Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels Makes Unprecedented Commitment to Schools

CHICAGO, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective immediately Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels is kicking off its Pretzel Dough program, an initiative that is offering schools across the country an unprecedented $1 per Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzel UPC box flap collected and returned to the pretzel company during the 2009-2010 school year. The schools are entitled to use this money however it's most needed.

"'Pretzels with a Purpose' is how we choose to live and run our business," says Kim Holstein, President and Chief Inspiration Officer of Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels. "We're a thriving pretzel business that is privileged and obligated to make a change in our communities. Pretzel Dough is our way to give back to those schools that may have had funding cuts or just need a little money for supplies, equipment or school sponsored activities. There are similar box top programs out there, but during our inaugural year we're reimbursing the school up to 10 times more than other companies."

To enroll in the program, enthusiastic parents, teachers, students and administrators should visit www.kimandscotts.com. The site will collect the volunteer coordinator's name and school information. In turn, Kim & Scott's will provide all of the information needed for the school to become an instant "Pretzel Dough" participant.

When Kim and Scott Holstein developed the idea for its all-natural, hand -twisted, nut-free soft pretzel business, they vowed that good would come from every pretzel made. And since then they have lived their "Pretzels with a Purpose" mantra.

"We feel it's crucial to monetarily support schools while empowering kids along the way," says Holstein. "Kids can be raising "dough" for much needed programs, feel accomplished and enjoy a healthier, all-natural pretzel along the way. This is what Kim & Scott's calls Pretzel Power in action."

"Pretzel Dough" is the most recent philanthropic effort launched by Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels. The company's philanthropic arm, Pretzels for Peace(TM), was started with the business' inception more than 14 years ago. Pretzels for Peace(TM) regularly donates pretzels, time and a portion of its proceeds to organizations that make a positive difference in the world. Some of the organizations that have benefited from Pretzels for Peace(TM) include: the ALS Foundation, the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, Breast Cancer Network of Strength (the organization formerly known as Y-Me), Children's HeartLink, Homes for Our Troops, National Heart Association, the Special Olympics, and Trees for The Future. Efforts like this ensure the company lives their mission, to make pretzels with a purpose.

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels can be found in the frozen aisles of Whole Foods Market, Super Target and major grocery chains. They're also sold in smoothie chains, coffee shops, movie theaters and airports around the country. Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels was started in 1995 and is now run out of a 38,000 sq. foot Chicago bakery with annual sales projected at $10-15 million. Almost 15 years later they've transformed the pretzel from a snack to an anytime meal. Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels deliciously touts more than 12 varieties. Each all-natural pretzel is twisted by hand and made from scratch. The company is proud that its pretzels are made in a nut-free facility, a great source of whole grains and free from trans fats, preservatives and hydrogenated oils.

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels was founded in 1995 by husband and wife team Kim and Scott Holstein. Since inception, the company has prided itself on its all natural, twisted by hand soft pretzels made in a nut-free bakery. The pretzels can be found in the frozen grocery aisles of Albertson's, Jewel, SuperTarget, and Whole Foods. Kim & Scott's products and philanthropic efforts were highly praised in 2004 by Fortune Magazine as a company "Breaking Big" and recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the "fastest growing companies in America." Additionally, they have been deliciously touted by USA Today, Entrepreneur, CNBC's Power Lunch, CNBC's Donny Deutsch's "Big Idea," Food Network's Dean Brothers and Food Network's Roker on the Road who even called the pretzels "the talk of the Windy City." For the past seven years, the pretzels have been sold on QVC to an audience of more than 87 million. In September 2009, Kim was recognized as the Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year by the Women's Business Development Center of Chicago.

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SOURCE Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels, Inc.