announces support of active, healthy living in his hometown
ATLANTA (February 4, 2014) – As we celebrate Black History Month, Coca-Cola is honoring its long-time friend and partner, baseball legend Willie Mays. During a Coca-Cola Heritage Series event at its headquarters, the Company presented Willie and his Say Hey Foundation a $15,000 donation. The donation helps support the Foundation’s efforts encouraging underprivileged youth to lead active, healthy lifestyles in safe communities.
“Willie ‘The Say Hey Kid’ Mays has epitomized living an active, healthy lifestyle since he was a child in Alabama,” said Ted Ryan, Director, Heritage Communications, The Coca-Cola Company. “Through our continued collaboration with Mr. Mays, The Coca-Cola Company is supporting physical activity and wellbeing with the youth of today and tomorrow.”
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, which is based in Birmingham, AL, also surprised Mr. Mays with matching support to help restore Willie Mays Park in his hometown of Fairfield, AL.
“For more than 100 years, Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola United have served our local communities across Alabama,” said Walker Jones, Community Relations Director, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United. “Willie Mays is a legend who hails from our hometown, so who better to team up with to ensure our local youth have places to play and be active.”
The association between the iconic American brand and the celebrated baseball player began early in his professional career when Mr. Mays appeared in a Coca-Cola advertisement in 1952. In fact, he was one of the first African-American athletes to appear in Coca-Cola advertising.
In the mid-1960s, Mr. Mays appeared in Coca-Cola broadcast advertising. He also starred in a 10-minute film produced by Coca-Cola called, Willie Mays – Tips on Baseball. After retiring from baseball, Mr. Mays appeared in the Company’s advertising for TaB in the 1970s.
“Growing up in Alabama, I became a loyal fan of Coca-Cola and I have cherished our partnership over the years,” said Mr. Mays. “Together Coca-Cola and I are building a legacy of active, healthy living in my hometown of Fairfeld and across the country.”
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company’s portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.
About Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., founded in 1902, is the third largest Coca-Cola bottling company in the United States headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Coca-Cola United currently operates in the following locations: Augusta, Ga.; Baton Rouge, La.; Birmingham, Ala.; Brunswick, Ga.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cullman, Ala.; Gulfport, Miss.; Hattiesburg, Miss.; Lafayette, La.; Lake Charles, La.; McComb, Miss.; McRae, Ga.; Milledgeville, Ga.; Savannah, Ga.; Spartanburg, S.C.; Statesboro, Ga.; Waycross, Ga.; and West Alabama.
Coca-Cola United is engaged principally in the production, marketing and distribution of
Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani water, POWERADE and other beverages under exclusive franchises from The Coca-Cola Company and other soft drink manufacturers. For more information, visit www.cocacolaunited.com.
About Say Hey Foundation
The Say Hey Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling Willie Mays’ dream of giving every child a chance, by offering underprivileged youth positive, recreational opportunities and safer communities. For more information, visit www.sayheyfoundation.com.