Adoption of Daughters Brought Winning Friends Together
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., General Foods International(TM), the premium specialty hot
beverage brand, is happy to announce Charlotte Griffin from Mobile, Alabama
as the winner of the brand's first GirlFriends Invitation(TM) essay contest.
General Foods International launched the GirlFriends Invitation essay contest
in celebration of women's friendships and how important they are for women of
every age. More than 10,000 women nationwide submitted heartwarming original
essays describing the special relationship they share with their girlfriends.
Griffin's story recounted how she first met her best girlfriends. Being a Christian
schoolteacher who lives modestly in the Deep South, she initially thought she
had nothing in common with Robin Bernard, a Jewish feminist activist who lives
a block off of Central Park in New York City and DJ McChesney, a Tibetan Buddhist
of Mongolian descent who lives an organic life in the Pacific Northwest. However,
they became fast friends during a life -- changing experience in 1994 -- they
all traveled together to a southern China adoption agency to adopt babies.
"As our precious baby girls were placed into our arms, our bond to these
girls and to each other was sealed," wrote Griffin. "We shared the
intimate moments of new motherhood together."
Before they left China, these friends vowed to keep the "Chinese Cousins"
close in spite of the miles between them, and have kept that vow for more than
a decade. They've supported each other through new parenthood and the tough
times in life whether over long-distance phone lines or face-to-face. They make
a point to gather for a reunion annually, which allows them to all strengthen
their special bonds.
"We were incredibly privileged to read so many stories about the enduring
power of friendship. Some focused on the good times, some on the hard times,
some on friendships that have lasted since grade school, others on newfound
relationships. All of them gave us a wonderful and touching look at how much
women's friendships can enrich, and at times even save your life," said
Jennifer Weiner, author of "Good in Bed" and "In Her Shoes"
and judge for the competition. "Charlotte Griffin's story was truly unique
because it focused on women with so little in common and so far from home that
bonded in a wonderful, poignant way."
In addition to Weiner, the essays were judged by Hannah Storm, anchor of CBS
News' weekday morning broadcast, "The Early Show;" Patricia Polito
Miller, founder/co-owner of Vera Bradley; and Laurel House, West Coast editor
for Fit Magazine and author of "The Gurus' Guide to Serenity; A Me-Time
Menu of Celebrity Stress Reducers."
Griffin wins a three-day/two-night trip to the world-renowned La Quinta Resort
& Club® in Palm Springs, CA with her two friends. They will enjoy a
special package of spa treatments, private poolside cabana and unlimited use
of the fitness center. Griffin also receives a one-year supply of General Foods
International's sweet, relaxing hot beverages.
General Foods International also awarded two First Prize winners with $1,000
for a night of dinner and entertainment with their girlfriends and a one-year
supply of General Foods International. Seven Second Prize winners received a
one-year supply of General Foods International.
The GirlFriends Invitation essay contest was launched in honor of National
Women's Friendship Day(TM), celebrated annually on the third Sunday of September.
National Women's Friendship Day was established by Kappa Delta Sorority®,
a national women's organization dedicated to leadership, community service,
all within the context of lifelong friendship. A supporter of National Women's
Friendship Day, General Foods International beverages is passionate about celebrating
the unique bonds women share and encourages every woman to take a moment and
rejoice in her friendships.
"We are thrilled so many women nationwide entered our contest and shared
their personal stories about how important their friends are to them,"
said Hilary Lane, brand manager for General Foods International. "Many
of them also told us that they often serve or enjoy General Foods International
beverages when they meet or visit with their friends. We are delighted that
our products are a part of these 'girlfriend moments.' We will continue to celebrate
girlfriends and their moments for years to come."
General Foods International recently launched its second GirlFriends Invitation(TM)
essay contest, "Celebrate the Moments of Your Life(TM)." Consumers
can visit http://www.gfic.com or http://www.girlfriendsinvitation.com for contest details. The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2005.
General Foods International, a line of sweet, creamy internationally-inspired
flavored coffees and Chai teas packed in the brand's trademark tin, has encouraged
consumers to celebrate the moments of their lives for more than 30 years. It
is a convenient, warm and relaxing treat with a delicious blend of coffee, unique
flavorings, sweetener and non-dairy creamer. General Foods International also
has sugar free offerings.
Kraft Foods markets many of the world's leading food brands, including Kraft®
cheese, Nabisco® cookies and crackers, JELL-O® and Oscar Mayer®,
in more than 150 countries.
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