NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Coca-Cola and ShopRite made the holidays brighter today for local children in need, inviting 1,000 children from the Garden of Dreams Foundation to enjoy an exclusive performance of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit charity that works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden to make dreams come true for children in crisis.
This year, with a donation by Coca-Cola and ShopRite, Garden of Dreams children had the opportunity to attend a private showing of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and experience first-hand the holiday magic the Christmas Spectacular brings to New York City every year. Through Coca-Cola and ShopRite's support 14 of the 21 Garden of Dreams partner organizations including Children's Aid Society, The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro NY, NJ and Suffolk and New York Presbyterian were able to attend this exclusive presentation of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
"Coca-Cola is excited to partner with ShopRite and the Garden of Dreams Foundation to bring holiday cheer to local children in need with the gift of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular." said Seena Cushman, Coca-Cola Vice President of Sales. "For more than 78 years, the Christmas Spectacular has brightened spirits in New York City. As part of Coca-Cola's commitment to fostering sustainable communities; the partnership helped 1,000 children from the Garden of Dreams Foundation enjoy the magic of the holiday season together with their friends and families at this special Christmas Spectacular performance."
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, is running now through December 31, 2010. Since its inception in 1933, the show has become a New York holiday tradition bringing joy to audiences of all ages.
"In this season of giving, ShopRite and Coca-Cola are proud to come together to offer this special treat to the children from the Garden of Dreams Foundation," said Karen Meleta, corporate spokesperson for ShopRite. "ShopRite has always believed in giving back to the communities we serve, and this is one small way we can make kids' dreams come true."
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Coca-Cola Zero®, vitaminwater®, Powerade®, Minute Maid®, Simply® and Georgia®. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/.
About ShopRite
ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative, based in Keasbey, NJ and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. With more than 228 ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than five million customers each week. A long-time supporter of key community efforts, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves. Through its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, ShopRite has donated more than $24 million to 1,700 worthy charities and food banks since the program began in 1999. As a title sponsor of the LPGA's ShopRite Classic, ShopRite has raised more than $23 million for local schools, hospitals and community groups. For more information, please visit http://www.shoprite.com/.
About Garden of Dreams
The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a nonprofit charity that works closely with all areas of the Madison Square Garden, including the Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Entertainment, MSG Media and Fuse to "make dreams come true for kids in crisis." Garden of Dreams partners with local children's hospitals, "wish" organizations and community-based organizations to build on-going, unforgettable programs for children in the tri-state area who are suffering from devastating illness, homelessness, abuse, hunger, extreme poverty and tragedy.
Coca-Cola Company
CONTACT: Lauren Onis, Coca-Cola, +1-212-614-4069, lauren.onis@bm.com,
Santina Stankevich, ShopRite, +1-732-906-5932,
santina.stankevich@wakefern.com, Melissa Romanetz, MSG Entertainment,
+1-212-631-4361, melissa.Romanetz@thegarden.com
Web Site: http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/
