Partnership Brings New Financial Opportunity Center to Dallas and Curriculum to 10 Cities Nationwide
CHICAGO and NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Modelo, the beer brewed with The Fighting Spirit™ and enjoyed by millions of hard-working men and women, introduces the Modelo Fighting Chance Project dedicated to providing the support people need to achieve their full potential. The give back initiative, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), aims to make a positive impact in the lives of refugees, immigrants and Americans in need, providing them with the financial tools and support they need to achieve their vision of the American dream. This three-year commitment totals $1 million, which includes donations and other efforts.
In its first year, Modelo’s donation has already funded a new Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) in Dallas. Through educational programs and job assistance initiatives, the FOC helps IRC clients integrate into their communities while building a foundation for lasting economic independence and financial success. The grant has also sponsored new training for financial coaches in 10 other IRC offices – Phoenix, Atlanta, New York, Baltimore, Seattle, San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Turlock, California – extending the partnership’s impact from coast to coast. Second- and third-year donations will be distributed strategically based on areas of greatest need.
Modelo has always been committed to honoring those with the Fighting Spirit – those who prove it doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters what you’re made of – by telling their inspiring stories through compelling and emotional advertising campaigns. Now, it is helping to enable and fuel The Fighting Spirit. Joining forces with nonprofits that promote economic empowerment, The Modelo Fighting Chance Project will focus on three key pillars: career development, financial stability and entrepreneurship. The IRC is the first nonprofit partnership forged through this initiative.
“Modelo consumers embody perseverance, grit and the fighting spirit to keep going in the face of adversity,” said Greg Gallagher, Vice President, Brand Marketing in the Constellation Brands Beer Division. “That same spirit lives within the IRC as they give people a fighting chance to succeed. We are proud to work with them toward our shared mission to give back to the people and communities who live the fighting spirit of our brand.”
“From reinvigorating local economies to adding to the cultural fabric of our cities and towns, refugees bring immense value to the communities they call home,” said Lauren Gray, senior director of institutional philanthropy and partnerships at the International Rescue Committee. “Now, more than ever before, it’s critical we build inclusive communities and ensure all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Partnerships, like the one with Modelo, reinforce that an investment in a refugee is one that ensures a stronger, healthier and more prosperous future for us all.”
Through a variety of programs including financial coaching, skill-building workshops, career coaching, business counseling and assistance earning industry-recognized credentials, the IRC gives people the resources they need to take control of their future.
"Our immigrant community in Dallas is part of what makes our city such a great place to live and work,” said Dallas Mayor, Mike Rawlings. “They help revitalize our city, drive our economy and contribute to our cultural and ideological diversity. The Modelo Fighting Chance Project’s partnership with the IRC is a key step toward efforts to integrate new residents into the city and our community. On behalf of the City of Dallas, we are appreciative of this investment, which I know will have real impact – today and into the future.”
To learn more about The Modelo Fighting Chance Project and its work with the IRC, visit www.Modelousa.com/FightingChance and follow the social conversation with #ModeloFightingChanceProject.
About Modelo®
Born in 1925 in the small town of Tacuba, Mexico, Modelo has been brewing distinctive high-quality beer ever since, including Modelo Especial®, Modelo Negra®, Modelo Chelada Especial (TM) and Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante(TM). Modelo Especial is a golden, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager with a clean, crisp finish whose original recipe was first brewed under the vision to create a 'model' beer. As the #2 imported beer in the U.S., Modelo Especial recently surpassed 100MM cases sold in 2018. Modelo Negra is a Munich Dunkel-style Lager brewed with slow-roasted caramel malts for a rich, smooth taste. Modelo Chelada Especial is a michelada-style beer made with the refreshing flavors of tomato, salt and lime. Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante is a tomato-based michelada-style beer with the unique and authentic flavor combination of sweet tamarind and spicy chipotle peppers. The Modelo family of beers are exclusively brewed, imported and marketed for the U.S. by Constellations Brands.
About the International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 25 offices across the U.S. helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) (NYSE:STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the third-largest producer and marketer of beer for the U.S. market and the world’s leading premium wine company with a leading market position in the U.S. Constellation’s wine portfolio is complemented by select premium spirits brands. Constellation’s brand portfolio includes Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Pacifico, Ballast Point, Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino, The Prisoner, SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Stephanie McGuane
(312) 741-2477
stephanie.mcguane@cbrands.com
Matt Di Taranto
(516) 316-0008
Matt.ditaranto@rescue.org
A video accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cbb4ac94-241a-4001-b635-3095910234fc