Constellation Brands Donates More Than $160,000 to Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research Through National Campaign

VICTOR, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc., the world's leading premium wine company, presented a check today for approximately $163,000 to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally) as part of its national "Corks Against Cancer" campaign. Constellation donated $1 for every bottle of Blackstone wine that was sold from September-December 2011 to Rally, a non-profit organization which raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.

"For the last four years, a grassroots partnership developed between Rally and Constellation Brands," said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, (CEO) Constellation Brands, Inc. "As a result of this national fundraising campaign, we are very pleased to donate to Rally to help in the fight against childhood cancer, which is the number one disease killer of children in America from birth through age 15."

Rally will use the funds in the hope of developing better cancer treatments with fewer long-term side effects and ultimately cures. Since its inception in 2005, Rally has awarded more than $2.2 million in research grants supporting 50 childhood cancer projects in hospitals across the country.  

"Childhood cancer is vastly different than adult cancer and requires substantially different research," said Dean Crowe, founder and CEO of Rally.  "Thanks to companies like Constellation Brands, we are able to provide significant dollars to local hospitals across the country to fund key research to find better treatments and cures for childhood cancers."

 "I want to thank Constellation's employees who volunteered their time at the wine tasting events and partnering restaurants and liquor stores around the country," said Sands. "The dedication of our employees to give of their time further demonstrates Constellation's collective commitment to social causes and giving back to local communities."

To find out more about The Rally Foundation and Corks Against Cancer, visit RallyFoundation.org or contact Christen Patterson at [email protected] via phone 404-847-9176 or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/corksagainstcancer

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading premium wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes, and talented employees worldwide. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Ruffino, Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) is a S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 brands in our portfolio, sales in about 100 countries and operations in approximately 30 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation, visit the company's website at www.cbrands.com.

About Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally)

Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of kids ages 0 to 15.  Rally, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cure.  Volunteers participate in the Rally Athlete program, which offers half marathon training teams for select national races and other Rally fundraisers.  Rally received the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, and according to independently audited financials, 93 cents of every dollar raised, supports Rally's mission. For more information, visit RallyFoundation.org. 

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.