STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Poland Spring® 100% Natural Spring Water, today announced it will donate $250,000 to One Fund Boston in 2014 in continued support of those most affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. As One Fund Boston enters its next phase, focused on community building, coordinating programs and services to help meet the significant ongoing needs of the survivor community, the Poland Spring® brand is honored to offer support and stand as one with the city of Boston.
As the Official Bottled Water of the Boston Marathon since 2008, Poland Spring® is proud to be with runners every step of the 26.2 mile journey. This year, Poland Spring® will unveil the “Cheer Meter,” an interactive installation at Mile 19 that will measure and visually represent the excitement and cheers from the crowd. Poland Spring will make an incremental donation to One Fund Boston based on Cheer Meter participation, up to a maximum donation of $10,000. With this exciting new feature for this year’s race, Poland Spring® hopes to unite thousands of voices while raising the spirits of runners and spectators alike. The Poland Spring brand will also raise awareness for One Fund Boston in a special videoboard presentation Fenway Park for the home game on Marathon Monday.
“This year’s race is not just a marathon, it is a symbol of the strength, resilience and unity of Boston and its people,” said Tim Brown, President and CEO of Nestlé Waters North America. “With Poland Spring coming from Maine since 1845 and our headquarters in Connecticut, we have long-standing ties to New England and are honored to be able to help those touched by the One Fund Boston. We hope our donation inspires the same commitment from others.”
Last April, Poland Spring® donated $26,200 to One Fund Boston in recognition of the 26.2 mile journey of each runner.
Limited-edition Poland Spring® bottles, available throughout New England, will feature the One Fund Boston logo and packaging will encourage consumers to join Poland Spring in supporting One Fund Boston by making donations online.
For athletes attending the 2014 John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo, Poland Spring® will feature signs reading, “I run because…” Runners and supporters are invited to share their inspirational photos and stories using #RaisingSpirit and #PolandSpring. Josh Cox, American record holder in the 50k, a four-time US Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and three-time U.S. National Team member, will appear at the Poland Spring booth on Saturday, April 19th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to offer encouragement and inspiration to this year’s runners.
About One Fund Boston
One Fund Boston is a 501c3 organization started on April 16, 2013 at the direction of Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to help those most affected by the Marathon bombings. The outpouring of support was overwhelming. The Fund collected and distributed nearly $61 million in 75 days to over 230 victims and survivors. 100% of all donations were dispersed, with no overhead expenses, thanks to the extraordinary efforts made by volunteers, and companies who offered pro bono professional services.
About Nestlé Waters North America
As the third largest non-alcoholic beverage company by volume in the U.S., Nestlé Waters North America provides people with an unrivaled portfolio of healthy hydration choices. Among its bottled regional spring water brands are Poland Spring®, Deer Park® and Arrowhead®. Its national purified water brand is Nestlé® Pure Life®. International brands include Perrier® and S.Pellegrino®. The company’s line of ready-to-drink teas now includes Nestea®, Sweet Leaf® and Tradewinds®. Based in Stamford, Connecticut with 7,500 employees nationwide, Nestlé Waters North America strives to reduce its environmental footprint, improve recycling rates in North America, and create shared value in those communities where it has operations.
