Lovin’ Scoopful Announces Winners of Second Annual Lovin’ Compassion Awards

Seattle, WAMay 16, 2012—Lovin’ Scoopful, a premium ice cream company founded by Maria Shriver, Tim Shriver and partners to benefit nonprofits that support those with intellectual challenges, proudly announces the winners of its 2nd annual Lovin’ Compassion Awards, which recognizes young visionaries from around the country who are involved in programs that foster respect, inclusion and a true personal connection for people with differences.

One national winner, four regional winners and 19 honorable mentions from around the country were selected from students ages eight to 18 who are involved with Special Olympics programs and other organizations that are designed to create more accepting communities.

“It’s a great joy to recognize young leaders with the Lovin' Compassion Award," said Lovin' Scoopful co-founder, Maria Shriver. "Showing compassion for others takes tremendous courage at any age, and we hope their stories will inspire others to follow in their footsteps."

“Through their exemplary leadership and investment in their peers, each of this year’s winners is a role model for how to treat everyone with respect and foster a community of acceptance,” added Tim Shriver, Lovin’ Scoopful co-founder.

National Winner
The national Lovin’ Compassion Award recipient is Calista Pierce of Guys Mills, Penn. Nominated for her enthusiastic and entrepreneurial spirit, Pierce, 12, was selected for her involvement with Special Olympics and other non-profit organizations. Pierce’s involvement is inspired by her brother, Austin, a Special Olympics athlete. To date, she has raised more than $12,000 for the Crawford County Special Olympics by making and selling crafts. Additionally, she has raised more than $6,000 for her local Make-A-Wish Foundation chapter, equivalent to granting two wishes; is the captain of a Relay for Life team; and is a Unified Sports athlete. She is currently working to raise $15,000 for the Crawford County Special Olympics and has her own website with information about her fundraising efforts.

As the national award winner, Pierce will receive an engraved plaque; certificates for a year supply of Lovin’ Scoopful ice cream; a $100 gift card; a feature on the Lovin’ Scoopful blog, Facebook and Twitter pages; a letter of commendation from Maria Shriver; the opportunity to compose multiple blog postings about her chosen nonprofit organization; and a $500 donation for her chosen nonprofit organization.

Regional Winners
The regional winners include:
· Scott Gerson, 15, from Kensington, Md., for his involvement in multiple Special Olympics programs including the Special Olympics club at his high school, Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, Polar Bear Plunge, Camp Pals and Project Unify.
· Casey Cousineau, 17, from Altadena, Calif., for her leadership as “Coach Casey” for the Pasadena Area Special Olympics and advocacy for holding Special Olympics events at her high school.
· Gavin Hebert, 13, from Dixfield, Maine, for his stance against bullying, involvement with Emma’s Happy Rebels athletes and his local Special Olympics chapter.
· Katie Pullano, 15, from Bedford, Texas, for her continued efforts in promoting equality for those with intellectual disabilities, involvement with Unify Sports, Special Olympics Texas-Greater Fort Worth Area, and “Ban the ‘R’ Word” campaign at her school.

The regional winners will each receive a Lovin’ Scoopful Ice Cream Party Kit; certificates for a two-month supply of Lovin’ Scoopful ice cream; a feature on the Lovin’ Scoopful blog, Facebook and Twitter pages; a letter of commendation from Maria Shriver; the opportunity to compose a blog posting about their chosen nonprofit; and a $250 donation for their chosen nonprofit organization.

In addition to the national and regional winners, Lovin’ Scoopful also recognized 19 individuals with honorable mentions: Vida Weisblum from New York, N.Y.; Tess Block-Horowitz from Larchmont, N.Y.; Hannah Carlino from East Setauket, N.Y.; Ramon Camacho from Stayton, Ore.; Hayden Leahey from Portland, Ore.; Hannah Golladay from Forest Grove, Ore.; Lauren Biggerstaff from Lexington, S.C.; Jenna Ramirez from Los Angeles; Sydney Boudreau from Cheyenne, Wyo.; Olivia Alessandro from Danbury, Conn.; Jillian Lopez-Moore from Danbury, Conn.; Chadd Richardson from Bristol, Conn.; Daniel Robinson from Seymour, Conn.; Camille Howe from Attleboro, Mass.; Katie Jenkins from Pasadena, Texas; Angelica Castillo from Deer Park, Texas; Kaylen Stalker from Brazoria, Texas; Faith Austin from Amarillo, Texas; and Burges High School from El Paso, Texas.

Honorable mention winners will each receive a two-month supply of Lovin’ Scoopful ice cream; a feature on the Lovin’ Scoopful blog, Facebook and Twitter pages; and letter of commendation from Maria Shriver.

All of the Lovin’ Compassion winners were selected by a panel of judges including Maria Shriver and Tim Shriver for exemplifying characteristics that promote human rights, inclusion, equality and leadership through education. For more information about the national, regional and honorable mention winners, visit www.lovinaward.com/2012.

Launched in 2008, Lovin’ Scoopful’s mission is to create as many smiles as possible. Empowering the human spirit and satisfying taste buds, the company donates 25 percent of its post-tax profits ($50,000 minimum annually) to Special Olympics. Made with an all-natural base, non-rBST cow’s milk and cream, all Lovin’ Scoopful gourmet light ice cream flavors contain half the fat and have fewer calories than other premium brands, providing a healthier alternative while maintaining a super-premium taste.

All fourteen flavors of Lovin’ Scoopful ice cream come in 1.75 quart tubs and retail for $3.99 to $4.99 at select grocery stores around the country. For more information, please visit www.lovinscoopful.com. Follow Lovin’ Scoopful on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lovinscoopful and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LovinScoopful.

About Lovin’ Scoopful:

Lovin’ Scoopful is a premium ice cream company operating with the objective of making not only its customers happy, but making many others happy as well through significant contributions to causes that help empower the human spirit. Maria Shriver, Tim Shriver, Angelo Moratti and Dan Samson launched Lovin’ Scoopful in 2008 with the intent of offering a high quality, fun and health conscious product that would also serve as an ongoing source of revenue for worthy causes. Currently, the company is proud to donate 25 percent of its post-tax profits, $50,000 minimum annually, to Special Olympics.

About Special Olympics:

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly 3.7 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition health screenings, and other related programs. Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in all regions of the world and in community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood’s backyard. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.