ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., July 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel chain, Auntie Anne's has become a Diamond Corporate Partner of The First Tee, a youth development organization that provides educational programs for young people that build character using the game of golf as a platform.
As part of the sponsorship, 50 teen participants from The First Tee will be selected to attend the Auntie Anne's Leaders & Entrepreneurs Forum, a national event to be held at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 31 – Nov. 3. During the three-day forum, participants will attend interactive sessions covering career development and community leadership from Auntie Anne's executives and franchise partners. They will also learn about the franchising business model and what it is like to own and operate an Auntie Anne's store.
"We are grateful for Auntie Anne's commitment to young people through The First Tee," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. "Through this partnership they will be able to reach a select group of participants who will benefit from an immersion in leadership and entrepreneurship based activities."
In addition, Auntie Anne's will begin recognizing the thousands of participants who are part of The First Tee A/B Honor Roll program each semester by providing free pretzel coupons to those who earn all As and/or Bs on their report cards.
"Building on our founder's vision to give back, we are committed to serving others in our communities through supporting charitable organizations including our national charitable partner Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and now The First Tee," said Bill Dunn, president and COO of Auntie Anne's, Inc. "We are pleased to offer the Forum in an effort to build leadership and encourage entrepreneurial spirit in young people."
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools, at other youth-serving locations and on military installations.
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 7.6 million young people in all 50 United States and four international locations. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation and its Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee's Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.
About Auntie Anne's
Auntie Anne's, which started at a farmer's market stand in 1988, mixes, twists, and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection all day long in full view of customers. Anne and Jonas Beiler purchased the stand to provide the income needed for their vision of providing free counseling services to families and couples in their community.
From its humble beginnings, Auntie Anne's has grown to 1,370 stores around the world serving hand-rolled pretzel products, including the Sweet Almond, Cinnamon Sugar and the newly-introduced and tasty Honey Whole Grain. Guests can also pick up the portable Pretzel Stix or Pretzel Nuggets in Original or Cinnamon Sugar flavors. Additionally, Auntie Anne's refreshing signature lemonade, fruity Lemonade Mixers and signature frozen drinks complement its pretzel selections. For more information about Auntie Anne's, visit www.auntieannes.com, www.facebook.com/AuntieAnnesPretzels, or www.twitter.com/AuntieAnnes.