Latest news with #VeronicaBlankenship
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talking Rain receives 2025 Puget Sound Business Journal Corporate Compassion award
Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain, holds the Corporate Compassion award at the PSBJ Corporate Citizenship Awards luncheon in Seattle on May 14. PRESTON, Wash., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the No. 1 sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice®, received this year's Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) Corporate Compassion award. The recognition comes as part of PSBJ's annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, which highlight businesses in the Puget Sound region that actively contribute to the wellbeing of their communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and innovative partnerships. 'We are honored to be recognized among exceptional organizations who share our passion and commitment to supporting this community,' said Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain. Talking Rain supports numerous local charities and events, including Seattle Children's Hospital, food banks and the Seattle and Portland Marathons. Nationally, the company partners with Girls on the Run International, The Jed Foundation and K9s For Warriors. According to PSBJ, its Corporate Citizen Awards celebrate organizations that integrate social impact into their core operations, highlighting the importance of corporate involvement in addressing societal challenges. Talking Rain is deeply immersed in the Puget Sound community and with all its nonprofit partners, the company looks for ways to engage its key stakeholders to have a greater impact. It organizes joint fundraisers and promotional opportunities with its customers and key accounts, and it facilitates volunteer opportunities and other ways for employees to experience its charitable partners' missions firsthand. The nearly 500 Talking Rain employees, which it calls Rain Makers, are eager to show up for causes that align with the company's values. Last year, Rain Makers assembled 1,000 'Play Maker' kits to benefit the Jordan Morris Foundation at Seattle Children's Hospital, which provides social, emotional and mental health support and resources for families who are learning to live with their child's Type 1 diabetes (T1d) diagnosis. The kits, designed for kids who have been newly diagnosed with T1d, include a soccer ball, water bottle, sensory keychain, Seattle Children's-branded adhesive bandages and temporary tattoos. 'Seattle Children's has been the proud beneficiary of Talking Rain's sponsorship and product donations for decades,' said Eve Kopp, senior director of giving at Seattle Children's Hospital. 'The recent collaboration between Talking Rain and the Jordan Morris Foundation not only provided Play Maker kits to Seattle Children's Diabetes Clinic, but it also accelerated the distribution of the kits to more children. Talking Rain's generous financial contribution further provided crucial mental health resources, empowering kids facing this life-altering condition.' With national partners, too, Talking Rain has invited various stakeholders to take part. For example, Rain Makers in six cities are gearing up to give away Sparkling Ice at Girls on the Run 5k events this spring. And since Talking Rain released its co-branded six-packs of Sparkling Ice with K9s For Warriors in March, the company's vendors and retail partners have been finding new and exciting ways to help tell the story and raise funds for this life-saving organization. 'We know that current and potential employees of Talking Rain, as well as our retail partners and especially consumers of our products, are interested in aligning themselves with brands that share their values,' Blankenship said. 'We're dedicated to earning their trust and loyalty every day.' Learn more about Talking Rain at Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the No. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in Caffeine and Energy), and Popwell, a cold-crafted prebiotic soda. Talking Rain drinks are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talking Rain receives 2025 Puget Sound Business Journal Corporate Compassion award
Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain, holds the Corporate Compassion award at the PSBJ Corporate Citizenship Awards luncheon in Seattle on May 14. PRESTON, Wash., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the No. 1 sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice®, received this year's Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) Corporate Compassion award. The recognition comes as part of PSBJ's annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, which highlight businesses in the Puget Sound region that actively contribute to the wellbeing of their communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and innovative partnerships. 'We are honored to be recognized among exceptional organizations who share our passion and commitment to supporting this community,' said Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain. Talking Rain supports numerous local charities and events, including Seattle Children's Hospital, food banks and the Seattle and Portland Marathons. Nationally, the company partners with Girls on the Run International, The Jed Foundation and K9s For Warriors. According to PSBJ, its Corporate Citizen Awards celebrate organizations that integrate social impact into their core operations, highlighting the importance of corporate involvement in addressing societal challenges. Talking Rain is deeply immersed in the Puget Sound community and with all its nonprofit partners, the company looks for ways to engage its key stakeholders to have a greater impact. It organizes joint fundraisers and promotional opportunities with its customers and key accounts, and it facilitates volunteer opportunities and other ways for employees to experience its charitable partners' missions firsthand. The nearly 500 Talking Rain employees, which it calls Rain Makers, are eager to show up for causes that align with the company's values. Last year, Rain Makers assembled 1,000 'Play Maker' kits to benefit the Jordan Morris Foundation at Seattle Children's Hospital, which provides social, emotional and mental health support and resources for families who are learning to live with their child's Type 1 diabetes (T1d) diagnosis. The kits, designed for kids who have been newly diagnosed with T1d, include a soccer ball, water bottle, sensory keychain, Seattle Children's-branded adhesive bandages and temporary tattoos. 'Seattle Children's has been the proud beneficiary of Talking Rain's sponsorship and product donations for decades,' said Eve Kopp, senior director of giving at Seattle Children's Hospital. 'The recent collaboration between Talking Rain and the Jordan Morris Foundation not only provided Play Maker kits to Seattle Children's Diabetes Clinic, but it also accelerated the distribution of the kits to more children. Talking Rain's generous financial contribution further provided crucial mental health resources, empowering kids facing this life-altering condition.' With national partners, too, Talking Rain has invited various stakeholders to take part. For example, Rain Makers in six cities are gearing up to give away Sparkling Ice at Girls on the Run 5k events this spring. And since Talking Rain released its co-branded six-packs of Sparkling Ice with K9s For Warriors in March, the company's vendors and retail partners have been finding new and exciting ways to help tell the story and raise funds for this life-saving organization. 'We know that current and potential employees of Talking Rain, as well as our retail partners and especially consumers of our products, are interested in aligning themselves with brands that share their values,' Blankenship said. 'We're dedicated to earning their trust and loyalty every day.' Learn more about Talking Rain at Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the No. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in Caffeine and Energy), and Popwell, a cold-crafted prebiotic soda. Talking Rain drinks are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Talking Rain and The Jed Foundation launch workshop curriculum designed to prevent student-athlete suicide
Sparkling Ice + JED PRESTON, Wash., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In alignment with its mission to support healthy communities and personal wellbeing, Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the No. 1 sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice®, today announced the launch of a new workshop curriculum that was developed by its nonprofit partner, The Jed Foundation (JED). JED is a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, to help turn the tide on student-athlete suicides. The new workshop curriculum, 'Championing Mental Health: Winning Strategies for Supporting Student-Athletes,' was designed by mental health experts at JED with financial backing from Talking Rain and its brand, Sparkling Ice. It provides essential training and tools for college coaches and athletic directors to identify signs of mental distress among student-athletes, offer trauma-sensitive support, refer them to support when needed, care for their own well-being, and reduce risks for suicide – the second most common cause of death for college athletes, according to research led by the University of Washington. Recognizing that student-athletes at community colleges and Division I universities alike need access to mental health resources, JED launched the workshop at schools of different sizes, locations and athletic conferences. Early participants include California State University Maritime Academy, Michigan Technological University, Saint Peter's University, Siena College, and Widener University —and more institutions are already scheduled to participate in upcoming training sessions. 'I had the privilege of attending one of the pilot workshops JED held for athletic directors and coaches this spring,' said Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain. 'What impressed me the most was how open attendees were about their own mental struggles as athletes, and how much they empathized with what their student-athletes are going through. JED's work is at the forefront of this ongoing shift in addressing mental health concerns, and these colleges and universities are eager to learn how to best support their students. We're thrilled to be able to partner with JED on this life-saving initiative that furthers our commitment to sharing our success in support of healthy communities, greater inclusivity and personal wellbeing.' Talking Rain's continued support has allowed JED to expand its programming to scale its response to urgent community needs and deliver this new training to additional colleges and universities that have asked to receive it. With mental health challenges on the rise, schools that signed up for the workshop say they are excited to bring the training to their staff and coaches, enhancing their ability to identify concerns and giving them the confidence to assist student-athletes who may be struggling. 'This proactive approach not only fosters a healthier team environment and reduces stigma surrounding mental health, but it also empowers our leaders to play a vital role in the overall wellbeing and success of their athletes, extending beyond athletic performance,' said Katie Arcuri, director of athletics at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, NJ. 'Student-athlete mental health is as important as physical health in achieving top performance both on and off the field,' said Dr. Katie Hurley, senior director of clinical advising and community programs at JED. 'The sheer number of schools that responded asking to take part in these workshops is a testament to the current gap in mental health support for student-athletes across the country. We are grateful to Talking Rain for their continued support of this program.' If your college would like to learn more about this series of workshops, please complete the intake form on JED's Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the No. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in Caffeine and Energy), AQA and Popwell, a cold-crafted prebiotic soda. Talking Rain drinks are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults. We're partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We're equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We're encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ BarboDirector of Public RelationsThe Jed Foundation914-844-4611justin@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
