Small Business Uses Crowdfunding To Spread Sugar Coated Message

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun. 28, 2012 - EDMOND, Okla., – June 28, 2012   iCelebrateDiversity.com’s founder, Tracy Jackson speaks to children as young as preschoolers about the simple message of not judging people by their appearance. In fact, she even uses candy to spread the message.

Diversity Jellybeans look like ordinary jellybeans, but they have a secret: “You can’t determine what is on the inside by simply looking at the outside.” A red jellybean might taste like licorice and a black jellybean might taste like coconut. It’s always a surprise with thirty-six flavor and color combinations.

“Many schools use them as part of their anti-bullying and teaching tolerance curriculum,” said Tracy. It’s a simple but resonate message that translates from the classroom to the boardroom. From Apple to Disney to Starbucks, corporations committed to diversity have utilized Diversity Jellybeans as a training tool to bring awareness to subconscious stereotyping and hidden biases.

Enter problem: Her supplier went out of business. “This is both my biggest nightmare and biggest opportunity,” says Jackson, “I have to turn away orders because I don’t have enough capital to meet the manufacturer’s 10,000 pound minimum for custom jellybeans.” Enter (hopeful) solution: So, she took to the popular crowdfunding site Indiegogo.com three weeks ago to help raise the money. While she has raised nearly half of her $10,000 goal, her deadline is fast approaching and if she does not reach her goal, she will receive nothing.

Tracy is hoping people will open their hearts (and wallets) to help her keep spreading this important, yet tasty, sugar coated message. To get involved or learn more about her campaign, visit:  http://www.indiegogo.com/stop-stereotyping

iCelebrateDiversity.com is an Edmond, OK based company that launched in August 2001. The company has grown from being an internet resource for parents to a leading resource for schools and corporations looking for unique tools to assist in teaching about diversity, stereotyping, bullying and team building. For more information, call (405) 426-9706 or visit iCelebrateDiversity.com.