Media Kit

‘Dump That Sugar!’ Event Kicks Off Howard County Unsweetened Campaign to Reduce Childhood Obesity

On the shouted command of Burleigh Manor Middle School students – “Dump That Sugar!” – 9.6 tons of “sugar” was dumped at the school. That dramatic gesture officially launched Howard County Unsweetened!
Read the full press release here.


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On the shouted command of Burleigh Manor Middle School students – “Dump That Sugar!” – 9.6 tons of “sugar” (actually white sand) was dumped at the school today to kick-off the Howard County Unsweetened campaign.

Credit: Howard County Government


Nicolette Highsmith Vernick, President and CEO of the Horizon Foundation, said, “Our goal is as simple as it is positive: To make it easier for parents and kids to make better beverage choices”.

Credit: Howard County Government 


County Executive Ken Ulman announced an Executive Order to provide only healthy beverage options in county government facilities.

Credit: Howard County Government 


Siri Neerchal, Student Council President of Burleigh Manor Middle School, said, “The Better Beverage Finder will be a great resource for students and parents to use when they are looking for healthy beverage options.”

Credit: Horizon Foundation


The Student Council of Burleigh Manor Middle School stands behind approximately 9.6 tons of “sugar” (actually white sand), which represents the amount of sugar consumed by an average-sized middle school if every student drank one 12-ounce soft drink every day for a year.

Credit: Horizon Foundation


The Student Council of Burleigh Manor Middle School helps launch Howard County Unsweetened, a campaign to make it easier for parents and kids to find better beverage choices.

Credit: Horizon Foundation


Area TV stations capture the moment as 9.6 tons of “sugar” (actually white sand) were dumped today at Burleigh Manor Middle School.

Credit: Horizon Foundation


9.6 tons of “sugar” (actually white sand) represents the amount of sugar consumed by an average-sized middle school if every student drank one 12-ounce soft drink every day for a year. Following today’s campaign launch event, the sand was donated to the Columbia Association nonprofit.

Credit: Horizon Foundation


The dump truck sits empty after unloading approximately 9.6 tons of “sugar” (actually white sand) to launch the Howard County Unsweetened initiative.

Credit: Horizon Foundation

Campaign Backgrounder

Overview of the Howard County. Unsweetened. Campaign


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  • Campaign Backgrounder Download

Launch Program Agenda

Agenda for the news conference to launch Howard County. Unsweetened. Campaign & Dump Sugar! Demo


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  • Event Agenda Download

Facts About Obesity & Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Key facts about obesity and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)


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  • Obesity Facts Download

Speaker Bios

Bios for Ken Ulman, Dr. Maura Rossman, Dr. Renee Foose, Nicolette (Nikki) Highsmith Vernick, Reverend Robert Turner and Siri Neerchal


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  • Speaker Bios Download

Other Experts for Comment

Contact information for the additional experts available for comment


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  • Experts List Download

Better Beverage Choice Resolution

Organizational resolution to join the Better Choices Coalition of Howard County


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  • Horizon Resolution Download

Off the Chart

You don’t know thirst until you walk the distance it takes to burn off one of the hundreds of sugary drinks on the market. Share this message by email, facebook, or Pinterest. Or print and post at your school, gym, community center….


Shopping Smarts

You are what you put in your grocery cart. (And what your kids sneak in when you’re not looking.) Share how to make better choices by emailing, “pinning,” facebooking or downloading this printable message.


Sweeter Dreams

There’s nothing cute about a kid on a sugar high. Tantrums, homework battles, and bad dreams ensue. What parents don’t know can hurt their kids. Print and post or share this poster with sugar-weary friends, family and listserv buddies.


Lighten Up

Find out why that guy at the office who stopped drinking soda lost 30 pounds. All the facts are on this downloadable, sharable poster. Print it or share it with the potential losers in your life.




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