Lindt USA and Autism Speaks Partner for Sixth Easter Season

STRATHAM, N.H., Feb. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Swiss chocolatier Lindt USA today announces its continued partnership with Autism Speaks to raise funds and awareness for the autism community.  For the sixth consecutive year, Lindt is supporting the world's leading autism and science advocacy organization through sales of the chocolatier's iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY figure.  During the Easter season, the company will also raise additional funds for the cause through its annual Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction, and activities in Lindt Chocolate Shops and online.  Over the past six years, Lindt has raised more than $600,000 for Autism Speaks.

"We know autism is a cause that touches millions of families and we are proud to again generate funds and awareness for the autism cause this Easter," said Thomas Linemayr, president and CEO of Lindt USA.  "With the help of our consumers and through joyous Easter celebrations, Lindt has been able to raise more than half a million dollars for Autism Speaks."     

How to Get Involved:

With the help of its iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY, Lindt plans to donate more than $130,000 this Easter season through a variety of activities to support the autism cause.

Lindt GOLD BUNNY Giveback

For every Lindt GOLD BUNNY purchased in the U.S., now through Easter on April 20, 2014, Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks¹. 

Lindt GOLD BUNNY Auction

This April, Lindt will host the 5^th Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction, featuring porcelain versions of the iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY figure autographed by top celebrities who have lent their signatures to the cause.  One hundred percent of the auction proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks.  For more information about the auction, visit LindtGoldBunnyAuction.com.

Lindt GOLD BUNNY Goes Social

March 25 through April 15, 2014, Lindt will host a "Build a Better Easter Basket with Lindt GOLD BUNNY" game on the Lindt Facebook page where fans can help Lindt GOLD BUNNY find Lindt Easter collection novelties to build the ultimate Easter basket.  Hidden in the game are Autism Speaks puzzle pieces and when found the pieces will trigger varying levels of donations to Autism Speaks². Players will also have the chance to win one of 25 Lindt Easter baskets. For more information about the game, visit the Lindt Facebook page.

Lindt Chocolate Shops

In April, select Lindt Chocolate Shops will host Autism Speaks Benefit Shopping Nights.  At the events, Lindt fans will be invited to shop for their favorite Easter chocolates while supporting autism awareness and advocacy efforts.  Fifteen percent of the events' proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks.  Attendees will be treated to special discounts, goodie bags, complimentary chocolates, and the chance to win a Lindt chocolate-filled Easter basket.  For participating locations and details, visit the store events page on Lindt.com.

"We are grateful to Lindt for its longstanding support over the past six years to raise funds and awareness for a cause that affects one in every 88 children," said Alec Elbert, Chief Strategy and Development Officer of Autism Speaks.  "As we look to change the future for the countless families who are affected by autism, it is important to continue raising awareness."

For the fifth year, Lindt GOLD BUNNY is the #1 selling chocolate bunny in the U.S.³ and is the only bunny that gives back.  For more information on the Lindt and Autism Speaks partnership and the Lindt GOLD BUNNY, visit Lindt.com.  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 120 countries.  Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs more than 8,000 worldwide.  Lindt USA operates more than 50 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
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences.  These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors.  An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization.  It 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.  Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism.  Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal.  Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families.  Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America.  On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness.  To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

¹ Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks for every Lindt GOLD BUNNY purchased from February to April 20, 2014, up to $100,000.

²Lindt will donate up to $12,500 for each Autism Speaks puzzle piece found from March 25-April 15, 2014 in the "Build a Better Easter Basket with Lindt GOLD BUNNY" Facebook game

³ Source: Nielsen ScanTrack Total U.S. XAOC 12 W.E 3.30.13

SOURCE Lindt USA