NFL Stars Drew Brees, Mark Sanchez and DeMarcus Ware Compete Off The Field In Campaign To Improve America’s Communities

PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today, Super Bowl XLIV and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware are asking fans to join them in making a difference in America's communities. People can cast their votes at www.nfl.com/PepsiRefresh or via text by typing the player's first name to P-E-P-S-I (73774) for the ideas they believe should receive a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Each player has outlined an idea for furthering a project that's important to them – Brees: providing rooms for Cancer patients and their caregivers; Sanchez: to build awareness around the signs of type 1 or juvenile diabetes and Ware: providing a safe environment for abused, abandoned and neglected children.  Fans will have until Friday, February 5 at 12:00 a.m. EST to cast votes and the idea that receives the most votes will receive a $100,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project.

"Even if fans aren't backing me on Sunday, I'm hoping they will support my idea," said Brees. "With a Pepsi Refresh grant we can supply numerous cancer patients and caregivers with a room to help beat this awful disease. Doing good has never been this easy and I encourage everyone to submit their own idea."

Brees is hoping to support New Orleans based Hope Lodge, a free, temporary housing resource provided by the American Cancer Society.  It offers patients and a caregiver a "home away from home" while receiving outpatient treatment. By eliminating many of the emotional and financial concerns, Hope Lodge allows patients to focus on the one thing that is most critical – fighting cancer!

Sanchez is looking to help build awareness around the signs of type 1 or juvenile diabetes by supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to create educational programs that will help lead to quick and accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

"There are a lot of great ideas out there.  Unfortunately, not every cause has the resources to bring them to fruition," said Sanchez. "The Refresh Project provides the means to turn terrific ideas into successful realities and better the communities around us.  Help me support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and together we can help save children and their childhood experiences."

Ware wants to provide a safe environment for abused, abandoned and neglected children by supporting Dallas based Jonathan's Place. The grant will help to improve children's lives with better medical care, counseling, clothing, food and shelter.

"I hope by submitting my idea I inspire others to do the same," said Ware. "The idea can big or small but if everyone gets involved the impact is certain to be great."

The Pepsi Refresh Project is a groundbreaking effort to foster innovation in social good that will award more than $20 million this year to fund great ideas that improve America's communities. Throughout 2010, Pepsi will fund ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project will feature significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas. Pepsi Refresh Project launched on Jan. 13 and already exceeded expectations by receiving the monthly limit of 1,000 submissions in less than seven days. People are encouraged to submit their ideas and to cast a vote for their favorite ideas at www.refresheverything.com.

NFL Player arrangements made by NFL PLAYERS, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association.

SOURCE Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages