Pepsi refresh project awards $1.3 million to support public's ideas to refresh the world
Pepsi Refresh Project was developed with the belief that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, anytime." Said Jill Beraud, CMO and president of joint ventures, PepsiCo Beverages Americas.
First group of winners proves it's true. Each of them is a testament to how someone from any walk of life can produce powerful, creative and fun ideas that can make a difference.
From improving the energy efficiency of school buses to promoting financial literacy among high school students, the top 32 vote-getters in six categories (Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education) caught the public's attention by making a compelling case for why they deserved a Pepsi Refresh Grant.
Refresh Grant recipients include:
American Legion of Indianapolis, IN, intends to use a $250,000 Refresh Grant to provide comfort items for U.S. military troops recovering from wounds (Neighborhoods).
Empowerment Initiative of Atlanta, GA, will receive a $50,000 grant to provide financial literacy seminars for high school and college students (Education).
Broulliet Elementary School PTA will use $50,000 to complete a community playground in Puyallup, WA (Neighborhoods).
All-Ages Music, a network of music organizations based in Seattle, WA, will receive $50,000 to increase access to all-ages music in underserved areas (Arts & Culture).
Hugs Project of Edmond, OK, will use a $50,000 to send care packages to troops overseas (Food & Shelter);
Farmer's Market plans to use a $25,000 Refresh Grant to grow fresh produce to help fight childhood obesity in southern Illinois schools (Health);
14-year old Jonny Cohen of Highland Park, IL, will receive $25,000 for GreenShields, a group he formed with his sister to make school buses more energy efficient (The Planet).
Glenmont Elementary School of Delmar, NY, will receive a $25,000 Refresh Grant to build its community through swing dance (Arts & Culture).
Effect of Bettendorf, IA, will use a $25,000 Refresh Grant to help high school kids across the country form cheerleading squads made up of special needs students (Neighborhoods).
Because We Are Sisters of Richmond, VA, will receive $5,000 to support seven families in need as they prepare for the arrival of a baby (Food & Shelter).