Lindt USA To Give Back To Autism Speaks This Easter Season With Help From Iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY

STRATHAM, N.H., Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, premium chocolatier Lindt USA announces its continued partnership with non-profit organization Autism Speaks to raise funds and awareness for autism during the upcoming Easter season. The funds raised through the partnership this year will help Autism Speaks support individuals with autism and their families through a variety of ways, including educational toolkits for newly diagnosed families, grants for community programs, and scholarship funding to educational institutions, among many others. Over the past seven years, Lindt has donated more than $700,000 to Autism Speaks, proving that one small bunny can make one big difference.

With the arrival of the 2015 Lindt Easter collection at retailers nationwide, Lindt GOLD BUNNY, the best-selling chocolate bunny in the U.S.^[1], is once again giving back in a big way. Now through Easter on April 5, 2015, Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks for every Lindt GOLD BUNNY purchased at retailers nationwide, Lindt Chocolate Shops and www.LindtUSA.com, up to $100,000. The iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY, the only bunny that gives back, serves as the perfect centerpiece for any Easter basket or celebration and the following items can be found at retail locations nationwide, Lindt Chocolate Shops, and www.LindtUSA.com:

Lindt GOLD BUNNY – This premium, hollow 3.5 oz. bunny is available in Milk, Dark and White Chocolate, and the hollow 7 oz. Lindt GOLD BUNNY is available in Milk Chocolate (SRP: $3.99 for the 3.5 oz. figure and $6.99 for the 7 oz. figure).

Lindt GOLD BUNNY Mini 5-Pack – For smaller indulgences, Lindt GOLD BUNNY is available in packages of five mini Milk Chocolate hollow figures. These iconic treats are wonderful bite-sized delights to hop inside any Easter basket (SRP: $3.99).

Lindt GOLD BUNNY Basket – Share this precious, ready-to-gift bunny basket with loved ones! The premium Lindt GOLD BUNNY Basket comes complete with a pair of the hollow Milk Chocolate 1.7 oz. Lindt GOLD BUNNY figures in an adorable springtime display (SRP: $6.99).

Lindt GOLD BUNNY All Ears – Get playful this Easter season and dress up with Lindt GOLD BUNNY. The iconic, hollow 1.7 oz. Milk Chocolate bunny comes packaged with plush Lindt GOLD BUNNY ears, helping to bring the Easter spirit to life. The Lindt GOLD BUNNY All Ears makes for a fun addition to any Easter basket and will provide entertainment for all at Easter celebrations (SRP: $6.99).

"With the support from Lindt fans and the help of our iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY, we continue to generate funds and awareness for the autism community," said Thomas Linemayr, president and CEO of Lindt USA. "We are honored to work with Autism Speaks for a seventh year as we celebrate a joyous Easter season and help the organization assist individuals with autism."

Lindt will also raise additional funds through the sixth Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction. This March, the premium chocolatier will auction off porcelain versions of its iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY autographed by top celebrities in the entertainment, sports, food and music industries. One hundred percent of the auction proceeds will be donated directly to Autism Speaks, helping the organization provide resources and access to services for individuals with autism and their families.

"Today, autism affects one in 68 children along with countless family and friends," said Alec Elbert, Chief Strategy and Development Officer of Autism Speaks. "As our organization looks to improve the lives of those with autism through advocacy and awareness-driving efforts, we are very appreciative of Lindt for its continued support through the Lindt GOLD BUNNY giveback program and celebrity auction."

Lindt offers a wide range of Easter products to help sweeten holiday celebrations, including Lindt GOLD BUNNY, LINDOR Eggs and seasonal figures. For more information about the Lindt and Autism Speaks partnership, Lindt GOLD BUNNY, and the 2015 Lindt Easter collection, visit LindtUSA.com/LindtGOLDBUNNY. To learn more about the upcoming Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction, visit LindtGOLDBUNNYAuction.com. Additional information about Autism Speaks can be found at www.AutismSpeaks.org, and to contact the organization, please call 212-252-8584 or visit the New York office located at 1 East 33^rd Street, 4^th Floor, New York, NY, 10016.

About Lindt & Sprungli
With 170 years of history and Swiss tradition, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high quality products in more than 120 countries. Lindt & Sprungli operates 12 production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs more than 12,000 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.LindtUSA.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, to varying degrees, by repetitive behaviors and difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as social interaction. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum – including 1 in 42 boys.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks 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 people with autism and their families. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, mostly to scientific research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in almost 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

^[1] Source: Nielsen ScanTrack Total U.S. XAOC 12 W.E. 04.19.14

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SOURCE Lindt USA

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