Johnson & Johnson Launches Be Vital Challenge to Reward College Student Organizations Making a Difference in their Communities

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is launching a challenge to reward college student organizations for their effort in taking care of the world we share.  Johnson & Johnson is proud to present the Be Vital Challenge for student organizations that are "vital" to their communities, the environment, or society. Vital student groups are a part of something bigger than themselves yet at the same time are valued for who they are and for all the things they can contribute. Being vital also encompasses groups who are empowered to drive their own impact and to make a unique personal mark among colleagues who share the same passion of caring.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120918/NY76621 )

At J&J, employees possess that same dedication to caring -- for customers and patients, for each other, and for communities around the world. Because these values are something that Johnson & Johnson's employees emulate in the work they do every day, the company will award a total of $30,000 to four university-sanctioned student groups that are making a mark in the community. All organizations are invited to enter -- from student-run philanthropic organizations and tutoring programs to recycling efforts and community service organizations.

To enter, students can submit a video of two minutes or less, showcasing their organization's vital role in the community. The video contest opened this week and will accept entries until Oct. 8. All submitted videos will be placed on the contest website for voting. Students are encouraged to invite their friends to vote until Oct. 15 at midnight. The 10 videos with the most votes will be judged by a group of panelists to select the winners. First place is $10,000 for the winning organization, with a second place of $5000. A first and second prize will be awarded to both a graduate and an undergraduate organization for a total of four awards.

For individuals making a difference, the Be Vital Twitter sweepstakes will award $100 in Amazon gift cards to 10 students. To enter, students can follow @JNJUniversity and answer the question: "How do you define being vital in your life, for your community, or in our world?" Students should use the hashtag #BeVital and include the @JNJUniversity handle in their tweet. Each Friday, between Aug. 27 and Nov. 2, Johnson & Johnson will select one tweeter at random to receive a $100 gift card to Amazon.com. Winners will be announced on the @JNJUniversity Twitter page on Sunday evenings (U.S. Eastern Time).

For more information visit www.bevitalchallenge.com today or follow @JNJUniversity on Twitter.

About Johnson & Johnson

Caring for the world, one person at a time...inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 128,000 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson