Crown Imports Raises More Than $500,000 for V Foundation

CHICAGO Crown Imports has raised more than $500,000 in its annual support of The V Foundation for Cancer Research through the collaborative efforts of corporate employees, business partners and Corona fans during the 2012 “Help Find a Cure” donation campaign.

Each spring, Crown Imports and The V Foundation team up to raise awareness and funds for cancer research through Corona’s “Help Find a Cure” retail promotion. The campaign encourages consumers to join Corona Extra, Corona Light and The V Foundation in the fight against cancer by making charitable donations at participating bars, restaurants and store locations, or by visiting the donation page at www.jimmyv.org/findacure.

“Crown Imports, Corona and our wholesaler and retailer partners are proud to have raised more than a half-million dollars in support of The V Foundation’s ongoing quest to find a cure for cancer,” said Bill Hackett, president of Crown Imports, Corona’s exclusive U.S. importer. “It’s a cause we all are very passionate about and we’re truly honored to contribute funds for cancer research.”

This year, Crown Imports aimed to establish a new V Foundation donation benchmark by expanding beyond the consumer promotion and encouraging creative collaboration between its employees and business partners. As a result, Crown received significant monetary contributions toward the “Help Find a Cure” campaign and The V Foundation.

“Help Find a Cure” contributions soared through enhanced participation incentives and corporate outings while Crown business units across the U.S. worked closely with wholesalers, key retailers, and business partners to raise donations.

“On behalf of The V Foundation, we thank Crown Imports, their employees and business partners for their continued support of our work,” added Nick Valvano, chief executive officer of The V Foundation and brother of the late Jim Valvano. “It’s through collaborative efforts like these that keep us pressing forward, reminding us all to never give up hope for a cancer free world.”

Since its inception in 1993, The V Foundation, founded by legendary North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano and ESPN, has raised more than $120 million for cancer research. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of its proceeds towards cancer research.

About Crown Imports:

Crown Imports LLC is a joint venture that imports, distributes and markets the Modelo portfolio and other fine beer brands across the entire U.S. The Modelo portfolio includes Corona Extra, the #1 imported beer in the U.S. and #5 beer overall, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, Pacifico and Victoria (select markets) beer brands. Crown also imports the Tsingtao beer brand in the U.S. For more information, visit www.crownimportsllc.com.

Crown Imports is a 50-50 joint venture between Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V. (MX: GMODELOC), Mexico’s leading company in the brewing, distribution and sale of beer, and Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ), a leading international beverage alcohol producer, importer and marketer.

About The V Foundation:

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $120 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation’s endowment. The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.