Lindt Announces 2012 Autism Speaks Partnership Program

STRATHAM, N.H., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Swiss chocolatier, Lindt, announces today it is once again partnering with Autism Speaks to raise funds and awareness for autism during the Easter season. Lindt will support the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization through donations from sales of the iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY.  

Lindt GOLD BUNNY will support the Autism cause as it celebrates its 60th birthday in 2012. The #1 selling chocolate bunny in the United States*, Lindt GOLD BUNNY, is available in five sizes and three chocolate varieties: milk, dark and white chocolate.

Starting today and continuing through Easter, April 8, 2012, Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks for every Lindt GOLD BUNNY purchased in the United States, up to $100,000. Lindt will also donate $2 for every Easter basket sold at Lindt Chocolate Shops, Lindt.com and through Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P., Lindt's home sales program. In addition, Lindt will donate $1 for every free Lindt Easter e-card sent, up to $5,000, to the organization, and up to $10,000 for consumers who use Pinterest to express their Easter traditions.

Lindt is raising additional funds and awareness for Autism Speaks by hosting the third Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction. Kicking off on March 8, 2012, the Auction offers porcelain versions of the iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY adorned with celebrity signatures. The special figurines will be auctioned off with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to Autism Speaks.

In total, Lindt is committed to donating more than $125,000 to Autism Speaks this year. Since 2009, through the partnership, Lindt has helped heighten awareness and raised more than $325,000 for the Autism cause.

"We are proud of our partnership with Autism Speaks," said Thomas Linemayr, chief executive officer and president of Lindt USA. "The Lindt GOLD BUNNY, already known as a premium, beloved icon that helps families celebrate the Easter season, continues to give back by supporting this worthy cause."

"Every day, thousands of people and families are affected by autism," said Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks. "Lindt's continuing support of Autism Speaks helps us to better serve the autism community."

For more information on the Lindt and Autism Speaks partnership and related initiatives, Lindt GOLD BUNNY, or to send an Easter themed e-card, visit www.LindtGOLDBUNNY.com. To "like" Lindt on Facebook visit Facebook.com/LindtChocolate. For more information about Autism Speaks, visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.

About Lindt & Sprungli

Founded in 1845, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high-quality products in more than 100 countries. Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs 7,400 worldwide. Lindt USA operates more than 40 retail stores in the U.S. and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels. For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $173 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light it Up Blue initiative. Also, Autism Speaks award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council has received over $316 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a Grandparent's Guide to Autism, and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 29 states thus far, with legislation continuing to advance in more states. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

* Source: Nielsen ScanTrack Total U.S. Food/Drug/Rem Mass 12 W.E. 4.23.11 vs. 12 W.E. 4.3.10

SOURCE Lindt