Estamos Unidos con un Propósitoâ„¢/ We are United with a Purpose event presented by Diageo

As Television network executives took center stage in New York City last week, with an increasing focus on the Latino community, Diageo the world’s leading premium drinks business, proved to have their finger on the pulse as they celebrated the culmination of the second annual Estamos Unidos con un Propósitoâ„¢/ We are United with a Purpose campaign on May 17, 2007 at The Sun West Studios.

Cristina Saralegui, celebrated Latin journalist and TV personality; Natalia and Cesar Portilla, the family in the New Jersey area that received the donation and Janet Murguia, CEO/President of the National Council of La Raza.

Celebrated Latin journalist and TV personality Cristina Saralegui and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) have teamed up with Diageo to further the mission of facilitating homeownership opportunities for Hispanics across the United States. This marquee event was attended by over 250 members of the New York City Tri-State areas’ top community leaders and key influencers. Now in its second year, The Estamos Unidos con un Propósitoâ„¢/ We are United with a Purpose campaign continued to showcase Diageo’s social commitment and corporate involvement in the Hispanic community. “I am proud to join Diageo in this unique effort as we open doors for Latinos, doors that will lead to economic stability and a better future in this country”, explains Cristina Saralegui. “The American dream of homeownership has never been as achievable as it is today”, stated Janet Murguí, CEO and President of the National Council of La Raza.

Maribel Viteri, Multicultural Marketing Manager for Diageo; Cathy Davis, Senior Vice President of Marketing Diageo; Cristina Saralegui, celebrated Latin journalist and TV personality; Elizabeth and Bernard Rosenthal, the family in the New York area who received the complete Casa Cristina bedroom set and Janet Murguia, CEO/President of the National Councel of La Raza.

This year, Diageo has donated $250,000 to the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States to support its Homeownership Network, a group of local community organizations that provide homeownership services to thousands of Latino families every year. Within the last two years, Diageo has donated half a million dollars to Latino community programs which raise awareness of Health, Education, Employment and Homeownership. “Diageo chose to partner with NCLR because they are a trusted organization that has a proven track record in providing meaningful homeownership services, specifically to the U.S. Hispanic community, explained Virginia Sanchez, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Diageo North America.

Within each of the campaign’s eight participating markets, NCLR and its local affiliates are donating $2,500 to a family undergoing the home buying process to be used toward home improvements. There were two lucky recipients who received donations that evening, Natalia and Cesar Portilla of New Jersey received a donation of $2,500 and Bernard and Elizabeth Rosenthal of New York were given a complete bedroom furniture set by Casa Cristina. The evening was a success and proved that Diageo is ahead of the curve and is a staple in the Latino community.

Consumers are also invited to take the first step in owning their own home by obtaining the signature campaign key pendant at participating stores, by calling 1-866-311-0797, or by visiting www.estoyunido.com, the micro site created specifically for this program.

For any additional information, text and visuals, please contact the following:

The Vidal Partnership, Public Relations
Veronica Rodriguez
646.356.6685
vrodriguez@vidalpartnership.com

Gustavo Carvajal
917.653.8314
gcarvajal@vidalpartnership.com

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