Contact:
Amy Hollrah
Endangered Species Chocolate
317.216.2157 Ext. 157
ahollrah@chocolatebar.com

Endangered Species Chocolate Launches Charitable Foundation

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis-based chocolate maker, Endangered Species Chocolate, launches the new charitable arm of the company, Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation. The foundation mission is “empowering individuals to create solutions that sustain species, habitat and humanity.”

Created to support the work of Endangered Species Chocolate, Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation makes charitable donations in three ways:

• Providing grants to nonprofits that fulfill the requirements of the Endangered Species Chocolate 10% Give Back application process. In 2009, the foundation will work with Ocean Conservancy and African Wildlife Foundation.
• Funding and providing volunteers for on-the-ground projects focused on creating solutions that sustain species, habitat and humanity in the areas where Endangered Species Chocolate cacao is grown. Currently the company’s cacao is grown in Ivory Coast and Peru.
• Aiding cacao farmers in the company’s farming communities in times of crisis.

Endangered Species Chocolate has committed to donating 10% of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity since its founding in 1993. Without compromising that promise, the Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation allows the company to further its mission by working directly with individuals in cacao farming communities to create sustainable solutions.

In 2009, Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation will focus on the relationships with Ocean Conservancy and African Wildlife Foundation. The first funds for on-the-ground and crisis relief work in Ivory Coast and Peru will be available in 2010.

Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation will hold its first fundraising event on April 21, 2009. The company will provide tours of the chocolate factory and an opportunity to meet Senior Jose Antonio Mejia, Polanco, President of Naranjillo Cacao Cooperative (Lima, Peru).

The board of directors of Endangered Species Chocolate Foundation includes Wayne Zink, Doreen Gubernat, Mark Waddell, Amber Winchester and Richard Smikle.

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About Endangered Species Chocolate
Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing premium, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified vegan and organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from small, family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. The company also donates 10-percent of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. The number one best selling brand of natural and organic chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers more than 30 products..

For more information, please visit www.chocolatebar.com.