CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mr. Peanut is back and he is ready to shellebrate!
One year after Mr. Peanut's death and rebirth as Baby Nut, the peanut is officially back and instead of returning to the Big Game, he is paying it forward.
Starting this week, Mr. Peanut will use all $5 million of the Big Game budget, not on advertising, but to recognize and reward those who add substance to their communities.
Those being recognized include Chicago couple Emily Bugg and Billy Lewis, who after having to cancel their wedding due to COVID, turned their non-refundable catering deposit into Thanksgiving dinners for those in need struggling with mental illness.
As a reward for going "a nut above" for their community, Mr. Peanut is sending the newlyweds on their dream honeymoon and donating $100,000 to Thresholds, a local non-profit that supports those struggling with mental health, and an organization near and dear to the couple’s heart.
In the coming weeks, Mr. Peanut will diligently search out the good - the people that through everyday actions are making someone’s day brighter and the world a little better - and champion those unsung heroes.
“Planters nuts pack way more substance than empty snacks like potato chips, so when we show up - including with a Big Game activation - it’s going to fill people up,” said Sanjiv Gajiwala, U.S. Chief Growth Officer at Kraft Heinz. “This year, we’re walking the talk by launching the Planters ‘A Nut Above’ campaign, which celebrates making better choices in life and in snacking. In total, Mr. Peanut will give away $5 million this year to people who champion substantial actions - the everyday and the extraordinary - by doing good, even when no one is looking.
“Throughout the year, we’ll be engaging and interacting with our fans in real time, listening to what inspires them, and applauding the moments they care about,” continued Gajiwala. “It’s just one more way we’re staying consumer-obsessed.”
The first act Mr. Peanut's will recognize is the owners of Hook Hall in Washington, D.C. – they went "a nut above" and gave free meals and supplies to hospitality workers despite their own struggles to stay afloat. Mr. Peanut will give $130,000 to Hook Hall, so they can keep their doors open and continue supporting out of work food and bar industry workers during the pandemic. Mr. Peanut will also give away an additional $1 million to beloved, locally owned bars across the country that are going above and beyond for their neighbors, ensuring they can remain fixtures of their own communities.
Fans can nominate their beloved locally owned bar on Twitter by sharing why it’s so important to the community and including #ANutAbove and #contest.
Mr Peanut will award $50,000 to 20 bars across the country early March.
Related
