Vanessa Williams Posts the "$25,000 Swap" to Kick Off Charitable Social Media Campaign from SPLENDA Brand

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Mar 26, 2014, 11:37 ET

NEW YORK, March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The SPLENDA^® Brand joined forces with Vanessa Williams* in New York City yesterday to celebrate the 365 SWEET SWAPS^™ Initiative, which encourages people to swap sugar for SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener and make other small changes that, as part of a healthier lifestyle, can lead to big results over time.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7153351-splenda-vanessa-williams-25000-swap-charitable-social-media-campaign

Vanessa Williams poses with 71.5 pounds of sugar to promote SPLENDA SWEET SWAPS. (PRNewsFoto/McNeil Nutritionals, LLC) (PRNewsFoto/MCNEIL NUTRITIONALS, LLC)

The day's activities included the launch of the #SweetSwaps charitable social media campaign benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Williams kicked off the campaign by posting a "Swap," triggering a $25,000 donation from the SPLENDA^® Brand to support the American Diabetes Association. The star shared that this cause is near to her heart because of her family's history with diabetes, while raising awareness that the disease affects millions of Americans. Currently one in three American adults has prediabetes. Reducing added sugar as part of a healthier lifestyle can help decrease calorie intake, which can help with weight management and in turn decrease risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Now, Williams and the SPLENDA^® Brand are asking consumers to perform a small act to make a big impact by sharing their ideas through the SWEET SWAPS^™ Campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For every SWEET SWAPS™ Idea posted with #SweetSwaps through April 25, the SPLENDA^® Brand will make a $3.65 contribution to the American Diabetes Association for a total combined donation of up to $50,000.

The SPLENDA^® 365 SWEET SWAPS^™ Initiative extends throughout 2014. The SPLENDA^® Brand is dishing out fresh and unexpected ways to reduce calories from added sugar every day of the year on www.365SweetSwaps.com.

Fast Facts

A healthy woman should eat no more than six teaspoons, or about 100 calories, of added sugar each day[1]
The average American consumes 355 calories of added sugar daily[2]
One in three American adults has prediabetes and are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease[3]
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent type 2 diabetes is eat well to achieve and maintain a healthy weight[4]

About McNeil Nutritionals, LLC
McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is a global marketer of innovative nutritional products. The company's mission is to give people the ability to actively manage their own health. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, markets SPLENDA^® Sweetener Products, LACTAID^® Milk and Dietary Supplements and BENECOL^® Products. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is headquartered in Fort Washington, PA.

*Vanessa Williams is a paid spokesperson of McNeil Nutritionals, LLC

[1] American Heart Association

[2] American Heart Association

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[4] American Diabetes Association

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7153351-splenda-vanessa-williams-25000-swap-charitable-social-media-campaign

SOURCE McNeil Nutritionals, LLC