Nation Steps Up to Assist Gulf Coast Hospitality Workers as Fat Tuesday Approaches; Mardi Gras-Themed Captain Morgan Busts Raising Money for Hospitality Workers Fund

Captain Morgan created a limited number of individually themedlife-sized busts of the brand's pop-icon namesake that are being usedto raise funds for hospitality workers affected by the destruction ofHurricane Katrina.

Several of the one-of-a-kind busts have been acquired on thepopular online auction site, eBay. The site is currently featuring aSt. Patrick's Day-themed creation. The busts made of clay andfiberglass have a starting bid of $1,000. Auction Cause, the premierauction management agency, is managing the online auctions. For moreinformation, call 303-234-5743 or visit the Captain Morgan website atwww.captainmorgan.com.

Additional local fundraising events have taken place inIndianapolis, Phoenix and Key West, with others leading into MardiGras week in Minneapolis, Chicago and other major markets. DuringMardi Gras, additional Captain Morgan busts will be on display andoffered up for an appropriate donation at several locations throughoutNew Orleans.

"The hospitality workers helping hospitality workers message hasbeen well received at fundraisers across the country," says DanKleinman, Senior Brand Manager, Captain Morgan. "Bartenders andwaitresses, wherever they are from, understand the challenges of theprofession and they have really come together to support their GulfCoast counterparts."

The busts are individually numbered and signed by Blaine Kern,known as "Mr. Mardi Gras," and will be accompanied by a Certificate ofAuthenticity from Kern Studios.

One hundred percent of the proceeds of the Captain Morgan programwill benefit the New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund,a 501c3 charity. Additional funds will be distributed to theMississippi Hospitality Workers' Relief Fund and the AlabamaHospitality Workers' Relief Fund.

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business. With itsglobal vision, and local marketing focus, Diageo brings to consumersan outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across thespirits, wine and beer categories including Smirnoff, Guinness,Johnnie Walker, Baileys, J&B, Cuervo, Captain Morgan and Tanqueray,and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo trades insome 180 markets around the world and is listed on both the New YorkStock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For moreinformation about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit usat www.diageo.com.