SOMERSET, N.J., Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- To help spread divine holiday cheer, The Ferrero Company, one of the world's largest confectionery companies and a leader in premium chocolates, is partnering with 2010 Figure Skating Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek and is donating $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity International to help create a divine holiday by providing support to build homes and hope for families this holiday season.

"Habitat for Humanity is deeply touched by Ferrero U.S.A., Inc.'s donation," said Mark Crozet, senior vice president of resource development for Habitat for Humanity International. "This commitment will support our efforts to help families in need of safe, decent and affordable housing."

Inspired by the donation and the elegance of Ferrero chocolates' signature, festive aesthetic, Lysacek has taken his passion for design and style from the rink to the runway to support the cause. The budding fashion designer has created a divine holiday gown as his design debut. His first-ever gown will be auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity; the charity auction can be accessed at www.FerreroChocolatesUSA.com.

"The most divine holiday is one spent in a home filled with warmth and surrounded by friends and family, and I wish that for everyone," said Lysacek. "I was moved by Ferrero's $100,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity and am thrilled to add to this donation by marrying this inspiration with my passion for design to support Ferrero's efforts."

Consumers are invited to help support the Ferrero® chocolates brands' partnership with Habitat in a variety of ways at www.FerreroChocolatesUSA.com, where they can link to the eBay page to bid on the gown, share their divine holiday stories and send free, customizable, holiday e-greetings. Ferrero will also donate $1 to Habitat for Humanity for every consumer's first story and $1 for every consumer's first e-greeting sent, up to $100,000 total.  Fans in New York City can see the original design, help fill the giant Rocher® pyramid and sample one of the delicious Ferrero® chocolates at the Divine Holiday display in the NBC Experience Store at Rockefeller Center.  Ferrero's eBay charity auction will be held December 8 through December 18.

About Ferrero

The Ferrero Company was established in 1946 in Alba, Italy.  The company's first product was made with hazelnuts and cocoa; resulting in the base ingredients for the world's #1 selling sweet spread on the market today ? Nutella® hazelnut spread.  Since then, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest confectionery companies with a vast portfolio that includes high-quality products such as Ferrero Rocher® chocolates, Ferrero Rondnoir® dark chocolates, Kinder® chocolates, Raffaello® confections and Tic Tac® mints.  Ferrero products are distributed globally throughout Europe, North America, Australia, Asia and South America.  

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing.  Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people.  For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.

SOURCE The Ferrero Company