Doublemint® Gum Teams with Dwight Howard

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, makers of Doublemint® gum, have announced it will partner with Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic in the second annual “Doublemint Gum Double-Double Challenge”

Wrigley tips off a second season of this charitable program benefiting Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) America – a national non-profit organization and long-time NBA Cares community partner that concentrates on public policies and community-based programs focusing on child development and child abuse and neglect prevention.

The campaign, in partnership with NBA Cares – the National Basketball Association's social responsibility initiative –, runs throughout the regular season to raise funds for PCA America via a $250 donation each time Howard records a double-double, which occurs when a player accumulates a double-digit total in two statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots), up to $20,000. With a previous season double-double high of 69, Howard is the reigning National Basketball Association (NBA) leader for double-doubles. Howard has 24 double-doubles this season (through Jan. 5) and now has 245 double-doubles during his NBA career.

“Doublemint is once again proud to support its ongoing commitment to PCA America through the Double-Double Challenge to help this wonderful organization as well as thousands of people around the country” said Paul Chibe, Wrigley’s Vice President Consumer Marketing – North American Gum. “We are delighted to partner with the double-double champion, Dwight Howard, and are looking forward to some ‘superhuman’ efforts both on and off the court this season.”

The “Doublemint Gum Double-Double Challenge” will then open to fan participation during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Fans will be invited to partner with Doublemint to make a donation, with all funds raised going to directly support the research, advocacy and outreach efforts of PCA America.

Wrigley will also run a unique consumer promotion, called the “Leaders of the Pack™,” that capitalizes on the popularity of fantasy sports. Between now and April 15, 2009, specially marked Slim Packs™ of Doublemint gum and the other Wrigley’s Brands – Big Red®, Juicy Fruit®, Winterfresh® and Wrigley’s Spearmint® -- will include an NBA player’s name. Fans that have Slim Packs with the name of the player who accumulates the most points, rebounds or assists at the end of the regular season will be entered into a drawing to win a V.I.P. trip to the NBA Finals or thousands of other prizes. More information and a complete list of rules can be found at: www.nba.com/wrigley