Watermelon Queen, C.H. Robinson Promote Breast Cancer Awareness
Minneapolis, MN, April 20, 2009 – Maggie Bailey, recently crowned the 2009 National Watermelon Queen, will help promote breast cancer education and the healthy benefits of watermelon at the 11th Annual Komen Ozark Race for the Cure in Rogers, Ark., at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall Saturday, April 25th.
Bailey will join corporate race sponsor, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. ("C.H. Robinson"), one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world, at their sponsorship booth. C.H. Robinson employees, with Bailey's help, will serve slices of watermelon to race participants and distribute brochures with creative watermelon recipes ranging from Mango-Melon Salsa to Watermelon Berry Smoothies.
Bailey said, "I am delighted to join C.H. Robinson in this worthwhile event. I encourage all participants to stop by the booth and have a slice of watermelon to hydrate, refresh and learn more about breast cancer education! Watermelon, with its cancer fighting antioxidants, is the perfect refreshment for this event."
Watermelon is fat free and is a source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. According to the American Institute of Cancer, studies have shown that a cup and a half of watermelon contains about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene, on average about 40 percent more lycopene than raw tomatoes. The U.S. Department of Health stated that many scientists have found that diets high in lycopene correlates with reduced incidence of certain types of cancer.
"We are very excited about Maggie's involvement and desire to create awareness about breast cancer education and the healthy benefits of watermelon," said Bud Floyd, C.H. Robinson's vice president of produce marketing. "We encourage all race participants to stop by the C.H. Robinson booth to enjoy a slice of watermelon and learn more about the benefits of healthy eating."
C.H. Robinson will be sponsoring Susan G. Komen® races throughout the nation this year, including races held in Minn., and Wyo. The sponsorships are just one part of C.H. Robinson's Pink Ribbon Watermelon, A Sweet Way to Stay Healthy™ program. The program promotes the healthy benefits of watermelon and creates awareness about breast cancer. When retailers participate in the Pink Ribbon Watermelon program, C.H. Robinson donates a portion of their Pink Ribbon Watermelon sales to breast cancer research organizations. In 2008, C.H. Robinson donated over $70,000 on behalf of 25 participating retailers to non-profit organizations focused on breast cancer research and prevention throughout the United States.
The Pink Ribbon Watermelon Program is part of two new consumer programs that C.H. Robinson developed under their "Taking Responsibility" initiative. C.H. Robinson also donates a portion of its net profits to help Sustainable Harvest International ® (SHI) and their work with farmers and families in Central America through C.H. Robinson's Our World™ Organics program.
Floyd continued, "The new programs have been meaningful for both retailers and consumers. This is an easy way for retailers and consumers to give back, support, and positively impact communities. We are very excited about the momentum and level of participation the Pink Ribbon Watermelon received in their first year. We believe there is a huge opportunity to have an even bigger impact in 2009." If you would like more information on the Pink Ribbon Program, please call 1-800-321-3123.
About C.H. Robinson Worldwide
C.H. Robinson got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of the Dakotas and Minnesota. Today, C.H. Robinson is one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world, with 2008 sourcing gross revenues of $1.4 billion. C.H. Robinson sources the highest quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. We serve over 32,000 customers through a network of more than 228 offices and approximately 7,900 employees in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson contributes millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Children's Hospital of Minnesota, and the United Way. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the Nasdaq since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit our Web site at www.chrobinson.com.