October Instant Win Promotion Invites Consumers to Help Raise $100,000

San Francisco, CA (September 1, 2009) – LUXE MILK™ , the new premium milk chocolate line from Ghirardelli, has partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise up to $100,000 for breast cancer education and prevention services.  Starting in September, LUXE MILK will introduce specially marked pink packages of its ultimate premium milk chocolate that will each contain a unique code.  For each consumer who enters his/her code online, LUXE MILK will donate $1 (up to $50,000) to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.   

“We’re kicking off this promotion by donating $50,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation,” explains Mona Maher, VP of Marketing for Ghirardelli.  “We’re hoping that our consumers will want to help us support this wonderful cause and reach our goal of raising $100,000.”

Consumers who purchase specially marked LUXE MILK will not only satisfy their chocolate craving, but will also receive a unique code within each bag.  This code, once entered at www.LuxeMilk.com will automatically enter the chocolate-lover into an instant win promotion for a chance to win one of 400 pink handbags or free LUXE MILK products.  Additionally, $1 (up to $50,000) will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  

“We’re really excited about this promotion,” says Maher.  “The National Breast Cancer Foundation is an amazing organization that really focuses on increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need.  We’re thrilled that our donation will help fund these types of initiatives that both Ghirardelli and our consumers care about.”

Rich and creamy Ghirardelli LUXE MILK is made with all natural ingredients and comes in five popular flavors, including original, hazelnut, almond, crisp and “duet” - premium milk chocolate layered with dark chocolate.  The 2.8 to 3 oz bars retail for approximately $1.99 – $2.39 and the LUXE MILK bags retail for approximately $3.49.  They are available at Demoulas, Ahold, Kmart, Harris Teeter, Ingles Markets, Winn Dixie, Dollar General, Safeway, Michaels, Office Max, Bed Bath & Beyond, Hollywood Video Stores and other participating retailers.

The promotion will start in September and end at the end of November.  For more information, visit www.ghirardelli.com.   

About The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products.  Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history.  As the country’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America’s Premium Chocolate Company with more than 150 years of chocolate making experience.  Ghirardelli’s product line includes its signature Squares™ chocolate, Intense Dark™ chocolate, LUXE MILK™ chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages.  These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores.  In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel.  Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 14 retail stores in five states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco’s historic Ghirardelli Square.  For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com.  

About the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.®
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) was founded in 1991 by cancer survivor, Janelle Hail.  NBCF’s mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need.  NBCF provides Help for Today…Hope For Tomorrow® through an innovative online community, www.mynbcf.org, educational awareness programs, and free mammograms for women across the country.  For more information about NBCF, visit www.nbcf.org.  

Contact:  Amie Ley
412.359.7239
Amie.l@smithbrosagency.com