• • Zingerman’s Coffee Bar and foods from Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Creamery and Candy Manufactory
  • Seasonal organic produce purchased directly from local producers and growers for optimal freshness
  • Grab-and-go natural and organic snacks and beverages
  • Apothecary with natural and holistic wellness products
  • WineBar offering a selection of local craft beers, specialty mixed drinks and incredible wines that are hand selected by Michigan native Madeline Triffon, America’s first certified female Master Sommelier

Humorous Social Challenge Campaign Asks Millennials to “Give Us Your Tomorrow” to Help Children in Need of a Better Tomorrow

Indianapolis, IN (April 8, 2014) – Building Tomorrow (BT) today announced the launch of a new social media campaign, which uses humor to generate awareness and funds to help the organization construct self-sustained, village-run primary schools in rural Uganda.

The campaign invites people to challenge their social following on facebook, twitter and Instagram to post a humorous picture or video of themselves during the month of April (National Humor Month) using the hash tag #giveusyourtomorrow.  The “challenger” is encouraged to challenge four or more of their friends and to make a $2 minimum donation for each person that accepts the challenge.  Participants can select from three challenges:

• Share a photo that bares their best “bedhead”
  • Ad copy:  “Some charities ask for a lot of money.  We just want you to sacrifice your vanity.”
  • Post an embarrassing photo of themselves from their adolescence
    • Ad copy:  “The haircut that did nothing for you can do a lot for an East African kid”
    • Share a video of themselves singing their heart out
      • Ad copy:  “You’ll never make the top 40 here.  But you’ll make a lot of fans in Uganda.”

The campaign will also feature video by illustrator Brian Rae and animator Pablo Declan; with music from English folk/rock band Noah and the Whale and campaign promotional content produced with ABOVE AVERAGE COMEDY NETWORK.

The campaign was developed based on insights learned during proprietary research conducted for BT by Young & Laramore, which involved 250 men and women ages 18-24.  These millennials are doers and therefore looking to be engaged versus being told.  They also have a strong desire to give what they have (even if it is a small amount) to organizations they see as making a difference and align with their values.  Although, they routinely feel duped into giving under the premise of a small amount per month only to have to pay it all at once.

“The campaign was designed not to guilt people to donate, but to engage those who want to make a difference,” said George Srour, Founder and Chief Dreamer, Building Tomorrow.  “We also recognize that people want to give, but may not be able to make large single donations.  Each BT primary school costs approximately $70,000, so every 8,750 people that make an $8 donation will help to fund one new school for 315 children in need.”

The organization has the support of the Clinton Global Initiative and proudly hosted President Bill Clinton and his daughter Chelsea at the Building Tomorrow primary school of Gita back in 2012.  While there, they visited teachers and students in classrooms, watched dances by the school choir and greeted hundreds of community members gathered at the academy.  Archbishop Desmond Tutu also serves as Honorary Chair of the organization.

During the March 2014 Global Education and Skills Forum, in Dubai, President Clinton noted, “I actually have been in one of those schools in the last three years and two of the teachers I saw teaching children I would have been thrilled to have as my own daughter’s teachers.”

How Building Tomorrow Works

Founded in 2006, the social-profit organization is aiming to enroll 15,000 primary-level students annually in 60 BT primary schools throughout East Africa by 2016.  The organization chose to start with Uganda because more than 50 percent of the population is under the age of 15.  Shockingly, only 1.4 percent of all charitable donations are earmarked for education, even though 776 million people worldwide are illiterate.  Building Tomorrow works with government and local leaders to identify communities in rural Uganda with little or no access to a primary school and a strong commitment to education.  With the goal of engaging and empowering communities, the organization offers to fund building materials and skilled labor in return for a donation of three acres of land, 15,000 hours of labor and a community’s promise to support the school long-term.

“Infrastructure drives change and ownership strengthens communities,” said Srour.  “We’re asking you to consider giving us your tomorrow, so these children can have a better tomorrow.  We envision a world where every child with a desire to learn has a safe, permanent, local and supportive environment in which to do so.”

Over the last five years, supporters of BT, including a college and university network of over 25 chapters nationwide, have invested more than $1.5 million in Uganda to seed 20 BT primary schools, 14 of which are currently operational.  The remaining six primary schools are under construction and planning.  Beyond graduation rates, success is also measured by new connections within the community and in an increased sense of self-worth among students.

Consumers can donate via the Building Tomorrow website and follow the organization on facebook and twitter @BldgTomorrow.  The new campaign was developed by Young & Laramore Advertising, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

About Building Tomorrow

Building Tomorrow (BT) is an international social-profit organization empowering young people to invest their resources, time & talents in providing students in East Africa with access to an education. Over the last five years, supporters of BT, including a college network of over 25 chapters nationwide, have invested more than $1.5 million to seed 20 BT primary schools, 14 of which are currently operational. The remaining six primary schools are under construction and planning.  For more information, visit www.buildingtomorrow.org

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All-Natural Tabletop Sweetener Offers Consumers

Exclusive Digital Cookbook/Songbook at PureVia.com/Jewel-Tunes

Chicago, IL (April 2, 2014) – Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC today announced that Jewel, the award-winning recording artist and author has become a brand ambassador and spokesperson for Pure Via^® in the U.S. and Canada.

The all-natural, non-GMO*, zero-calorie sweetener has partnered with Jewel to promote the brand’s new “Tune in to Pure” campaign, which encourages consumers to take pleasure in the simple things that make every day sweeter.  It also promotes the use of the natural sweetener used in Pure Via^® Rebaudioside A (Reb A), which comes from the sweetest and best-tasting part of the stevia leaf.

Pure Via^® will kickoff the partnership with Jewel at the Academy of Country Music’s 2^nd Annual ACM Party for a Cause^® Festival at The LINQ in Las Vegas from April 4-5.  The Academy will welcome Jewel on Saturday, April 5 at 2:30pm at the ACM Party for a Cause^® Festival for a public autograph session and to donate $10,000 on Jewel’s behalf to Project Clean Water, a non-profit charity foundation that is working to improve the quality of life for millions of people by helping to provide clean water on a global scale.

The highpoint of the campaign is a free digital cookbook/songbook, which gives consumers immediate access to free downloads of never before released versions of two hit Jewel songs at www.purevia.com/jewel-tunes.  The book also offers Jewel’s tips for using Pure Via, delicious recipes, coupons, song lyrics, and Jewel’s own photos.  Fans can return to the site on September 1, 2014, to download two additional free songs – Jewel’s holiday favorites – as well as more recipes, made with Pure Via^®.

Jewel’s image will appear on specially marked packages of Pure Via^® as well as in the brand’s national advertising and promotional materials: a freestanding insert (FSI), in September, digital banners, consumer sampling, social media and in-store activation.  The packages will also feature download information for the free cookbook/songbook.

“Jewel is a natural fit for Pure Via,” said Cheryl Gill, director, North America Marketing, Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC.  “She is passionate about living a pure life and using products like Pure Via with no artificial processing, preservatives or color.  Just simple non-GMO* ingredients.”

“Food should be as pure and close to nature as possible,” said Jewel.  “I use Pure Via in my favorite beverages as well as my cooking and snacking because it makes life just a little sweeter – naturally.”

Pure Via^® will also host consumer contests and giveaways on the brand’s facebook page, including signed merchandise, posters and CDs.

Look for the new Pure Via^® packaging featuring Jewel in the sweetener aisle at grocery, club and mass merchandise stores across the U.S. beginning in April.

In addition to Pure Via,^® consumers can also enjoy Pure Via^® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar & Stevia Blend, a lower calorie alternative to regular sugar that combines turbinado sugar and stevia plant extract to create a golden brown all-natural sweetener that’s crunchy, sweet and delicious.  Consumers can use both options like sugar to make foods and beverages taste naturally delicious.  They simply spoon, sprinkle, dip or mix the sweetener in coffee, tea and iced tea or in their favorite recipes.  A sweet addition to a healthy lifestyle, both blends are non-GMO*, kosher and suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance.

Discover more at www.purevia.com or www.purevia.com/Jewel-Tunes, and on www.facebook.com/PureViaUS and https://twitter.com/PureVia

About Pure Via^®

Pure Via^® is an all-natural, zero-calorie sweetener this is made from Rebaudioside A (Reb A), the sweetest, best-tasting part of the stevia leaf.  Reb A is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Crafted to be perfect in coffee and herbal tea, Pure Via^® is available in 40- and 80ct. boxes for a suggested retail price of $2.49 and $4.29, respectively.  You can purchase Pure Via^® in the sweetener aisle at grocery, club and mass merchandise stores across the U.S.  Pure Via^® is a registered trademark of Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC.

*About Non-GMO

Pure Via^® believes that a food or food ingredient is Non-GMO if it is not the product of bioengineering. Bioengineering means the group of applied techniques of genetics and biotechnology used to cut up and join together genetic material and especially DNA from one or more species of organism and to introduce the result into an organism in order to change one or more of its characteristics. Pure Via^® believes that food ingredients that are derived from GMO plant material should also be deemed GMO. Pure Via^® believes that food ingredients are not GMO if they are produced using enzymes harvested from micro-organisms that are the product of bioengineering.

Pure Via^® has based its definition of Non-GMO on current food labeling regulations in European Union where they manufacture and sell other Non-GMO sweeteners. Pure Via^® may modify or supplement their definition of Non-GMO from time to time in order to conform to any applicable laws or regulatory guidance.

About Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC

Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is committed to providing natural sweeteners and to helping people eat better and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.  Formed in 2006, Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC launched its first all-natural sweetener brand, Sweet Simplicity®, in 2007, and the company continues to develop products that are perfectly natural and naturally pure.  Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merisant Company, the maker of Equal® and Canderel® and a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of tabletop sweeteners, with sales in over 90 countries.  For more information, visit www.wholeearthsweetener.com

About Jewel

From the remote ranch of her Alaskan youth to the triumph of international stardom, four-time Grammy nominee Jewel, hailed by the New York Times as a “songwriter bursting with talents,” has enjoyed career longevity rare among her generation of artists. Whether alone with her guitar or fronting a band of ace musicians, Jewel has always been a charismatic live performer, earning the respect of other singer-songwriters such as Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, who, not only invited her to open their shows, but mentored her in the early phases of her career. After a tremendous amount of success as a singer-songwriter and over 27 million albums sold, Jewel released a Greatest Hits album in 2013. She also starred as June Carter Cash in the Lifetime biopic “Ring of Fire,” which earned four Emmy nominations. After joining NBC’s “The Sing Off” as a new judge in 2013 she released her much-anticipated follow-up holiday album, “Let It Snow.”  Fans can follow Jewel on facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeweljk and @jeweljk on twitter https://twitter.com/jeweljk

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Beverage Enhancing ‘Drops’ Offer Great Tasting, Convenient and Custom Solution for Hot and Cold Beverages

Chicago, IL (March 5, 2014) – Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC today announced the launch of new Pure Via^® Liquid Sweeteners in two delicious varieties: original (stevia) and vanilla.  The zero-calorie liquid sweeteners, which are naturally sweetened with stevia, are packaged in portable ‘no drip’ bottles designed for on-the-go consumers.

The beverage enhancers category has experienced double-digit unit sales growth (+24%) at retail in 2013[1], driven largely by consumers looking to personalize their beverages.  Pure Via^® Liquid Sweeteners offer a great-tasting solution that dissolve quickly and add natural sweetness and flavor to hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea and iced tea.  The no-drip lid means no messes.  The sweeteners are especially convenient for use in food service channels, like coffee shops and restaurants, where stevia sweeteners aren’t yet widely available.

“Consumers are demanding flavor, personalization and convenience in every aspect of their lives,” said Cheryl Gill, Director, North America Marketing, Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC.  “Pure Via^® Liquid Sweeteners deliver a great-tasting, zero-calorie custom solution for their favorite hot and cold beverages.”

The 1.62fl oz. bottle, which provides 48 servings, fits easily in a purse, backpack, pocket or gym bag, offering a ‘sweet’ convenience anywhere consumers go.  A simple double click of the easy-squeeze bottle delivers one serving (2ml) and a clean, sweet taste.

Pure Via^® Liquid Sweetener joins a family of Pure Via^® tabletop sweetener products including Pure Via^®, an all-natural, Non-GMO, zero-calorie sweetener made from the sweetest, best-tasting part of the stevia leaf, and Pure Via^® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar & Stevia Blend, a low-calorie alternative to regular sugar that combines turbinado sugar and stevia plant extract.  Consumers with a sweet tooth can use both options like sugar to make foods and beverages taste naturally delicious.  They simply spoon, sprinkle, dip or mix the sweetener in coffee, tea and iced tea or in their favorite recipes.  A sweet addition to a healthy lifestyle, both blends are kosher and suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance.

Pure Via^® Liquid Sweeteners (original and vanilla) are now available nationwide at local grocery, club and drug stores in 1.62fl oz. (48ml) bottles for a suggested retail price of $2.99, which may vary by market.  The brand will also launch a hazelnut flavor in July.  Discover more at www.purevia.com, and like or follow the brand at www.facebook.com/PureViaUS and www.twitter.com/PureVia.

About Pure Via^®

Pure Via^® is an all-natural, zero-calorie sweetener made from Rebaudioside A (Reb A), the sweetest, best-tasting part of the stevia leaf.  Reb A is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Handcrafted to be perfect in coffee, Pure Via^® is available in 40- and 80ct. boxes for a suggested retail price of $2.49 and $4.29, respectively.  You can purchase Pure Via^® in the sweetener aisle at grocery, club and mass merchandise stores across the U.S.  Pure Via^® is a trademark of Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC, for tabletop sweeteners.  The ingredients in Pure Via are produced without bioengineering.

About Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC

Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is committed to providing natural sweeteners and to helping people eat better and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.  Formed in 2006, Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC launched its first all-natural sweetener brand, Sweet Simplicity®, in 2007, and the company continues to develop products that are perfectly natural and naturally pure.  Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merisant Company, the maker of Equal® and Canderel® and a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of tabletop sweeteners, with sales in over 90 countries.  For more information, visit www.wholeearthsweetener.com

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CHICAGO, IL (January 23, 2014) – Core Power, the natural fresh milk-based high protein drink, today became a national sponsor and the “Official Protein Drink” of the 2014 Reebok Spartan Race, the world’s leading global obstacle race series.  The partnership pairs two dynamic companies committed to providing athletes and active individuals with state-of–the-art tools and experiences designed to enhance sports performance.

Protein consumption is an important part of maintaining an active lifestyle – regular protein intake helps to fuel the body for the daily challenges that we all face, from the maintenance of healthy eating habits on the go to building lean muscle after training and workouts.  Nutrition experts agree that milk is one of the best sources of protein, as good for elite athletes as for those with active lifestyles.  Core Power delivers natural whey and casein proteins from milk, never removed from their original liquid state, to help active individuals keep their nutrition in check and to help Spartan Racers stay at the top of their games, before and after they race – and as they train.  The natural ingredient protein shake also includes carbohydrates for energy, electrolytes to rehydrate and fatty acids to improve recovery.

What truly separates Core Power from the competition and makes it such an effective recovery drink is the process.  fairlife, LLC, the Company that makes Core Power, separates milk into its five components – through filtration that builds upon and improves traditional dairy techniques.  The result is an effective and better-tasting protein supermilk made with simple ingredients and more protein, calcium and vitamins – but no lactose and no gluten.

“Our team has developed a superior protein drink for fitness enthusiasts who need to fuel their physically active lifestyles,” said Steve Jones, Chief Executive Officer of fairlife, LLC.  “Spartan Racers are serious athletes and inspirational fun-loving people – they need and deserve a better protein drink.”

“Core Power is a natural fit for the 2014 Reebok Spartan Race series and adds another exciting partner to our mission of making Obstacle Course Racing an Olympic sport,” said Joe DeSena, Spartan Race CEO and Co-Founder. “Our Spartan athletes will appreciate this high protein drink with simple and straight forward ingredients that will help them recover from the physical challenge of our races.”

Every finisher at every Spartan Race will have the opportunity to sample Core Power, which is available in two varieties: the CORE version has 26 grams of protein and 240 calories, and the LIGHT version has 20 grams of protein and 150 calories.  Core Power CORE is available in vanilla, chocolate and banana while Core Power LIGHT is available in chocolate and strawberry banana.  Attendees at select races will also enjoy access to the Core Power Recovery Zone, which will feature a branded state of the art recreational vehicle that will provide live streaming of race action via flat screen televisions. The Core Power Recovery Zone vehicle will also travel the country to other sporting events and retail locations, sampling consumers and educating them on the benefits of Core Power.

Core Power will launch its partnership with Spartan Race at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, California, on Saturday, January 25.  For a full 2014 schedule or to sign-up to participate in a Spartan Race in your area, visit: http://www.spartanrace.com/spartan-obstacle-racing-events.php

Core Power can be found in most grocery and convenience stores across the country for a suggested retail price of $2.99, which may vary.  For a store locator, please visit corepower.com/stores.  “Like” Core Power on Facebook and “follow” the brand on twitter @corepower

About Core Power

Core Power is made by fairlife, LLC, established in 2012. The milk used to make Core Power comes from Select Milk Producers, a co-op of 92 family owned dairy farms, founded by Mike and Sue McCloskey. The farms of SMP produce the clean, pure, high-quality milk that is key to the simple, delicious nutrition Core Power delivers. The McCloskeys started fairlife to revolutionize the dairy industry and further invigorate the growing health and wellness category by bringing the purity and great taste of SMP milk to a range of naturally advanced drinks and snacks for home, grab ‘n go and fitness needs.  For more information, please visit www.fairlife.com. Core Power is just one of several products planned for national distribution. Core Power® is distributed nationwide – for a store locator, please visit http://www.corepower.com/stores.

About Spartan Race

The Reebok Spartan Race, voted Outside Magazine’s Best Obstacle Race in 2012, is the world’s leading obstacle racing series and the first of its kind to have global rankings. With over 80 events planned for 2014, Reebok Spartan Race is making obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports in the world. This international timed event series featuring races at three distances (Sprint, Super and Beast), culminating each year in a World Championship finale  – with a $300,000 in cash and prizes awarded in 2013 alone. While featuring competitive elite heats, Reebok Spartan Races are for athletes of all levels and abilities and are geared toward ripping people off their couches and getting them into the outdoors, living a fitter life. Go to http://www.spartanrace.com for more information, a schedule of events or to register for a race.

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