Date: January 31, 2013

To: all Media Outlets

From: Merritt Marketing Dept.

RE: 2013 Strawberry Festival partnership

BOXING CHAMP, "BABY JOE MESI" TEAMS UP WITH MERRITT WINES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BULLYING FOR THIS YEAR'S STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

FORESTVILLE, N.Y. - Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Buffalo's own "Baby" Joe Mesi will be this year's special guest at Merritt Estate Winery's annual "Strawberry Festival".

This year will mark the festival's 33^rd consecutive year at the winery, located at 2264 King Road in Forestville, New York. Every year, the annual festival ties in with a host of local and national sports celebrities to help deliver the message of the charity that is close to the athlete's heart.

Recently the topic of bullying has sadly become part of our national focus. Few would believe that the former No. 1 contender was bullied as a child, but it has made a lasting impression with the man. Mesi has created "Champs Against Bullying" (www.champsagainstbullying.com) that takes the message into area schools, teaching children how to combat the problem.

"It is great to partner up with Merritt Winery in the battle against bullying. Yes, even me, the former #1 Heavyweight Contender in the world was bullied as a child." said Mesi. "Bullying and bullying prevention has become such an important topic in our schools, neighborhoods and also in our homes via the internet. The Merritt family has always been extremely community minded and a great asset to Western New York. It is an honor to be a part of this years Strawberry Festival."

The Mission Statement of "Champs Against Bullying" reads; "To raise funds and awareness of the prevention, education and support of advocacy programs for adolescents and their families who suffer from bullying."

This year's "Strawberry Festival" will take place on Saturday, June 8^th from noon to 10 p.m. With family based activities taking place from noon to 5 p.m. The event will conclude on Sunday beginning at noon and running to 6 p.m. Some of the features of the event include live music throughout the day, a special celebrity auction, food, vendors and more.

For additional information, follow the event at www.merrittestatewinery.com. Admission is always free.