NEW YORK, NY (January 18, 2006) – Captain Morgan announced today that the first of a limited number of individually themed and decorated life-sized busts of the brand’s pop-icon namesake will be up for auction on eBay starting January 27, 2006. The online auction is part of the “Captain Morgan Mardi Gras or Bust” program, a nationwide fundraising campaign that will assist in the financial relief of New Orleans and Gulf Coast area hospitality workers affected by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.
Captain Morgan and New Orleans-based Kern Studios, the world’s most renowned Mardi Gras float creator, have partnered to create 150 busts of Captain Morgan that will be auctioned off throughout the country from January 27 to Mardi Gras on February 28. A limited number of these busts will be available on the popular eBay auction site with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund, a 501c3 charity. Additional funds will be distributed to the Mississippi Hospitality Workers’ Relief Fund and the Alabama Hospitality Workers’ Relief Fund.
The first bust available on eBay January 27 is decorated in Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. Each bust is consistent in look, featuring the original likeness of Captain Morgan, but has varying creative themes and decorative styling to make them unique.
The busts, standing three feet tall and weighing approximately 25 pounds, will be individually numbered and signed by Blaine Kern, known throughout the region as “Mr. Mardi Gras” and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Kern Studios. To bid on one of the limited edition Captain Morgan busts, visit www.ebay.com/captainmorgan.
“Hurricane Katrina destroyed hundreds of businesses in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama, many of these included hotels, restaurants and bars. These businesses are scrambling to rebuild, reopen and serve their customers and many are going to great lengths to find workers. The funds raised through the “Captain Morgan Mardi Gras or Bust” program will allow the New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund to assist displaced hospitality workers and help rebuild the region’s hospitality community,” said Lally Brennan, administrator for the New Orleans Hospitality Disaster Relief Fund.”
About The New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund
A fund has been established to benefit employees of the hospitality industry of the Greater New Orleans area who have experienced hardships because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Hospitality workers, business owners, past customers and other concerned individuals have joined together from across the country to raise money for New Orleans workers impacted by Hurricane Katrina. This fund is spearheaded by the Brennan Family based in New Orleans , and managed by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501c3 organization. Additional funds are still needed to help the hundreds of applicants who have already applied. Please visit www.ghcf.org for more information on this relief fund.
About Kern Studios
Kern Studios was founded in 1947, and has grown from a company producing one float in one Mardi Gras parade to become the largest float builder in the world today. Founder Blaine Kern's career started long before, as an apprentice to his father's sign painting business during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Today Kern Studios produce projects for more than 40 major Mardi Gras organizations, and currently creates and operates parades for MCA Universal Studios and the City of Juan Les Pin, France. Kern Studios employs more than 100 talented people committed to ensuring that their company maintains its status as one of the finest theming companies in the world.
About Diageo
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business. With its global vision, and local marketing focus, Diageo brings to consumers an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across the spirits, wine and beer categories including Smirnoff, Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, J&B, Cuervo, Captain Morgan and Tanqueray, and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo trades in some 180 markets around the world and is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.
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Contact: Mike Manning, GEM Group - 303.234.5745; Greg Leonard, Diageo - 646.223-2111
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