Mary Lou Retton and Tyson Foods Announce America's Gold Medal Mom™
Tulsa Resident Wins the Gold Medal Mom Title and a Trip for Two to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing
SPRINGDALE, Ark., July 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ – Tyson Foods, Inc., [NYSE: TSN] and Mary Lou Retton today announced Marcia Mitchell, a resident of Tulsa, Okla., as the first-ever Tyson Gold Medal Mom and winner of a trip for two to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Tyson's Gold Medal Mom contest invited Americans to show thanks for the gold-medal deserving moms in their lives by sharing heartfelt stories of gratitude and appreciation. Thousands of entries were narrowed down to 25 finalists, and Americans were invited to vote online for their favorite mom at www.goldmedalmom.com to help send her to Beijing.
"I am overwhelmed and touched at being honored as the Tyson Gold Medal Mom, especially because I was among such amazing and inspiring candidates," said Marcia Mitchell. "I'm so thankful to have such a remarkable daughter, as well as, in my book, a Gold Medal husband! I can't believe I'll actually be attending the Olympics in Beijing with my daughter. It will be an experience of a lifetime."
Just hours after giving birth to her daughter, Missy, over 35-years ago, Marcia was told Missy would be at best, legally blind. Marcia began to realize that there was a lack of services available to the visually impaired in her hometown of Tulsa. In an effort to improve her daughter's life, and the lives of other children, Mitchell established a Christian-based developmental center for children at the pre-school level called the Little Light House. Today, the Little Light House has evolved into a nationally recognized state-of-the-art developmental center that positively impacts the lives of hundreds of children with special needs. Marcia's published book Milestones and Miracles reflects on the growth of the Little Light House and discusses the sense of fulfillment and joy that Marcia has found through her work. Today, Missy is an accomplished singer and has her master's degree in marriage and family therapy.
As a Proud Sponsor of the 2008 and 2010 U.S. Olympic Teams, Tyson Foods enlisted Mary Lou Retton, Olympic gymnastics champion and mother of four, to assist in judging the contest. Retton felt that Mitchell possessed all of the qualities necessary for a gold-medal worthy mom.
"Each of the 25 finalists had inspiring stories, and it's clear that they've touched the lives of everyone around them, but Mitchell truly defines what it means to be a Gold Medal Mom," said Retton. "Her dedication and compassion have helped others fulfill their dreams, and I'm thrilled that Tyson can give this trip to someone so deserving."
The Search for Tyson's Gold Medal Mom
To select the Gold Medal Mom, the official judging panel, including Mary Lou Retton, narrowed down thousands of entries to 25 finalists. The results of the online public vote were added to their overall score, which determined Mitchell as Tyson's Gold Medal Mom.*
"This contest is all about taking time to thank moms for the amazing things they do for their families and communities," said Dave Hogberg, senior vice president of consumer products for Tyson Foods, Inc. "We're so proud to give Mitchell Tyson's Gold Medal Mom title, and we're thrilled that so many moms have been recognized and appreciated through the Gold Medal Mom contest."
Mitchell's Gold Medal Mom grand prize package is a trip for two to cheer on the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2008 Olympic Games, which includes round-trip airfare, accommodations, selected meals, tickets to four Olympic Games events, a bilingual tour guide to accompany the guests and a $6,000 cash prize.*
Tyson and the U.S. Olympic Team
As the official chicken, beef and pork sponsor of the 2008 and 2010 U.S. Olympic Teams, Tyson will serve as a vital protein source for America's Olympic hopefuls as they compete for a spot on the teams going to the Olympic Games in Beijing and Vancouver.
For more information about the Tyson Gold Medal Mom contest, including official rules and details on the winner, go to www.goldmedalmom.com.
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Ark., is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
*See official contest rules at www.goldmedalmom.com
