GNC, Mark Wahlberg & 3 Doors Down Host MARKED™ Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Underserved Youths

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC), the nation's largest specialty retailer of health, wellness and sports nutrition products, and actor/producer Mark Wahlberg today announced that they are hosting a benefit concert in celebration of MARKED™, a new line of performance nutrition products they developed in partnership. Rock band 3 Doors Down will headline the one-time only concert taking place in Pittsburgh, Pa on Thursday, September 20^th at Stage AE. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to support the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for inner city youth, and the Pressley Ridge Foundation, which offers programs for troubled and developmentally challenged children.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110302/NE57701LOGO )

"MARKED is more than just a line of products. It's a brand that is built on the principle that everyone should enjoy a healthy and supportive lifestyle," said Mark Wahlberg. "Currently, a portion of all sales of MARKED products are donated to my Foundation, so this concert only emphasizes our dedication to supporting the health and wellness of the next generation."

The MARKED line – consisting of seven sports and active nutrition products – provides the ultimate performance nutrition for anyone who wants to achieve their health and fitness goals. Every MARKED product has been rigorously tested for banned substances by HFLSports Science, a world-class sports anti-doping lab, and based on cutting edge nutritional science using only the highest quality ingredients.

"Working with Mark Wahlberg and 3 Doors Down to raise money for two great organizations is a testament to our commitment to help people of all ages 'live well,'" said Joe Fortunato, GNC President and CEO. "We're thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity for our consumers to 'Get MARKED' with Mark Wahlberg and 3 Doors Down this September."

In addition, ahead of the concert, on September 20^th, Mark Wahlberg will participate in a webcast on MarkedNutrition.com with Men's Fitness Editor-in-Chief Michael De Medeiros to discuss the MARKED line and answer questions directly from fans. More details about how to join will be available at the website in September.  GNC is also deploying street teams around Pittsburgh that same day to present exclusive product offers and help inspire consumers to "Get MARKED."

"Mark has personally motivated me to get back on a healthy workout program and it's clear he takes 'living' well very seriously.  Thanks to his inspiration and guidance, I'm exercising regularly and have already lost 50lbs." said Tom Dowd, EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer and General Manager.

Tickets for the MARKED benefit concert can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations. Charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com. For more information visit StageAE.com

For more information about the MARKED line, visit MarkedNutrition.com or GNC.com. Connect with MARKED on Facebook: Facebook.com/MarkedNutrition and follow MARKED on Twitter @MarkedNutrition and share how you #GetMARKED!

About GNC
GNC Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplement products, sports nutrition products and diet products, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GNC."

As of June 30, 2012, GNC has more than 7,800 locations, of which more than 6,000 retail locations are in the United States (including 933 franchise and 2,157 Rite Aid franchise store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 55 countries (including distribution centers where retail sales are made). The Company – which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well – has a diversified, multi-channel business model and derives revenue from product sales through company-owned retail stores, domestic and international franchise activities, third party contract manufacturing, e-commerce and corporate partnerships. GNC's broad and deep product mix, which is focused on high-margin, premium, value-added nutritional products, is sold under GNC proprietary brands, including Mega Men®, Ultra Mega®, GNC Total Lean, Pro Performance®, Pro Performance® AMP, Beyond Raw®, and under nationally recognized third party brands.

For more than 75 years, GNC has been committed to bringing people superior GNC brand products using only the highest quality ingredients, manufactured under the strictest quality controls. Managing every stage of the process – from formulation to retailing – allows GNC to guarantee quality, purity and potency of GNC products.

Web: GNC.com | Twitter: @GNCLiveWell | Facebook: facebook.com/GNCLiveWell

About the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation
Mark Wahlberg and his family established the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation on the belief that no child should be prevented from living up to his or her potential due to financial hardship. The Foundation works to improve the quality of life for teens living in urban communities and distributes funds to support local youth service and enrichment programs nationwide. A life-long member and advocate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Mark comes from a family of nine children with limited means and spent most of his afternoons and evenings at his local club. He credits a large part of his success to the fact that he was fortunate to spend his free time in a positive and nurturing environment. Visit www.markwahlbergyouthfoundation.com.

About Pressley Ridge Foundation
Pressley Ridge was founded in 1832, and offers programs for troubled and developmentally challenged children in Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Internationally, the organization's programs serve children in Hungary and Portugal. More than 5,200 children and their family members are assisted each year. Pressley Ridge provides education programs that are interactive, individualized and holistic, encouraging students to celebrate their competence and become lifelong learners.

Media Contact:
Diana Torres-Bixby
[email protected]
212-819-4895

SOURCE GNC Holdings, Inc.