplait is a member of the Komen Foundation's Million-Dollar Council and is the National Series Presenting Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure(R), the largest series of 5K run and fitness walks in the world. Visit www.YoplaitUSA.com to get involved in Save Lids to Save Lives program.
About the Komen Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure(R) to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised $750 million for the fight against breast cancer.
For information about breast cancer and breast health, visit the Komen Foundation's award-winning Web site at www.komen.org or call the Foundation's National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 1.800 I'M AWARE(R) (1.800.462.9273).
About SELF Magazine
SELF Magazine is the preeminent healthy lifestyle magazine for women. SELF debuted 26 years ago as the first-ever magazine of total well-being, incorporating health and beauty, fitness and nutrition, and happiness and personal style all in one package. SELF is the creator of the Pink Ribbon and has long been dedicated to the issues of women's health and breast cancer awareness. More than five million readers turn to SELF each month. SELF is published by the Conde Nast Publications.
SOURCE: Yoplait
Yoplait Pam Becker, 763-764-2470 or Cone Kristen Goldberg, 617-939-8353
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