Fantasia Barrino Sings the Praises of Literacy and Education

Fantasia Barrino Sings the Praises of Literacy and Education

SUAVE(R) and DOLLAR GENERAL(R) Team with Fantasia to Award College Scholarships and Honor Education Mentors

GREENWICH, Conn., June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 30 million adults in the United States have below basic literacy skills and are unable to comprehend and use written information(1), yet the increasingly competitive job market makes education and literacy more important than ever. This is why beauty brand Suave(R) and Dollar General(R) stores are teaming up with American Idol winner, recording artist and Broadway star Fantasia Barrino to award scholarships to students who are dedicated to education, as well as to recognize their invaluable role models -- especially mom's who have encouraged others to pursue their dreams through education. The "Suave Essay Contest" invites students to write about how someone has helped them improve their life through education for the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship and a trip to New York to meet Fantasia.

Having overcome her own challenges with literacy, Fantasia Barrino is a true idol to both children and adults. She has served as an inspiration to millions who admire her courage. As an integral part of the "Suave Essay Contest," Fantasia is helping raise awareness of an important, sometimes overlooked issue as well as build excitement in students for learning and education.

"I am thrilled to partner with Suave and Dollar General on a program that delivers such a vital message about literacy and education," said Fantasia. "Having struggled with literacy, I know the importance of reading skills and how important a good education is. I encourage all students to think about bettering their literacy skills to realize their dreams."

"Now in its fourth year, the 'Suave Essay Contest' continues to grow, awarding much-deserved scholarships and recognizing the role mentors play in the lives of Americans," said Lisa Klauser, Vice President, Unilever, Brand Building and Marketing Excellence. "We're thrilled to be able to honor role models or any mentor who has been an inspiration and made a positive impact- especially moms who have so much to juggle on a daily basis.

"As an ardent supporter of education and a firm believer in the life- changing impact it can have, Dollar General is pleased to partner with Suave to offer this scholarship opportunity to our customers," said David Perdue, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "Education is a powerful tool that not only benefits the individual, but positively affects communities, businesses and future generations. We hope these scholarships will open doors for some deserving students who will then share their knowledge and love of learning with others."

(1) According to National Institute of Literacy's 2003 National Assessment
of Adult Literacy

Submit an Essay for the Chance to Win Scholarship Money!

The "Suave Essay Contest" program asks people five years of age or older to submit an essay about how a role model (mother, parent, teacher, relative or friend) helped them improve their life through education. Beginning Monday, June 18, students can enter online at www.dollargeneral.com or www.suaveessaycontest.com or by picking up an official entry form at any Dollar General store. One grand-prize winner will receive a $10,000 grant toward a college savings plan and three first prize winners will receive a $5,000 grant. All four winners will have the exciting opportunity to travel to New York City with a guest to see Fantasia star in "The Color Purple" on Broadway and meet her after the show. In addition, 2,000 second-place entrants will win a $50 Visa Gift Card. Entries submitted by mail must be postmarked by Friday, July 20, 2007 and received by Friday, July 27, 2007. Online entries must be received by Friday, July 20, 2007.

About Suave

Suave(R) offers more than 300 personal care products including hair care, anti-perspirants/deodorants, body washes, body bars and hand and body lotions. Suave, a Unilever Home & Personal Care Brand, is available nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores. In 2003, an annual survey conducted by DSN Retailing Today named Suave America's favorite health and beauty aid brand for the third year in a row. Suave, a name that has been trusted for quality and value for more than 60 years, is purchased by 61 percent of American households each year. More than 18 Suave products are sold every second.

About Dollar General

Dollar General (NYSE:DG) is a Fortune 500(R) discount retailer with more than 8,000 neighborhood stores in 35 states. Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as a selection of basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The Company store support center is located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Dollar General's Web site can be reached at www.dollargeneral.com.

About Unilever

Unilever (NYSE:UL)(NYSE:UN), one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life.

In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs approximately 13,000 people in more than 60 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico - generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2006. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com.

Contact: Donna Walter Stacie Bright
Weber Shandwick Unilever
212-445-8237 203-625-1130
dwalter@webershandwick.comstacie.bright@unilever.com

Emily Weiss
Dollar General
615-855-5210
emweiss@dollargeneral.com

Source: Suave

CONTACT: Donna Walter of Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8237,
dwalter@webershandwick.com, or Stacie Bright of Unilever, +1-203-625-1130,
stacie.bright@unilever.com, both for Suave; or Emily Weiss of Dollar General,
+1-615-855-5210, emweiss@dollargeneral.com

Web site:

http://www.dollargeneral.com/
http://www.suaveessaycontest.com/
http://www.unileverusa.com/

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