The Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations Presents 2005 Crystal Obelisk for Social Responsibility TM Awards

Published 11-07-05

Submitted by Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations, The

New York - The Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations (The Foundation of WEPR) presented its prestigious Crystal Obelisk Awards for Social ResponsibilityTM at its annual awards ceremony tonight. In addition, The Foundation honored Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, as a recipient of its PRism Award in recognition of the company's continuing commitment to social responsibility. Mercedes-Benz USA is one of only four companies to have ever received the honor.

The Foundation of WEPR created the PRism AwardTM in 2002 to promote the role of strategic communications in raising awareness of and addressing social needs. Symbolic of a multi-faceted prism, the award honors companies that have a history of supporting multiple creative and responsible outreach programs and policies that serve to better society.

"Each year, Mercedes-Benz USA continues to reinforce its long-standing philosophy of educating and empowering future generations," said Patricia Davis, The Foundation of WEPR president. "Whether providing financial support or employee volunteers, Mercedes-Benz USA has made a direct impact on numerous organizations determined to provide opportunities to succeed for youth in need, and we are proud to publicly recognize their work."

MBUSA supports local and national community-based organizations through is headquarters and six regional offices around the country. MBUSA and its local dealers and employers donate both money and time to a number of youth initiatives. In 2004, Mercedes-Benz USA launched a new scholarship program, DRIVE YOUR FUTURE, to reach students who are the first in their families to go to college and has raised nearly $1.5 million dollars in scholarship funding for several hundred students across the country.

The Foundation of WEPR's Awards for Social Responsibility is the industry's first and only awards program recognizing public relations excellence in support of social causes. Since 1989, almost 100 organizations have been recognized with a Crystal Obelisk or a Meritorious

Recognition Award for communications campaigns that have made a difference in people's lives and encouraged positive social change.

WABC-TV Eyewitness News anchor Diana Williams presented the PRism Award, six Crystal Obelisk Awards, and five Meritorious Recognition Awards. Categories include communications campaigns, as well as single items including printed pieces, video communications, special events or use of the Internet produced by both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

The Foundation presented Crystal Obelisk Awards for Social Responsibility to the following:

Ben & Jerry's and M Booth & Associates for "Primary Berry Graham: The First Democratically Named Ice Cream Flavor" campaign

3M and Hunter Public Relations for "Post It Notes: Sticking Up for Breast Cancer Research-The World's Largest Pink Ribbon" campaign

Carpet One and PT & Co. for "Carpet One Makes A Difference" campaign

The Women's Museum in Dallas and Fleishman-Hillard Inc. for "Premiere of First Ladies Political Role and Public Image" campaign

American Heart Association and CONE for "National Wear Red" campaign.

Pfizer, Inc and Prochilo Health, Inc. for "Women Like You! The Power of Partnership" an educational video

Meritorious Recognition Awards were presented to the following:

Partnership for a Drug-Free America and Standing Partnership for "Methamphetamine & Ecstasy Health Education" pilot campaign in St. Louis

Orange County, California Registrar of Voters and Faubel Public Affairs for "Orange County Vote- Take Your Turn, It Counts" campaign

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Fleishman-Hillard Inc. for "On The Way To The Cure --The Komen College Tour" campaign.

Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations for "Three Things You Can Do to Prevent Infection" printed piece

New Jersey Department of Health and Safety Services and Fleishman-Hillard Inc. for "40th Anniversary of the Surgeon General's Report" single event

"The campaigns that we honor this year range from the political, in motivating young people to vote through their love of ice cream, to the practical, in demonstrating three simple (but often overlooked) things people could do to avoid the flu in a season facing a shortage of flu vaccine," said Ms. Davis. "All of our nominees have shown remarkable imagination in pursuing their social goals through communications."

All proceeds from competition entry fees and the awards gala fund scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students in communications who are planning careers in public relations.

2005 Sponsors of the Crystal Obelisk Awards for Social Responsibility
The Foundation of WEPR acknowledges the support received from major sponsors for the Awards Reception. Platinum Sponsors: Console Design, Fleishman-Hillard Inc. and Mercedes-Benz USA; Gold Sponsor: Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.; Silver Sponsors: Burelles:Luce, pims New York Inc.

About The Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations
The Foundation was established in 1984 by the Women Executives in Public Relations, a network of distinguished public relations professionals. The Foundation's mission is the advancement of the public relations practice of social responsibility, coupled with its scholarship program. For more information on the annual competition and the scholarship program visit www.wepr.org and click on the Foundation of WEPR link.

The Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations Presents 2005 Crystal Obelisk for Social Responsibility TM Awards

The Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations Presents 2005 Crystal Obelisk for Social Responsibility TM Awards

Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations, The

Foundation of Women Executives in Public Relations, The

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