20-Foot Tall Cigarette In Dilworth Park Challenges Philadelphians To "Butt Out"

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia smokers have more than one reason to butt out. With an adult smoking rate of 25 percent – the highest of the 10 largest U.S. cities – GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH)  is helping one of GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) hometowns jumpstart New Year's resolutions to quit smoking by asking one simple question, "What's Your Why?" at a free Smoke Swap event.

The event will take place in Philadelphia's Dilworth Park on Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., anchored by a 20-foot smashed-out cigarette butt. Smokers will be encouraged to share and celebrate what motivates them to quit – their "why." All smokers who want to jumpstart a quit attempt will receive support from smoking cessation experts and free quit-smoking product and resources, including a starter pack of Nicorette® gum or NicoDerm®  CQ® patches and a quit booklet.

"Philadelphia is one of GSK's hometowns. We deeply care about this community and want to help make it a healthier place to live and work," said Lisa Maxwell Anekwe, Senior Brand Manager, Smoking Cessation. "The decision to quit smoking is an empowering moment, but it's also one of the most difficult things a smoker can do. We want to help every smoker in his or her effort to quit by providing tools and resources, like Nicorette and NicoDerm CQ, which have helped millions of smokers all over the world."

Emmy-nominated choreographer, pro dancer and recording artist, Mark Ballas, will inspire smokers who stop by the Smoke Swap to share their "why." Ballas knew that without successfully quitting, his stamina and endurance – traits at the cornerstone of his career – would continue to be affected.

"I struggled for a long time to quit smoking, but balancing dance rehearsals, tapings and my music career gave me my 'why' – the motivation I needed to stop," said Ballas. "I've been smoke-free for over a year now and want to help other smokers who may face the same obstacles during their quit journey get the support they need, which for me was NicoDerm CQ."

For helpful information about quitting and to connect with other smokers interested in quitting, smokers can sign up for our email support program at Quit.com.

Mark Ballas is a paid spokesperson for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare; however, his opinions and quit experience are his own. 

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its well-known brands include Nicorette® and NicoDerm® CQ, the leading smoking cessation products; alli®, the only FDA-OTC weight loss aid; as well as medicine cabinet staples, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, Tums® and Breathe Right®, all of which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.

About GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: http://www.gsk.com.

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SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare