LUC Treats Launches Line of Mints/Gum to Help Stop Domestic Violence

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LUC Treats Launches Line of Mints/Gum to Help Stop Domestic Violence
Posted on: 11/14/2003

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, newly formed LUC Treats, Inc. launched its line of candy, gum and mints from which a percentage of proceeds will go towards helping victims of domestic violence.

LUC Treats, based in Cranston, R.I., was founded by Walter "Bud" Craddock. Craddock, a retired police chief with 26 years in law enforcement, had seen his share of trauma resulting from domestic violence. He was also inspired to find a solution to contribute more to women and families in need. The development of LUC Treats was the answer.

"Domestic violence is an epidemic that plagues countless women, men, and families in our country and we felt compelled to do something to help put an end to it," said Craddock. "Too often, domestic violence is a silent crime that causes inconceivable harm by claiming innocent lives, inflicting injury and keeping people from leading normal lives, like working, going to school or simply engaging in social activity."

The company gained positive response and interest immediately when it signed its first customer, CVS/pharmacy, which started offering the line of eye-catching tins of candy, gum and mints in 36 states across the country in October 2003.

Each tin boasts its mission with the line "Help Stop Domestic Violence" emblazoned in purple and lilac along with the tag line "New beginning, new life," which was inspired by victims.

"As a company dedicated to the health and well-being of our customers, we wanted to help make a difference on an issue which impacts so many people, including the victims, their families and the community as a whole," said Jack Kramer, senior vice president of CVS/Pharmacy. "This collaborative effort will enable us to put much-needed financial resources into the hands of grassroots domestic violence agencies in the communities where we do business." LUC Treats estimates a donation of $45,000 to domestic violence organizations across the country in the first year alone.

LUC Treats Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization will administer and distribute the funds to domestic violence organizations in each state where LUC Treats are purchased. The eight-member board is made up of a wide range of community leaders including law enforcement, physicians, business leaders and domestic violence practitioners including the executive director of the R.I. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the chief of the domestic violence unit for the Attorney General's office in Rhode Island. Distributions will be made by the foundation on a pro-rata basis based on sales of LUC Treats in each state.

Source: LUC Treats