“The 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.  “The 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.”

One of the recipients of the Pepsi Grant is local troop support organization, Military Connections.  Military Connections is a 501 c3 non-profit that has been shipping care packages to Soldiers and Marines deployed overseas since 2003.   Founder, Summer Tissue, of Bethel Park, PA applied for a $5000 grant through Pepsi to help cover the cost of postage associated with shipping Girl Scout cookies overseas.  On March 22^nd, 2010 Summer received official word from Pepsi that Military Connections won $5000 to help with their project.    

“I never thought we would win a nationwide grant competition.  It is incredible to know that our project touched so many Americans.  We can’t wait to start packing the cookies so that we can mail them to the troops.  The Pepsi grant will cover the postage on 400 of the 6000 Girl Scout Cookie cases that we received this season,” said Summer Tissue, Founder of Military Connections.  “The soldiers and Marines on our mailing list our grateful for the packages that we ship.  Thank you for voting for us America!”

 For full details about Military Connections and to follow the Girl Scout cookie package project check out www.militaryconnections.org