Maine Teen is Semi-Finalist in New England-wide $25,000 Over the Moon Dream BIG Contest from Garelick Farms
Auburn Maines Jake Sasservilles dream of starting the Xander Foundation in memory of his brother Alexander is being considered for a $25,000 prize grant. Garelick Farms is asking for help from the public to go online and vote for their favorite dream for a New England community.
AUBURN, ME (PRWEB) May 27, 2005 -- Locally, Jake Sasserville is well known for being a big dreamer. Whether its producing and starring in his own local access television show, traveling to Los Angeles to interview the cast of Will & Grace or attending college in New York City, Sasserville, age 19, has seen many of his dreams come true. However, the moment the teen heard about the $25,000 Over the Moon Dream BIG Contest, sponsored by new, dreamy Garelick Farms Over the Moon milk, he knew this was a chance to realize a dream close to his heart -- to create the Xander Foundation in memory of his younger brother, Alexander.
As with most dreams, the Xander Foundation begins with a touching story. In May 2001, when Sasserville was just fifteen years old, his then eleven-year old brother, Alexander was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Although Alex went into remission successfully within a few months, he was re-diagnosed with the same disease on May 9, 2002. In October of that year, Alex and his family traveled from Maine to Boston Childrens Hospital for what would be a bone marrow transplant from an anonymous donor. Over the next several months, Alex fought one of the most difficult battles in his life.
Alex died on June 26, 2003 because of lung complications relating to the transplant. He died peacefully and with his family. Although Alex said very little to very few, his teachings spoke volumes. Hundreds attended his wakes and funeral service. He touched the hearts of so many and perhaps, most deeply, his older brother, Jake.
Alexander continues to be a great influence in my life," said Jake Sasserville. As his brother, I feel honored to have shared thirteen years with such a special boy. Since Alexs death, Ive wanted to create a non-profit foundation in his memory, The Xander Foundation. I want to make it my mission to continue Alexs. I want for The Xander Foundation to help children and their families who suffer with life threatening diseases. My family was lucky enough to be able to afford to take time off from work to be with Alex through all of his treatments-some families do not have that luxury and it should be no question that they do. Thats what this Foundation will aid. Additionally, keeping Alexs spirit and love of life directly involved with the non-profit organization, I want it to create programs for children in the field of the Outdoors, including horseback riding and traveling and in the Arts as well."
This January, when we launched Over the Moon milk, we knew we had a very special product. Consumers were telling us that this milk is a dream come true with the rich, creamy taste they love - but not the fat they want to avoid. We quickly realized that we should celebrate this product by making a New England community dream come true." stated Matt Samson, Marketing Director, Garelick Farms. We have received well over 150 dreams from around New England. When we read Jakes entry, we were all very touched by the power of his idea. We hope that people will go to www.overthemoonmilk.com web site and read his entry along with the other semi-finalists dreams. We are inviting the public to vote for their favorite dream and help the judges to decide which dream to grant."
While the first round of semi-finalists have been posted to the website, the Over the Moon Dream BIG Contest will accept submissions until May 30, 2005. The unique contest invites contestants to submit an essay, song, video, poster or other creative expression of how they would spend $25,000 to make their community a better place. Contestants may enter one of two ways: online at www.overthemoonmilk.com; or by mailing their entry to the Over the Moon Milk Contest Center, 86 Main Street, Auburn, Maine 04210. The entry judged to make the greatest community impact, show originality of entry and demonstrate community need, will be awarded $25,000.
The public is invited to go to the website and vote for their favorite dream. Online voting will run from June 1-15, 2005. The grand prize Over the Moon Dream BIG winner will be determined by a panel of judges and announced in June 2005.
For official rules, entry forms and more information about the Garelick Farms Over the Moon Dream BIG contest, call Laura Davis at 1-207-755-9470 or visit us online at www.overthemoonmilk.com.
Over the Moon milks are sold throughout New England and upstate New York in supermarkets wherever Garelick Farms products are sold. For a complete list of retailers, to jump a cow over the moon, or to print a coupon good toward the purchase of Over the Moon milk, go to www.overthemoonmilk.com.
Garelick Farms, headquartered in Franklin, Massachusetts, is one of the largest dairies in the northeastern United States, with a proud tradition of providing quality dairy products to New Englanders since 1931. Garelick Farms offers a broad line of products, including fresh milk and cream, flavored milk, juice, ice cream, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
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