Washington, D.C. (April 20, 2005) – As a part of its campaign to encourage D.C. area commuters to take advantage of the area’s many rideshare programs, Gevalia Kaffe, fine purveyor of European coffees, and Commuter Connections want to hear how they can improve your morning commute through the launch of its contest, "Ridesharing Top Ten with Commuter Connections and Gevalia ." Entrants are invited to submit up to three reasons why commuting to work would be better with Gevalia and Commuter Connections.
Contestants are encouraged to be creative, address regional work commute issues and personalize their contest entries. Submissions will be compiled into a "Ridesharing Top Ten" list based on the entries received. In addition, Gevalia and Commuter Connections will ask contestants specific questions about their morning ridesharing experiences and coffee drinking practices.
"Gevalia has partnered with Commuter Connections to encourage commuters to consider the option of ridesharing, such as carpooling or vanpooling," said Leona Lindner, category business director, Gevalia Kaffe. "We know that a great cup of Gevalia could improve that trip and we look forward to receiving other suggestions while learning about commuters’ coffee drinking rituals."
Gevalia Kaffe has partnered with Commuter Connections to increase awareness of its rideshare and Guaranteed Ride Home programs, encourage residents to try alternate forms of transportation such as carpooling, vanpooling, buses, Metrorail, and commuter trains and provide delicious tasting coffee for the morning commute.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a five day/four night trip to Kona, Hawaii where they will be invited to attend the 2005 Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition – one of the premier coffee tasting events in the world. Nine second prize winners will receive a Gevalia coffeemaker and Gevalia coffee.
To enter the contest and obtain complete rules and guidelines, visit www.commuterconnections.com/gevalia. For a written entry form and contest rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Attn: Commuter Connections "Ridesharing Contest" 777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20002-4239. All contest entries must be received via e-mail or postmarked by May 27, 2005. No purchase is necessary. Entrants do not need to register for the Guaranteed Ride Home program to participate in the contest.
During this campaign, Commuter Connections will also encourage area commuters to sign up for its Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program, which provides a free emergency ride home - up to four times a year - for commuters who rideshare, take public transportation, bicycle or walk to work at least twice a week. Commuters who sign up for the free GRH program or ridematching service will receive a Gevalia commuter travel mug and coffee sample through May 27th.
Commuter Connections and the Guaranteed Ride Home Program
In the Washington metropolitan region, Commuter Connections is the source for information about carpool/vanpool matching, transit schedules, Park and Ride lots, HOV lanes, telework programs, employer commute benefits and bicycle routes. Commuter Connections offers a Guaranteed Ride Home program provides a free emergency ride home - up to four times a year - for people who rideshare, take public transportation, bicycle or walk to work at least twice a week. When commuters have unexpected personal or family emergencies or the need to stay at work for unscheduled overtime, Commuter Connections does whatever it takes to get them home—whether it’s arranging for a free taxi or rental car. To register for GRH or for more information about other commuter services that help save time and money, visit www.commuterconnections.org or call 1-800-745-RIDE.
Gevalia
Gevalia is an exclusive purveyor of gourmet coffees featuring more than 40 exquisite varieties of coffees and teas to suit every taste and occasion. The coffees and teas range from the distinctive varietals, European and limited edition blends as well as seasonal flavors. Gevalia is currently available in the U.S. exclusively at www.gevalia.com or through 1-800-GEVALIA, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
###
Contact:
Terese A. Kelly
DVC Worldwide
973.775.6474
tkelly@dvc.com
Abbe Serphos
Kraft Foods
914.425.3907
abbe.serphos@kraft.com