Nikki Reed Joins Lindt To Launch Sixth Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction To Raise Funds And Awareness For Autism Speaks

STRATHAM, N.H., March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Nikki Reed, actress and singer-songwriter, joins premium chocolatier Lindt USA to launch the sixth Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction to benefit the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, Autism Speaks. Reed, who has a personal connection to the autism cause, is excited to help Lindt raise funds and awareness. She is joining more than 60 celebrities – from Scarlett Johansson, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, and Owen Wilson – participating in this year's auction by donating autographs. Now through March 20, 2015, fans can go online to LindtGOLDBUNNYAuction.com and bid on celebrity-signed porcelain figures of the iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks to help support people with autism and their families.  

"It is an honor to join Lindt and help launch the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction. I'm excited to raise funds and awareness for autism, and continue to support a cause that's very close to my heart," said Reed. "I am a proud supporter of Autism Speaks, and I'm dedicated to helping other families affected by autism. Lindt is making it easy for people to get involved and give back this Easter season."

Sixty five celebrities, including A-list movie and television stars, celebrity chefs, powerhouse singers, all-star athletes and supermodels have lent their signatures to the cause this year. The autographed bunnies will be showcased on LindtGOLDBUNNYAuction.com, where fans can bid on the figures. Autographed Lindt GOLD BUNNY figures include:

• Al Roker
• Allison Janney
• Andy Grammer
• Anna Faris
• Blake Lively
• Blake Shelton
• Brad Paisley
• Brad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley
• Carla Hall
• Carmelo Anthony
• Carson Daly
• Charlie Rose
• CJ Ramone
• Clinton Kelly
• Curtis Stone
• Dan Marino
• Drew Brees
• Dustin Pedroia
• Ed Asner
• Edie Falco
• Eli Manning
• Evan Longoria
• George Stephanopoulos
• Gigi Hadid
• Glenn Close
• Gordon Ramsay
• Harrison Ford
• Haylie Duff
• Hoda Kotb
• James Van Der Beek
• Jason Mraz
• Jennie Garth
• Joe Mantegna
• Karlie Kloss
• Kathie Lee Gifford
• Kelly Clarkson
• Kristin Chenoweth
• Lara Spencer
• Lauren Conrad
• Maksim Chmerkovskiy
• Marc-Andre Fleury
• Mario Batali
• Matt Lauer
• Mayim Bialik
• Michelle Hurst
• Michelle Williams
• Natalie Morales
• Nick Lachey
• Nikki Reed
• Owen Wilson
• Reba McEntire
• Regis Philbin
• Rico Rodriguez
• Robert David Hall
• Roger Federer
• Sarah Ferguson
• Savannah Guthrie
• Scarlett Johansson
• Sherri Shepherd
• Susan Sarandon
• Tamron Hall
• Terrence Jenkins
• Will.i.am
• Willie Geist
• Wrangler ("TODAY" Puppy with a Purpose)

"We are thrilled to be joined by Nikki Reed for the launch of this year's Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction and are proud to see how one small bunny continues to make a big difference in support of Autism Speaks," said Thomas Linemayr, president and CEO of Lindt USA. "We are inspired by the stories of those within the autism community, and encourage Lindt fans to get involved in the auction and celebrate this Easter season by giving back."    

In addition to the funds raised through the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction, Lindt is donating 10 cents to Autism Speaks for every Lindt GOLD BUNNY purchased at retailers nationwide, Lindt Chocolate Shops, and www.Lindt.com, up to $100,000. The iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY is the only bunny that gives back during the Easter season, thanks to the brand's partnership with Autism Speaks. All of the funds raised during the 2015 Lindt Easter program will help Autism Speaks support people with autism and their families in a variety of ways, including toolkits for all stages of life, insurance reform, grants for community programs, scholarships, and housing and employment initiatives for adults, among others. Since 2009, Lindt has helped generate more than $700,000 for Autism Speaks through its Easter program.

In addition to the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction, Lindt is sweetening the spring season for chocolate lovers with contests and innovative ideas for all things Easter. Lindt offers a variety of signature products, including Lindt GOLD BUNNY, LINDOR Eggs and seasonal figures, as well as inspiration for creating unique centerpieces, elegant Easter baskets and special memories with family and friends. Now through Easter, Lindt is offering fans the opportunity to get social and win prizes online, including:

• Virtual Easter Egg Hunt: Celebrate an "EGGS-CELLENT Easter" by following Lindt on Pinterest now through April 5, 2015 to find and re-pin Lindt LINDOR Eggs for a chance to win Lindt chocolate prizes. 
  
  
• Where in the World is Lindt GOLD BUNNY?: Lindt GOLD BUNNY is popping up around the globe, and now through April 5, 2015, fans can Instagram a photo of the Lindt GOLD BUNNY using #LindtGOLDBUNNY for a chance to win chocolate prizes from Lindt.
  
  
• Celebrate Easter Traditions: On March 24, 2015, follow the hashtag #LindtGOLDBUNNY on Twitter to join Lindt and Mom it Forward for an Easter discussion as they share tips and traditions for the Easter season, including decor, recipes and more. 
  
  
• Giveaways Galore: Now through Easter, Lindt is hosting surprise chocolate giveaways on Facebook to bring a little joy to the season. The page features many chances for fans to win premium Lindt chocolate for themselves and their friends.
  
  
• Lindt Unwrapped: The official Lindt blog, Lindt Unwrapped, is filled with Easter inspiration and ideas for building Easter baskets, making decorative centerpieces, and creating Easter recipes for the most fun and festive spring season yet.

Also, consumers can celebrate the launch of the auction today with free Lindt GOLD BUNNY offers in Lindt Chocolate Shops and on www.Lindt.com. For more information about the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Celebrity Auction, or to bid on a celebrity-signed porcelain figure, visit LindtGOLDBUNNYAuction.com. To learn more about the Lindt and Autism Speaks partnership, Lindt GOLD BUNNY, and the 2015 Lindt Easter collection, visit LindtUSA.com/LindtGOLDBUNNY. For other news from Lindt, visit www.LindtUSA.com, "like" the company's Facebook page, or follow Lindt on Twitter or Instagram. 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.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, and repetitive behaviors. 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 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 more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. 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 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

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SOURCE Lindt USA

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