Lindt USA Gives Back To Families This Easter

STRATHAM, N.H., March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Swiss chocolatier Lindt USA announces it will sweeten this Easter holiday for countless families, with the help of its iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY, the only bunny that gives back.  Since 2009, Lindt has raised more than more than $600,000 for the autism cause as part of a partnership with Autism Speaks in celebration of the Easter season.  In addition, the company is donating more than 250,000 Lindt GOLD BUNNY figures to New England food banks just in time for the holiday this weekend.   

Over the last five years, Lindt has partnered with Autism Speaks during the Easter season, in an effort to raise funds and awareness for a cause that affects countless families.  This year, Lindt coordinated a 10 cent donation for every purchase of its iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY leading up to Easter, a $10,000 donation for consumers who used Pinterest to express their Easter traditions, and a $1 donation for every free e-card sent from LindtGOLDBUNNY.com.  Lindt also hosted the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds from the online auction benefiting Autism Speaks.  This year's auction featured porcelain versions of the iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY autographed by nearly 100 top celebrities who lent their signatures to the cause.  In total, Lindt has raised more than $130,000 as part of this year's program and has donated more than $600,000 to Autism Speaks throughout the five year partnership. 

In advance of Easter this weekend, Lindt will also donate more than 250,000 Lindt GOLD BUNNY figures to six organizations in New England – Greater Boston Food Bank, New Hampshire Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank.  The Lindt GOLD BUNNY donation will go to the organizations' local food pantries, community meal programs, homeless and residential shelters, youth programs, senior centers, and day-care centers. 

"Over the years, countless families have welcomed Lindt GOLD BUNNY into their Easter celebrations," said Thomas Linemayr, president and CEO of Lindt USA. "We are pleased to do something in return this Easter season, by raising funds for Autism Speaks and donating Lindt GOLD BUNNY figures to food banks bringing joy to families in our community."

For more information about Lindt's partnership with Autism Speaks, visit LindtGOLDBUNNY.com.  To stay up to date on the latest Lindt news and exclusive offers, visit www.Lindt.com, the Lindt Twitter handle, or the Lindt Facebook page. 

About Lindt & Sprungli
Founded in 1845, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high-quality products in more than 125 countries.  Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs 7,700 worldwide.  Lindt USA operates more than 60 retail stores in the U.S., Lindt Chocolate RSVP, the company's premium direct selling program, and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels.  For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

SOURCE Lindt USA