12/08/2014

MOONPIE AND CRAIG MORGAN DONATE 35,000 MOONPIES TO AMERICAN TROOPS RETURNING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Chattanooga, TN - (December 8, 2014) - MoonPie, an American favorite since 1917, along with country music artist Craig Morgan, is shipping over 35,000 MoonPies to USO centers across the country this week as a “thank you treat” for U.S. troops who are heading home for the holidays. MoonPie enlisted the country music star and Army veteran to assist with a six-month social media campaign that invited MoonPie and Morgan fans to donate a free MoonPie to the troops. The USO, with their long history of supporting American troops, was the natural partner for the campaign.

“Chattanooga Bakery has demonstrated its ongoing support for our troops since WW II,“ said Tory Johnston, VP of Marketing at MoonPie. “Partnering with Craig Morgan and the “USO” was really perfect for this “thank you” campaign for our servicemen and women.”

Craig Morgan, a native of Tennessee and a lifelong MoonPie fan, was featured on 250,000 MoonPie retail cartons this summer and fall and has actively promoted the campaign to his fans at concerts, during the CMA Music Festival, and online. Morgan has also been on four USO tours and has seen firsthand the sacrifices our nation’s troops make as they serve. While on his USO tours, Morgan visited more than 32,000 troops in locations far from home, including Afghanistan, Guam, Iraq and Japan. “You would be amazed at what a simple taste from home means to someone who is fighting for our country,” said Morgan.

The campaign was particularly meaningful for one member of the Chattanooga Bakery staff, Purchasing Manager Larry Webb. “I’ve worked for Chattanooga Bakery for over a decade, and it is things like this that make me proud to tell my grandkids what I do for a living. As a Vietnam veteran I know just how much this will mean to our soldiers.”

With its long history of working with brands to lift the spirits of American troops, the USO was excited to join in. “Thanks to MoonPie and Craig Morgan, 35,000 American servicemen and women will be welcomed home with a nostalgic treat!” said Emily Branch, USO Account Manager.

ABOUT MOONPIE:
Chattanooga Bakery was founded in 1902 as a subsidiary of the Mountain City Flour Mill. A fourth generation, family-owned business, the company made nearly 100 snack cake and cookie items under the Lookout™ trademark, named after the popular residential and tourist community near Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain. In 1917, after a brainstorming conversation between a bakery salesman and some Appalachian coal miners, the MoonPie was born, and by the late 1930's was the bakery's #1 seller, a spot it still occupies today. For more information on MoonPie visit www.moonpie.com, Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram.

ABOUT CRAIG MORGAN:
One of country music’s best-loved artists, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits: “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “International Harvester” and "This Ole Boy.” He's recently released his new album The Journey (Livin’ Hits) on Black River Entertainment, featuring the singles "Wake Up Lovin’ You" and “We’ll Come Back Around.” Craig received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. Prior to becoming a country music and TV sensation, Craig Morgan spent seventeen years serving our country in the Army and Army Reserves. He is an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. In addition to a prolific country music career, he hosts the award-winning show “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors," airing on Outdoor Channel. For more information on Craig Morgan, visit www.craigmorgan.com and engage with him on Facebook , Instagram > and Twitter

ABOUT THE USO:
The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. For more information on the USO, visit www.uso.org .

For Craig Morgan contact:
Cindy Hunt – Monarch Publicity. 615.429.2203
[email protected]

For MoonPie contact:
Tory Johnston – Chattanooga Bakery. 423.267.3351
[email protected]

For USO contact:
Sarah Camille Hipp – Account Manager – USO. 703.579.0882
[email protected]

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