Lindt Teams With Autism Speaks During Easter

Premium Swiss chocolatier Lindt teaming up once more with Autism Speaks to raise funds for, and awareness of, the condition during the Easter season. Lindt will support the New York-based autism science and advocacy organization through donations from sales of its popular Gold Bunny, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012.

Through Easter, which this year falls on April 8, Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks for every Gold Bunny purchased in the United States, up to $100,000. The company will also donate $2 for every Easter basket sold at Lindt Chocolate Shops, on its website or through Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P., its home sales program. Additionally, Lindt will donate $1 for every free Lindt Easter e-card sent, up to $5,000, to the organization, and up to $10,000 for consumers who use online pinboard Pinterest to share their Easter traditions.

Lindt is raising further funds and awareness for Autism Speaks by hosting the third Lindt Gold Bunny Celebrity Auction. Kicking off on March 8, the auction features porcelain versions of the Gold Bunny sporting celebrity signatures, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to Autism Speaks.

In total, Lindt is committed to donating more than $125,000 to Autism Speaks this year. Since 2009, under the partnership, Lindt has helped increase awareness and raised more than $325,000 for autism.

“The Lindt Gold Bunny, already known as a premium, beloved icon that helps families celebrate the Easter season, continues to give back by supporting this worthy cause,” said Thomas Linemayr, CEO and president of Stratham, N.H.-based Lindt USA.

The top-selling chocolate bunny in the United States, Lindt Gold Bunny is available in five sizes and three chocolate varieties: milk, dark and white chocolate.