Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Aug 1, (THAINDIAN NEWS) As the voting for the Pepsi Refresh Project has just ended, the web is abuzz with the speculations about the people who received the grants from the soft drink giant. PepsiCo started the project with an aim to aid local organizations and also improve their public relations and media image earlier this year. One of the organizations that benefited from the Pepsi Refresh grant was Chippewa Falls Taco John’s who received a grant of $2000. Another organization that is competing for a grant of $25,000 is Beads of Courage that aims to provide beads in 10 hospitals that treat children with cancer. One of the favorites is, however, a Lake Tahoe woman who is aiming for a grant of $50,000 and plans to start a sustainable community in Lake Tahoe with the prize money.

The Taco John’s grant will provide better infrastructure for the visitors at the Chippewa Falls Park. Several team members from Taco John’s have volunteered in the building of the shades along with the park officials. Dan Cole, the GM of Chippewa Falls Taco John said that the organization strives to contribute to the community and the Pepsi Refresh grant will provide them a great opportunity for them to help the Chippewa Falls Park out. A cheque presentation function will be taking place in the swimming pool are of the park on August 4 at 3pm.

The Beads of Courage organization plans to give the beads to the children who are undergoing cancer treatment. The beads are meant to symbolize the endurance of the children who have been victims of the deadly disease. So far the Pepsi Refresh project has funded 96 ideas with a total grant value of $4.1 million.