Name the Chicken of the Sea Mermaid

Shelly... Coral... Marina.  Whatever the winning entry, one thing is certain: the winner of the Chicken of the Sea Name the Mermaid Contest will swim home with $10,000. As part of its year-long Centennial celebration, Chicken of the Sea is challenging seafood (and mermaid) fans of all ages to flex their creative muscles and name the brand’s famous blonde mascot, which first appeared on Chicken of the Sea tuna labels in 1952 but surprisingly has never had an official name. Inspired by the brand’s 100 Years of Good initiative, which will award 100 community-minded individuals and nonprofits $10,000 each in 2014 to empower them to continue their charitable ways, the grand prize winner of the naming contest will receive their own $10,000 Great American Gratitude Award to also pay it forward. “The contest is part of Chicken of the Sea’s Centennial celebration and a precursor to our Great American Gratitude Tour, kicking off in March” says Christie Fleming, senior vice president of marketing for Chicken of the Sea. “Instead of simply presenting the winner with a $10,000 check, we’re also challenging him or her to honor the pay-it-forward spirit of the initiative and use the money to continue the cycle of good. “Believe it or not, since our Mermaid made her debut on Chicken of the Sea labels, only to go on to become an American icon, she has never had an actual name. With Chicken of the Sea celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014, this becomes a fun opportunity to involve the public to remedy this,” adds Fleming. Seafood fans can visit this website through Feb. 14 to enter their ideas for the Mermaid’s new name. While the grand prize winner will receive $10,000, another 10 first prize winners will be awarded Chicken of the Sea seafood for one year and 20 runners-up will receive a Chicken of the Sea-branded prize. The winners will be announced March 6 to coincide with the launch of Chicken of the Sea’s Great American Gratitude Tour which is being hosted by the newly named Mermaid. Chicken of the Sea: 100 Years of Good launched earlier this month. The 12-month Pay it Forward initiative combines commemorative packaging, promotions and retailer programs with a six-month, nationwide promotional tour commemorating the brand’s Centennial anniversary. For more information on Chicken of the Sea: 100 Years of Good or to nominate a recipient or nonprofit for a $10,000 Great American Gratitude award, go to www.chickenofthesea.com/100. A full Tour schedule is available.