Press Releases

 

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Valentine's Day, Bedsider.org, a free online birth control resource, and the Ad Council, reveal a new Facebook® app that inspires people to share their most embarrassing and entertaining sex fails to help underscore their new campaign's message: "You didn't give up on sex. Don't give up on birth control either." The free app cleverly uses social media to make it easy and fun to openly talk about sex and birth control.

The Story Behind The App

In the U.S., 7 in 10 pregnancies among unmarried women age 18-29 are described by women themselves as unplanned—this is one of the highest levels in the entire developed world.

Bedsider and the Ad Council have partnered to create a groundbreaking, first-ever national multimedia campaign designed to reduce the rates of unplanned pregnancy among unmarried young women. As an extension of their successful PSA campaign launched in November 2011, this app will remind women that despite awkward moments, they would never give up on sex and they shouldn't give up on contraception either. It then directs them to Bedsider.org where they can access information and resources for finding and using birth control more carefully and consistently.

How The Confessions App Works

The Confessions application, developed by Social Cubix, is live on Bedsider's Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/bedsider) and accessible by clicking on "Confessions" in the left navigation bar. Facebook users can share their most funny, embarrassing, and relatable romantic flops and review other submissions from their peers. Confessions that are submitted through Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #sexfail will be posted to the app. And to support and protect privacy, people can choose to submit sex fails anonymously.

"Bedsider makes birth control approachable, easy, and fun, and this app plays off that," said Lawrence Swiader, Senior Director of Digital Media at The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, the organization behind Bedsider. "It shows that although sex fails happen to all of us, we don't give up. The same is true for birth control. If your first experience isn't ideal, it's important to find the right method for you and not give up"

Don't Click Like. Click Love

The Confessions app also rolls out with a six-week contest where people can vote on their favorite sex fail story by clicking a button labeled "Love" instead of the traditional "Like." Each week the sex fail with the most votes will win a prize from Bedsider.

"The key challenge for this campaign was breaking through the clutter, and we knew the key was in doing something that would be relatable to our audience, " said Lee Garfinkel, Chief Creative Officer Global Brands of Euro RSCG Worldwide and Co-Chairman of Euro RSCG New York, the pro bono ad agency working on the Bedsider campaign. "This first of its kind application lets Bedsider leverage the social graph while respecting privacy since people can remain anonymous. The app will allow people to relate the campaign to events in their real world in an engaging and entertaining way."

About Bedsider

Bedsider is an online birth control support network designed to make birth control easier. Whether women and their partners are considering birth control for the first time or already on it, Bedsider has everything they need to find the best method, stay on it, and use it successfully. That includes an easy, visual way to explore and compare every available method of birth control; videos of real women and men describing their personal experiences with each method; birth control and appointment reminders sent by text or email; award-winning animated shorts that debunk common contraception myths; and the most comprehensive list available of where to get birth control ever compiled. And it's completely free thanks to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. See what we're up to at bedsider.org.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among single, young adults. We support a combination of responsible values and behavior by both men and women and responsible policies in both the public and private sectors. If we are successful, child and family well-being will improve. Please visit www.TheNationalCampaign.org to find out more.

The Ad Council

The Ad Council (http://www.AdCouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives.

Euro RSCG Worldwide

Euro RSCG Worldwide is a leading integrated marketing communications agency and was the first agency to be named Global Agency of the Year by both Advertising Age and Campaign in the same year. Euro RSCG is made up of 233 offices in 75 countries and provides advertising, marketing, corporate communications and digital and social media solutions to clients including Air France, Charles Schwab, Citigroup, Danone Group, IBM, Kraft Foods, Lacoste, L'Oreal, Merck, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Reckitt Benckiser, sanofi-aventis and Volvo. Euro RSCG Worldwide is the largest unit of Havas, a world leader in communications (Euronext: HAV.PA) (Paris: HAV.PA).

Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.

 

SOURCE The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

KIRKSVILLE, Mo., Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of trustees of A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) has named Craig Phelps the university's next president. Dr. Phelps, currently ATSU's executive vice president for strategic initiatives and team physician for the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), takes office July 1. He succeeds Dr. Jack Magruder, who has been president since 2008 and earlier this year announced his intention to retire.

A 1984 graduate of ATSU's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine at the university's Missouri campus, Dr. Phelps joined the administration in 1998. He has played an integral role in several major projects, including the development of the Arizona campus and its three new graduate programs, the Arizona School of Health Sciences, the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. Dr. Phelps has also been instrumental in the development, currently under way, of the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, a new ATSU program. 

Founded in 1892 and the country's first osteopathic medical school, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) has grown into a comprehensive health education institution with campuses in Mesa, Az., and Kirksville, Mo. ATSU's five graduate schools offer degrees in 14 healthcare disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, bioscience, public health, and physical and occupational therapy. In keeping with its nonprofit mission to care for those with little or no access to healthcare, ATSU trains students to work in rural, inner-city and other underserved communities, incorporating the philosophy of whole-person healthcare into the curriculum. For more information visit www.atsu.edu.

SOURCE A.T. Still University

BOSTON, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- He's never worn a baseball uniform, but for Brian Evans, it's been a busy off-season for a guy who wrote a song about a baseball park.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/NE37730 )

Add to it multiple Grammy winning mega-producer Narada Michael Walden's touch, the famed producer of such superstars as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Elton John, and George Michael, and it's a song being taken seriously.

Evans, originally from Haverhill, left Massachusetts at 16 and began an acting career on such shows as "Full House" and "Beverly Hills, 90210." Focusing on a singing career, he's been opening for the likes of Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Social Distortion, David Spade, Roseanne Barr, and Mick Fleetwood. His shows with William Shatner have become legendary. His major label debut is currently being produced by Walden. The new CD will be distributed in 60 countries.

But it's "At Fenway," that is garnering the most attention. Debuting at #3 on Amazon.com, unprecedented given it was released during football season, the song has already received accolades from the Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, and United States Senator John Kerry. The Baseball Hall of Fame is adding the song to its library.

"From talk shows who know the 100th anniversary is forthcoming, to T-shirt companies, to corporations who are lining up corporate events, we've never had so many requests for Brian Evans to perform than we have in the past couple of months. Numerous companies associated with The Boston Red Sox have been clamoring to get the guy who sings the song about Fenway to appear at their event or to figure out a way to incorporate the song into their own advertising campaigns," says Mark Biltz, creative director for Brian Evans Music.

"We've received a lot of support," he adds.

Support is putting it lightly, as Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer and current post-show commentator Jim Rice is now starring in a TV commercial with Evans in a Best Buy commercial promoting the new CD single.

"It's obviously our hope that the organization (Boston Red Sox) itself gets behind the song," says Biltz. "That's a decision that they will have to make. Our mission has been to promote Brian's song about the most beautiful baseball park in the world, in our opinion," says Biltz. "The fans obviously love the song, and that's all we can ask for. Thousands of downloads are occurring every day of the song. The closer we get to the season, the more the song is selling."

"Our goal is to do a series of commercials promoting the song throughout the entire season, with different Red Sox players co-starring with Brian," says Biltz. "It's been a lot of fun so far, and everyone has been very helpful in helping implement the song into Red Sox Nation. Every player we have approached has said yes to appearing in a spot with Brian after hearing the song. From Donald Trump to Bud Selig to Red Sox owner Larry Lucchino, we've received some very nice responses to the song."

Evans appeared in January at the Jimmy Fund sponsored event, "New Stars For Young Stars," signing more than 500 donated CD's for fans.

For more information and to view video visit www.brianevans.com.

 

SOURCE Brian Evans Music Group

Receive Free Spaghetti for a Year and a Partner for Life

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- There's nothing more romantic than getting engaged over an Italian dinner.  Unless, of course, the Italian dinner engagement occurs on Valentine's Day, which is extra special.  And this Valentine's Day, if you get engaged at a participating Fazoli's restaurant, you'll not only get a partner for life, you'll both receive free spaghetti for a year.

Fazoli's is offering any couple that gets engaged in the restaurant on Tuesday, February 14 two certificates for a year's worth of free spaghetti.  The offer is good at any participating Fazoli's restaurant.  Whoever is planning to pop the question simply needs to let the restaurant manager know in advance, not after the fact.  It's a great way to celebrate a very special occasion.  And because Fazoli's entrees are so economically priced, there will be extra money toward that bigger diamond ring.

Future brides will also like the fact that Fazoli's is featuring 500 Calorie or Less entrees.  They include Chicken Mushroom Alfredo Bake, Three Cheese Baked Ravioli, Chicken Penne & Peppers, and Cherry Almond Chicken Chopped Salad.  Other new items at participating locations include Tuscan Chicken Flatbread Pizza and Chicken Broccoli Florentine Flatbread Pizza.  These dishes are the ideal choice before wedding dress fittings.

Cathy Hull, Fazoli's Chief Marketing Officer, hopes many couples take Fazoli's up on its offer this Valentine's Day.  "A romantic dinner doesn't have to cost a lot," said Hull.  "Fazoli's is not only a favorite destination for families, it's also a popular place for college students, some of whom had their first dates at the restaurant.  It seems fitting then that they get engaged at Fazoli's on Valentine's Day."

An American family favorite for more than 20 years, Fazoli's has a fresh new look and an all new premium menu featuring freshly prepared Italian entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches and salads, and is expanding in markets throughout the country. 

Contact:  John McCauley               Brokaw Inc.              440.263.3964                jmccauley@brokaw.com

 

SOURCE Fazoli's

KIRKLAND, Wash., Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Cobalt Mortgage, one of the largest privately owned mortgage banking firms in the Pacific Northwest, has partnered with Scholarship America's Dollars for Scholars program to establish the first corporate chapter in the nation. Scholarship America started as a movement in 1958, became a national organization in 1961, and now in its second half-century is on its way to becoming a widely recognized nonprofit. Celebrity Katie Couric endorses Scholarship America, donating all the profits of her new book, "The Best Advice I Ever Got," toward the goal of supporting students. Elements such as Scholarship America's solid reputation, having received a four-star ranking by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years, and an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy's Charity Watch, assured the Cobalt management team of the benefits of this alliance.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120210/CG51553)

"We are honored to work with Scholarship America's Dollars for Scholars program to promote higher education for students in our communities," said Keith Tibbles, President and Co-founder of Cobalt Mortgage. "Rising costs are closing the doors to post-secondary education for many talented and deserving students. My team believes in the long term 'pay it forward' benefits of showing students that the community cares about their future. As a key component of our corporate citizenship initiatives, our active efforts to fund and volunteer in this foundation demonstrate our dedication to the success of local students."

"Cobalt Mortgage is demonstrating a phenomenal commitment to students through the development of this chapter," said Lauren A. Segal, President and CEO of Scholarship America. "It's also exciting that Cobalt's employees make up the chapter's leadership and volunteers, and that the scholarships are supported through both employee and corporate contributions. We're thrilled to have them join our family."

In August 2011, Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars sent out $26,000 in scholarships to 26 students in locations from Seattle to Eatonville, WA and from Pleasant Hill, OR, to Scottsdale, AZ.            

The most recent phase of their plan is the Affiliate Partner Opportunity that launched in December 2011. It provides the opportunity for individuals and businesses, in communities where Cobalt Mortgage has branch offices, to jointly create scholarships. Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars simplifies and streamlines the process, working with partners who have a passion for education. Funds have been set aside to co-fund or match the scholarships established by Affiliate Partners providing a larger, more impactful scholarship for each recipient.

The first Affiliate Partners to officially create and fund scholarships in their names are Ken Reid of Genworth Mortgage Insurance in Lake Forest Park, WA, and the Windermere Northwest office in Seattle, WA. These first 2012 scholarships have been matched 100 percent by Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars. "This is an opportunity for me as an individual to promote student access to higher education," said Ken Reid, when approached by Jaimie Garrett, President of Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars. He went on to comment, "education is such an important tool for our youth, from both a business and community standpoint, that we all have to do our part to make a difference."

About Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars

On August 31, 2010, Cobalt Mortgage founded and initially funded the first corporate chapter of Dollars for Scholars in the United States. Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars, a 501c3 nonprofit foundation, has a mission to support communities and to pioneer corporate citizenship by providing post-secondary scholarships. Rising costs are closing doors to higher education for many in our community, and scholarships from corporations, individuals, and community partnerships can make a strong, collective statement about the importance of education beyond high school.

About Cobalt Mortgage

Founded in early 2002, the firm has a decade-long reputation of responsible lending. One of the largest privately held mortgage-banking firms in the Pacific Northwest; Cobalt has offices through the western United States, including Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and California. Cobalt Mortgage has provided financing to thousands of homebuyers. With strong leadership provided by co-founders Keith Tibbles and Ernie Gehre, the company is dedicated to ethical lending practices, community philanthropy, and personal integrity. As corporate supporters of the Boys and Girls Club, and Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars (a program of Scholarship America®) the company makes a positive impact in the communities where they operate.

Cobalt Mortgage is licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington.

www.cobaltmortgage.com

Contact:

Leah Schedin

Cobalt Mortgage Dollars for Scholars Board Member

Cobalt Mortgage Marketing Director

11255 Kirkland Way, Suite 100

Kirkland, WA 98033

leah.schedin@cobaltmortgage.com

(425) 216-8105

www.cobaltmortgage.com

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SOURCE Cobalt Mortgage