Pepsi not only TASTES GOOD, but it IS good.

I am a teacher, a mother, and of late - a writer. I write from the heart, and because I love it. I am NOT doing it to earn a living or to make money. (However, i would NOT turn money DOWN. I'm not crazy, people.) What I'm trying to say is that I DO get approached often to blog about products or organizations, or causes. I only do it when it SPEAKS to me, or when it is something close to my heart.

As teacher, I am always on the lookout for opportunities that will benefit the children in my class, or my school. Fortunately, we have been recipients of many cool grants, JUST because we took the time to fill out the information - and formulate a plan. It's SO worth it, when you see the children in your school benefit from these generous grants.

Here is an opportunity from Pepsi for kids, and PARENTS!!! Here, I think that Lauren tells about it best.

(This is an interview with Lauren Hobart, Mom and CMO of Sparking Brands at Pepsi.)

Why is Pepsi Refresh Unique?
The program is unique because it puts the power in the hands of the consumer. Individuals submit their ideas and then the nation votes on the idea that moves them the most. This is done in a very ground up way. Essentially, we’ve democratized the process.

What are some exciting ideas you hope to see submitted through the PRP this year? We’re excited to see the range of ideas that are submitted through the program. There are six different categories, and we want ideas across all of them. So far we’ve seen a fantastic response to the program. Within the first week we received over 1000 ideas, which came from every state and every age group.


As a Mom what types of lessons do you hope children learn by getting involved in community projects?
Parents want to instill good values in their children and encourage them to act on their ideas and beliefs. As a Mom myself, I’ve shared this program with other moms in my community and have found that it sparks a cord with everyone. I’ve also seen my own children get very excited about it. I think it just feels right to them.


What is your advice for moms that have ideas about refreshing their communities? What level of grant is idea? How should they craft their submissions?
First figure out the size and scope of the idea. Most individuals should opt for the $5000 grant, but it really depends on the idea and who you’ll be working with to bring it to action. People should also remember that winning comes with the responsibility to bringing you idea to life. If you need inspiration, there are example ideas on the Pepsi Refresh website to help get you started as well as a toolkit that guides you through the application process.

Who are the ideal grant applicants?
There isn’t really an ideal applicant. Anyone over 13 and a US resident can submit an application for the program. That said, people who are tapped into many different networks and able to promote and share their ideas once submitted may have the best chance of success.

Who should be involved in the submission process? If my child has an idea, should she submit it, or should I, or should her teacher help?
Young children, particularly those under 13 years old, should work with parents or teacher. Pepsi Refresh offers an amazing opportunity for a teaching moment with parents since you can get your kids to think about what impact they can have how they can make a difference. The program can get them engaged, thinking and talking about their impact on the world in a whole new way.


For more information about this AMAZING program, please go here.
I am encouraging anyone and EVERYONE to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!! I am her to tell you that people DO get grants- every single day.


I am here to attest to that. ( Me, and the 25 little cherubs who will be planting glow labs in about ONE MONTH.)


Do it.


I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Pepsi Refresh. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.