Cookie Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sharon Bellinger 
Girl Scouts of Connecticut 
860 522-0163 ext. 3244
www.gsofct.org   

Attention Cookie Lovers: Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Launch Annual Cookie Sale, Introduce New Cookie!
Discover the Sweet Showdown Contenders at CookieVote.com


Hartford, Conn., January 2009 - Connecticut's 46,000 Girl Scouts are putting their marketing and entrepreneurial skills to work from now until January 23 in all 169 towns, as they roll out the annual statewide cookie program. All the favorites are available - Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, Lemon Chalet Cremes and Sugar Free Chocolate Chips - along with a new cookie, the Dulce de Leche. All cookies contain 0 grams of trans fat per serving. Cookie deliveries will begin on February 28.

In addition, Connecticut Girl Scouts are once again supporting our military personnel with their Gift of Caring program. Through the Gift of Caring program, cookies may be purchased for women and men serving our country, along with other local charities of the troops' choosing.  Last year, Girl Scouts of Connecticut delivered over 80,000 boxes of cookies to our military personnel around the world.

The cookie program depends on the public's support for its success. Cookies will only be available for purchase from now through March.

This year, Girl Scouts of Connecticut is introducing the Sweet Showdown, a statewide partnership with Connecticut restaurants. Restaurants develop a dessert using the new Dulce de Leche cookie and feature the treat on their menu.  Patrons are asked to visit www.CookieVote.com and review their favorite Sweet Showdown dessert. The top two reviewed restaurants will compete in a baking competition with a Girl Scout Cookie mystery ingredient. 

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the nation's foremost entrepreneurial learning experience for girls. It is a unique and valuable way for girls to learn the power of goal-setting, develop self confidence and learn business skills.  Proceeds from the cookie program will benefit all Connecticut Girl Scouts. A percentage of sales go directly to the Girl Scout troop.  Girls work with their leaders to determine how the troop will use the troop proceeds. Many troops will use their proceeds to help fund their community service projects.

For more information on how you can purchase Girl Scout cookies, please call 1-800-882-5561 or visit www.gsofct.org. To review your favorite Sweet Showdown dessert or to find a participating restaurant near you, visit www.CookieVote.com.

About the Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scouts of Connecticut is the premier organization for girls in the state, providing over 66,000 girls and adults with opportunities and experiences that develop their potential and empower them with the self-confidence and leadership skills they need to improve themselves and the world around them. For more information, contact (800) 922-2770 or visit www.gsofct.org.

###