CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Destination ImagiNation® today announced that the National Dairy Council (NDC) will not be renewing its International Sponsorship role, ending the more than 20-year relationship between the two organizations. NDC has relocated its resources to focus on the growth of its Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative.
"It is a huge disappointment to lose such a valued longtime sponsor. NDC has become an integral part of the Destination ImagiNation family," commented Chuck Cadle, President and CEO of Destination ImagiNation. "The budget impact to our program will be $250,000."
NDC's decision still leaves open possibilities to explore new opportunities, including a closer relationship with the Dairy Farmers of America and their regional organizations. Both Destination ImagiNation and NDC agree they should work together to avoid the termination of the dairy industry's health and wellness message to Destination ImagiNation's worldwide constituency. The pairing of the two organizations was a natural fit: while Destination ImagiNation works to develop healthy and creative minds, NDC works to develop healthy bodies.
"I understand the necessity of budget cuts and reorganizing priorities, especially in this economic climate," Cadle added. "We only hope that this doesn't mean that our relationship with the dairy industry is over. We believe in the overall well-being of children, and we welcome the possibility of working with the dairy industry in the future."
Destination ImagiNation is a New Jersey-based, global non-profit that involves more than 125,000 children and adults annually in creative problem solving and critical thinking team challenges.
SOURCE Destination ImagiNation
