SUAVE(R) and DOLLAR GENERAL(R) Team with Fantasia to Award College
Scholarships and Honor Education Mentors
GREENWICH, Conn., June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 30
million adults in the United States have below basic literacy skills and
are unable to comprehend and use written information(1), yet the
increasingly competitive job market makes education and literacy more
important than ever. This is why beauty brand Suave(R) and Dollar
General(R) stores are teaming up with American Idol winner, recording
artist and Broadway star Fantasia Barrino to award scholarships to students
who are dedicated to education, as well as to recognize their invaluable
role models -- especially mom's who have encouraged others to pursue their
dreams through education. The "Suave Essay Contest" invites students to
write about how someone has helped them improve their life through
education for the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship and a trip to New
York to meet Fantasia.
Having overcome her own challenges with literacy, Fantasia Barrino is a
true idol to both children and adults. She has served as an inspiration to
millions who admire her courage. As an integral part of the "Suave Essay
Contest," Fantasia is helping raise awareness of an important, sometimes
overlooked issue as well as build excitement in students for learning and
education.
"I am thrilled to partner with Suave and Dollar General on a program
that delivers such a vital message about literacy and education," said
Fantasia. "Having struggled with literacy, I know the importance of reading
skills and how important a good education is. I encourage all students to
think about bettering their literacy skills to realize their dreams."
"Now in its fourth year, the 'Suave Essay Contest' continues to grow,
awarding much-deserved scholarships and recognizing the role mentors play
in the lives of Americans," said Lisa Klauser, Vice President, Unilever,
Brand Building and Marketing Excellence. "We're thrilled to be able to
honor role models or any mentor who has been an inspiration and made a
positive impact- especially moms who have so much to juggle on a daily
basis.
"As an ardent supporter of education and a firm believer in the life-
changing impact it can have, Dollar General is pleased to partner with
Suave to offer this scholarship opportunity to our customers," said David
Perdue, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "Education is a powerful tool
that not only benefits the individual, but positively affects communities,
businesses and future generations. We hope these scholarships will open
doors for some deserving students who will then share their knowledge and
love of learning with others."
(1) According to National Institute of Literacy's 2003 National Assessment
of Adult Literacy
Submit an Essay for the Chance to Win Scholarship Money!
The "Suave Essay Contest" program asks people five years of age or
older to submit an essay about how a role model (mother, parent, teacher,
relative or friend) helped them improve their life through education.
Beginning Monday, June 18, students can enter online at
http://www.dollargeneral.com or http://www.suaveessaycontest.com or by picking up an
official entry form at any Dollar General store. One grand-prize winner
will receive a $10,000 grant toward a college savings plan and three first
prize winners will receive a $5,000 grant. All four winners will have the
exciting opportunity to travel to New York City with a guest to see
Fantasia star in "The Color Purple" on Broadway and meet her after the
show. In addition, 2,000 second-place entrants will win a $50 Visa Gift
Card. Entries submitted by mail must be postmarked by Friday, July 20, 2007
and received by Friday, July 27, 2007. Online entries must be received by
Friday, July 20, 2007.
About Suave
Suave(R) offers more than 300 personal care products including hair
care, anti-perspirants/deodorants, body washes, body bars and hand and body
lotions. Suave, a Unilever Home & Personal Care Brand, is available
nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores. In 2003, an annual survey
conducted by DSN Retailing Today named Suave America's favorite health and
beauty aid brand for the third year in a row. Suave, a name that has been
trusted for quality and value for more than 60 years, is purchased by 61
percent of American households each year. More than 18 Suave products are
sold every second.
About Dollar General
Dollar General (NYSE: DG) is a Fortune 500(R) discount retailer with
more than 8,000 neighborhood stores in 35 states. Dollar General stores
offer convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items
that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and
beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as a selection of basic apparel,
housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The Company store
support center is located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Dollar General's
Web site can be reached at http://www.dollargeneral.com.
About Unilever
Unilever (NYSE: UL, UN), one of the world's largest consumer products
companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for
nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers
make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a
portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out
of life.
In the United States these brands include recognized names such as:
Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock,
Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle,
Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline.
All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever
Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities
where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs
approximately 13,000 people in more than 60 office and manufacturing sites
in 24 states and Puerto Rico - generating nearly $10 billion in sales in
2006. For more information, visit http://www.unileverusa.com.
Contact: Donna Walter Stacie Bright
Weber Shandwick Unilever
212-445-8237 203-625-1130
dwalter@webershandwick.com stacie.bright@unilever.com
Emily Weiss
Dollar General
615-855-5210
emweiss@dollargeneral.com
SOURCE Suave
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Related links:
http://www.dollargeneral.com
http://www.suaveessaycontest.com
http://www.unileverusa.com/
CONTACT:
Donna Walter of Weber Shandwick,
+1-212-445-8237, dwalter@webershandwick.com, or Stacie Bright of
Unilever, +1-203-625-1130, stacie.bright@unilever.com, both for
Suave; or Emily Weiss of Dollar General, +1-615-855-5210,
emweiss@dollargeneral.com
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