Ahoy Matey! CAPTAIN MORGAN® Encourages Adults To Enjoy Captain & Colaaarr Cocktail In Celebration Of Talk Like A Pirate Day

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Shiver me timbers! International Talk Like a Pirate Day is on the horizon and Captain Morgan Rum Co. is sailing into uncharted waters by challenging adult consumers across the U.S. to channel their inner buccaneer, raise a glass of Captain & Colaaarr and talk like a pirate – all for a good cause.

In addition to raising a glass of Captain & Colaaarr, CAPTAIN MORGAN^® is encouraging its convoy of fans to share their celebrations on social media. For every tweet using the #CaptainandColaaarr hashtag, the brand will donate $1 to charitable organizations, including NYC's City Harvest and Purple Heart Homes. Adult fans can also visit www.CaptainandColaaarr.com or the brand's Facebook page to complete the Captain and Colaaarr Challenge and show off their toast.

"Talk Like a Pirate Day is the perfect time for us to showcase our fun-loving, adventurous side, but more importantly, give back to the community by supporting those in need," said Tom Herbst, Vice President of Marketing, Rums for Diageo North America. "It's the perfect day for a little pirate fun and to responsibly raise a glass with your crew."

Celebrated pro football analyst Jay Glazer has joined this year's celebration, partnering with CAPTAIN MORGAN^® to challenge TV and radio personalities to ransack their regularly scheduled programming by talking like a pirate. In exchange, the brand has pledged to make an additional $1,000 charitable donation for each personality that participates.

"I am thrilled to team up with Captain Morgan for such a great cause," said Jay Glazer, pro football analyst. "It's always a priority for me give back to the community and encourage others to do the same. I am looking forward to raising support for great organizations like City Harvest and Purple Heart Homes, and having a lot of fun while doing so."

City Harvest is the world's first food rescue organization, dedicated to helping feed the nearly two million New Yorkers who are facing hunger. This year, City Harvest will collect 50 million pounds of excess food from all segments of the food industry and deliver it free of charge to more than 500 community food programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

"We appreciate this unique initiative created by Captain Morgan Rum Co. to raise awareness about the widespread issue of hunger and to raise funds to help feed families who are turning to soup kitchens and food pantries," said Rebecca Fontes, Associate Director of Corporate Sponsorships for City Harvest. "We extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who plans on joining our anti-hunger team."

Purple Heart Homes is the only Veteran Service Organization that provides housing solutions for Service Connected Disabled Veterans that served not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korea, WWII or who may have been injured while on training missions. Purple Heart Homes' five year goal is to provide 500 solutions for Veterans and their families (see: www.phhusa.org). Purple Heart Homes has completed 47 projects and has engaged thousands of volunteers from communities to lend a helping hand.

Captain Morgan has also partnered with JASH to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day, tapping talent such as Maker Studios partner Ed Bassmaster and comedian Ian Karmel to join in on the fun by creating custom pranks and scripted content to celebrate the day. JASH is a comedy network comprised of the world's top comedians who push boundaries through their creativity. Check out www.YouTube.com/Jash for more information.

So whether you attend a happy hour with yer scurvy dogs or tailgate with yer mateys before the game, the Captain Morgan Rum Co. reminds you to raise a glass of Captain & Colaaarr – always in moderation!

Visit www.CaptainandColaaarr.com for more information on Talk Like a Pirate Day and how to be involved.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan's, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo