Dubble Bubble Sponsors National Bubble Blowing Contest

Children's Miracle Network
Saturday, 25 March 2000

On Saturday, April 8th kids across America will compete for $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond, Walt Disney World Trip and other valuable prizes.

(March 25, 2000)--Dubble Bubble announces its first-ever National Bubble Blowing Contest to be held April 8th, 2000 at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. Children ages 12 and under will compete to see if their Dubble Bubble measures up, qualifying them for the National Finals and a chance to win the Grand Prize. The national Grand Prize winner will receive a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond and an expense paid trip to Walt Disney World to present a $50,000 donation made in his/her name to Children's Miracle Network on national TV! In addition to the Grand Prize, each of the five runners-up will receive a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a $40,000 donation made in each of their names to local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network.

"We're thrilled to be sponsoring this fun, interactive and kid-focused contest," says Paul Cherrie, vice president marketing for Concord Confections, makers of Dubble Bubble. "Partnering with a company like Wal-Mart is an honor, and their strong community ties allow us to offer this opportunity to virtually every kid aged 12 and under in America! The contest has been structured to offer a two-fold benefit for the children: sizable cash prizes and the opportunity to experience what it feels like to do something philanthropic."

Over 2500 Wal-Mart stores nationwide will host the Dubble Bubble National Bubble Blowing Contest on Saturday, April 8th. The contest will challenge children to blow the biggest bubble in diameter, during contest hours, at their local Wal-Mart store. All bubbles will be measured using an official Dubble Bubble Meter. At the end of the one-day national contest, local Wal-Mart stores will submit the biggest bubble blown in their store to a third party judging organization, who will determine the top six bubbles blown and name the national contest finalists.

The six finalists will then prepare for a final "blow off" to be held on June 1st at Wal-Mart headquarters in Arkansas. The winner of this contest will receive the Grand Prize of a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond and will be flown to Walt Disney World to present a $50,000 donation in his/her name to Children's Miracle Network on its national television fundraiser, scheduled for June 3-4, 2000.

The five runners-up will each be awarded $5,000 U.S. Savings Bonds and will have $40,000 donations made in each of their honor to their local children's hospital through Children's Miracle Network.

Children's Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for and increasing awareness of children's hospitals. Founded in 1983 on the core philosophy to keep 100% of donations in the area in which they are raised, Children's Miracle Network produces the largest television fundraiser in the world and benefits more than 14 million kids treated at 170 qualifying hospitals throughout North America. For more information on Children's Miracle Network, visit their website at www.cmn.org.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. empowers its associates to serve the needs of their communities through its "Good Works" initiative. Last year, associates of the company's 3,000 Wal-Mart stores, SAM'S Clubs and distribution centers raised and donated more than $29 million for Children's Miracle Network, making the total contribution over the past 12 years $160 million. In addition, Wal-Mart and SAM'S Club employ a number of programs that encourage children's health and safety, education and community-minded awareness. For more information about Wal-Mart's "Good Works" efforts, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Dubble Bubble is the world's first bubble gum, discovered in 1928 by Philadelphia accountant Walter Diemer. In 1998, this widely-known brand was purchased by Concord Confections, of the largest manufacturers of bubble gum in the world. Concord Confections established its leadership position with the introduction of innovative brands in the gum category including Tear Jerkers — "The original extra sour gum ball" — and Tongue Splashers — "The gum ball that paints your mouth with a splash of color." Founded in 1986, Concord Confections' packaged goods, bulk, bulk vending and private label products can be found in mass merchandise, grocery, drug, convenience, toy and wholesale outlets worldwide. For more information on America's Original Dubble Bubble or any of the other gum and confectionery products available from Concord Confections, please call 800/267-0037 or visit the company's website at www.dubblebubble.com.

For more information, or to contact Children's Miracle Network, see their website at: www.cmn.org