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Hennessy Salutes a Moment in History with the Release of Hennessy 44, a Limited Edition Bottle Commemorating the Inauguration of the 44th President and Hennessy's Long-standing Support of Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Inspired by this historic event, Hennessy is bolstering its support of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund -- an organization dedicated to providing scholarships, resources, opportunities, and advocacy to help the next generation of leaders. Two four-year scholarships to Public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be awarded to exceptional individuals who have the potential to make great changes in this country.

"We are grateful for the loyalty and support that Hennessy has shown us since our inception in 1987," said Dwayne Ashley, president and CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund. "This year's inauguration marks a new era and with the help of Hennessy, we hope to inspire others to break boundaries and lead this country into greatness."

The Hennessy 44 Limited Edition bottle will feature a redesigned label, black capsule, and a special 44 seal featuring the date of the inauguration. Only 180,000 (750ml) uniquely numbered collector's item bottles have been produced and will be available for sale inWashington DC,Maryland,Illinois, Metro New York, andGeorgia from January 12th, 2009.

"We are proud to celebrate this historic inauguration and defining chapter in history," said Mark Cornell, President and CEO of Moet Hennessy USA. "Through the launch of the Hennessy 44 Limited Edition bottle and our continued partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund we further cement our dedication to supporting local communities and cultivating those with great potential."

During the inauguration weekend Hennessy will join the celebrations at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund reception, the Radio One Inauguration Gala, the NNPA Gala, and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network Inaugural Ball. Celebrities will be invited to autograph commemorative bottles for a later auction to create additional funds for scholarships through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

The limited edition bottles will be individually numbered and will be line priced with Hennessy V.S. For more information on Hennessy V.S Limited Edition Inauguration Bottles and the Thurgood Marshall College fund, please visit www.hennessy.com or www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org.

About Hennessy

Hennessy Cognac, the No. 1-selling cognac in the world, is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moet Hennessy USA and is a subsidiary of LVMH (Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton). Hennessy distills, ages and blends a full range of marques, including Hennessy V.S, Hennessy V.S.O.P, Hennessy X.O, Hennessy Paradis, and Richard Hennessy.

About Thurgood Marshall College Fund

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc., named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, was established in 1987 and represents 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) located in 22 states with a population of well over 235,000 students. Over the last 20 years, Thurgood Marshall College Fund has awarded more than $91 million in leadership development, scholarships, programmatic, and capacity support, enabling over 7,500 students to attend public Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Thurgood Marshall College Fund also provides internship programs and joins corporate and foundation partners in providing leadership training and support to students preparing for undergraduate and professional schools. Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization.

SOURCE Moet Hennessy USA