Published: June 18, 2010

BACARDI® Gold Rum and the WNBA Schedule Announcement of the First Recipients of the Gold Standard Scholarship Program

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CORAL GABLES, Fla., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- BACARDI® Gold Rum and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), in partnership with The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, announced today that they will award the first Gold Standard Scholarships in the amount of $15,000 each to two female students (21+) at the league's fifth annual WNBA Inspiring Women Luncheon on July 14.

More than 300 prominent attendees from the worlds of entertainment, sports, business, and politics will be in attendance at the WNBA Inspiring Women Luncheon on Wednesday, July 14 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

The Gold Standard Scholarship Program recognizes young adult leaders (21+) from the African American and Hispanic communities who excel in their academics and are leaders in the community and exemplify the values of volunteerism and service. The Gold Standard Scholarship Program will award more than $100,000 annually to help dedicated students (21+) reach their educational goals.

"We are honored to have partnered with the WNBA, The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund in providing an opportunity for deserving female students to be able to live their dream in pursuit of a higher education," said Margaret McDonnell, brand director, BACARDI rums. "This partnership highlights our desire to showcase the BACARDI brands and establish community related programs that give back to those in need."

Founded in 1987, The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) believes in developing and preparing a new generation of leaders by providing leadership development, scholarships, resources, opportunities and advocacy to Public Historically Black Colleges and Universities students and alumni. By preparing a new generation of diverse talent to become the corporate, government and education leaders of tomorrow, TMCF will become the premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) organization.

Celebrating its 35th year, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) has awarded over $300M, resulting in close to 100,000 scholarships to students in need. The HSF strengthens America by advancing the college education of Hispanic Americans. It delivers a range of programs to Hispanic families and students through community outreach and education, affordability via scholarships, college retention and career opportunities.

As an official marketing partner of the NBA and WNBA, BACARDI Gold will have significant brand presence on national NBA game telecasts on TNT, along with exposure on their web site, TV and special events

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI® rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.

About the WNBA:

The WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity. Now in its 14th season, the WNBA features 12 teams and is the most successful women's professional team sports league in the world. Following a 2009 campaign that saw regular season attendance increase for the third consecutive year and increased viewership on ESPN2 for the second straight summer, the 2010 season tipped off with tremendous momentum on May 15.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women's health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

For additional information:

Cortney Silverman, Senior Account Executive, CORBIN-HILLMAN COMMUNICATIONS

212-246-3586 / Cortney@corbinpr.com

Carmine N. Tiso, NBA, (212) 407-8208 / ctiso@nba.com

Joe Gerbino, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, BACARDI U.S.A., INC./ 786-264-8421 / jgerbino@bacardi.com

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SOURCE BACARDI(R) Gold Rum