65,000 BART CUSTOMERS SET FOR A SWEET RIDE FRIDAY MORNING

OAKLAND, CA – 65,000 BART riders are in for a sweet surprise Friday morning when BART and Ghirardelli Chocolate team-up for the next BART “Rider Thank You” day.  BART and Ghirardelli staff will hand out new LUXE MILK™ Chocolates and coupon cards to thank new Bay Bridge-less and existing loyal customers for choosing BART.  The giveaway is valued up to an estimated $1 million.

BART Chief Spokesperson Linton Johnson and Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketing Manager Heather Jordan plan to be available for media interviews early on September 4. The coupons include three special offers that riders can redeem at Ghirardelli retail stores, regular grocery or drug stores or online. The 65,000 Ghirardelli LUXE MILK almond singles and coupons will be distributed from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Downtown Berkeley, Oakland City Center/12th Street, Embarcadero, Montgomery Street, Powell Street and Civic Center stations.

Ghirardelli & BART:  Bay Area Icons

BART selected Ghirardelli to be part of its loyal and new rider thank you event because, like BART, Ghirardelli Chocolate is synonymous with the San Francisco Bay Area and has a solid local customer base.  Ghirardelli wants BART riders to be some of the first customers in the nation to indulge in its newest flavor: LUXE MILK Almond, a luscious all natural milk chocolate delight packed with tasty roasted almonds.

Giveaways Not Costing Riders Or Taxpayers a Cent

This rider appreciation event is made possible by Ghirardelli Chocolate’s generous donation valued at an estimated $1 million.


WHAT:        BART “Rider Thank You” Ghirardelli LUXE MILK Chocolate and coupon giveaway

WHEN:        Friday, September 4, 2009 from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m.

STATIONS:  Civic Center, Embarcadero, Downtown Berkeley, Montgomery Street, Powell Street, Oakland City Center/12th Street Station

VISUALS:        BART & Ghirardelli employees giving away delicious all natural Ghirardelli LUXE MILK Chocolate almond singles and coupons to pleasantly-surprised passengers