Award-winning Actress Bebe Neuwirth Helps Kick Off National Campaign to Find Five "Expressive" Women to Receive $5,000 and Be Honored at Special Event
East Hanover, NJ (Feb. 26, 2007) - Whether it's knitting, sewing, cooking, writing, singing, painting or any other creative activity, what you do outside your daily routine can make life that much more rewarding. Wheat Thins® crackers understands that creative expression is a healthy part life, and is recognizing this by launching its first-ever national "Wheat Thins Expressions" contest to find women whose creative passions can serve as an inspiration for others.
From Feb. 12, 2007 through April 16, 2007, women nationwide are invited to enter for the chance to appear on special edition boxes of Wheat Thins crackers. In addition, the winners will each receive $5,000 to pursue their passion and be honored at a special event hosted by award-winning actress Bebe Neuwirth.
Actress by Day, Pottery Maker By Night
Bebe Neuwirth, whose credits include her infamous role as Dr. Lilith Sternin on "Frasier," one season as assistant district attorney Tracey Kibre on "Law & Order - Trial by Jury," and who is currently starring as Roxie Hart in " Chicago" on Broadway, knows firsthand about creative expression - and not just through her profession. Neuwirth spends her free time creating original pottery.
"I've been throwing pottery at the wheel for the last 20 years. Though it is quite a different experience than what I do for a living - dance, sing, and act - it enhances my daily life because it's time that I spend creating for no other reason than the pure joy of it, to disappear into myself, and get very happily muddy," said Neuwirth. "I'm honored to be helping Wheat Thins recognize the importance of creative expression and celebrate women for their passions. Women need to find ways to express themselves that are personally fulfilling."
The "Expressionists"
Along with Neuwirth, Wheat Thins enlisted three "everyday women" to serve as "Expressionists" to help kick off the campaign. One of these women, Julie Vician, a wife and mother of two from Massachusetts, is a full-time personal assistant with a passion for sewing. Whether she's making clothes or accessories for her home, she says sewing helps her "completely 'switch-off' and just be in the moment."
"I'm excited to be a part of the 'Wheat Thins Expressions' campaign because I know how much the simple art of sewing makes me a better, more well-rounded person," said Vician. "I hope I can help inspire women to pursue their passions and, like me, serve as an example for others."
About The Contest
Entrants must submit one representation (an original photograph, soundtrack, video or written work) of how they express themselves through an activity, along with a 300-word (or fewer) original statement describing the expression and how it influences their life. Five grand-prize winners will be selected based on creativity of expression, originality of expression and inspirational value of expression. For additional entry details and the complete rules, visit www.wheatthins.com. All entries must be received via mail or online by April 16, 2007.
About Wheat Thins
Wheat Thins crackers started the "Wheat Thins Expressions" campaign because of the brand's strong commitment to helping women lead balanced lifestyles. The Wheat Thins product line includes options to fit a variety of individuals' tastes and preferences, including Original, Honey, Sundried Tomato & Basil, Parmesan Basil, Harvest Five-Grain, Harvest Garden Vegetable, Multi-Grain and Ranch as well as low sodium and reduced-fat options.
The brand is also adding Wheat Thins Lightly Cinnamon crackers to its product offerings. Topped with the subtle taste of cinnamon spice, this variety qualifies as one of Kraft's Sensible Solution better-for-you products within the cracker category, offering five grams of whole grain per serving and containing no trans fats or cholesterol. Wheat Thins Lightly Cinnamon crackers are perfect for a mid-morning snack and will be on shelves in late March with a suggested retail price of $3.19 for a 9.5 ounce box.
Contact:
Sarah Karl
312/988-2093
skarl@webershandwick.com
Laurie Guzzinati
973/503-4671
laurie.guzzinati@kraft.com
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Kraft Foods (NYSE:KFT) is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies. For more than 100 years, we've offered consumers delicious and wholesome foods that fit the way they live. Millions of times a day, in more than 150 countries, consumers reach for their favorite Kraft brands. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack, consumers at home and on the go choose: Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings; Oscar Mayer meats, DiGiorno pizzas, Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers and chips, Philadelphia cream cheese, Milka and Cote d'Or chocolates, Planters nuts, Honey Bunches of Oats cereals, Jacobs, Gevalia and MaxwellHouse coffees; Capri Sun, Crystal Light and Tang refreshment beverages; and a growing range of South Beach Diet and better-for-you Sensible Solution options.
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