LOS ANGELES, CA (June 20, 2013) – Dylan Siegel’s story, “Chocolate Bar,” just keeps getting sweeter. On May 22, Whole Foods Market shoppers raised nearly $7,000 for the “Chocolate Bar,” book nonprofit organization to help fund research to find a cure for Siegel’s best friend, Jonah Pournazarian’s rare liver disease. On that day, Whole Foods Market’s Sherman Oaks West and Tarzana stores each hosted Community Support Days where five percent of all net sales were donated to the nonprofit. Siegel’s efforts were highly successful, breaking Whole Foods Market’s fundraising records at both store locations.
“Ever since our Sherman Oaks West store made the first donation of 100 chocolate bars to Dylan and his book, our hearts have grown exponentially for this cause,” said Wendy Camacho, Whole Foods Market Sherman Oaks West marketing manager and community relations specialist. “It’s clear that our shoppers feel the same way — thanks to their generous support we are thrilled to be presenting Dylan and the “Chocolate Bar” nonprofit a $6,994 check to help find a cure for Jonah.”
The Community Support Days hosted at Whole Foods Market’s Sherman Oaks West and Tarzana stores invited shoppers to participate in special events, giveaways, a raffle, as well as attend book readings and signings by Siegel and Pournazarian. Copies of “Chocolate Bar” were also available for purchase at the events.
Written and published in late 2012, “Chocolate Bar” was first sold to family and friends, and is now available at local events throughout Los Angeles and online at www.chocolatebarbook.com. To date, more than 10,000 copies have been sold and more than $350,000 raised with 100 percent of all proceeds being donated to the University of Florida, where research is underway to help find a cure for Pournazarian’s rare liver condition, Glycogen Storage Disease 1b.
“Whole Foods Market, their shoppers and everyone who has helped us so far are so chocolate bar,” said Dylan Siegel, author of “Chocolate Bar.” “Jonah and I are so thankful for all of the support!”
“We are so appreciative of the generosity of Whole Foods Market and its shoppers,” said Debra Siegel, Dylan’s mother. “Whole Foods Market — who has supported us from the start of our journey — continues to make our story sweeter, helping Dylan get closer to accomplishing his goal of raising $1 million to find a cure for Jonah.”
As part of its commitment to supporting local causes in the communities in which it works, Whole Foods Market stores nationwide hold Community Support Days several times a year and donate five percent of that day’s net sales to a local nonprofit or educational organization.
For more information about “Chocolate Bar,” please visit www.chocolatebarbook.com. To keep up-to-date on the latest news for Dylan, Jonah and “Chocolate Bar,” follow “Chocolate Bar” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Chocolatebarbook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sochocolatebar.
For additional information on Whole Foods Market’s Sherman Oaks West store, please visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/shermanoaks-west or call (818) 382 -3700. To keep up-to-date on the latest store news, events and sales, follow Whole Foods Market Sherman Oaks West on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WholeFoodsMarketSHW and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wholefoodsSHW.
For additional information on Whole Foods Market’s Tarzana store, please visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tarzana or call (818) 578-7840. To keep up-to-date on the latest store news, events and sales, follow Whole Foods Market Tarzana on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WholeFoodsTarzana and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WFMTarzana.
