social change
If you think selling caffeinated, sugary drinks to kids and paying people to jump off a cliff in a bat suit is socially responsible, you should stop reading this page now. In the face of significant social and economic challenges in this country, Performance Beverage Group, Inc (PBG), owner and distributor of 9 Iron sports drink, believes in making positive contributions that go beyond policy statements. Positive social change and commercial viability are not mutually exclusive if you apply passion and creativity to brand development from the beginning. 9 Iron’s brand as well as the policies of PBG reflects a commitment to positive social change through action and involvement. Similarly, 9 Iron’s ingredients reflect a commitment to promote active lifestyles and healthy diets among all age groups.
9 Iron’s appeal among a younger generation means we have to be mindful of the impact we have on a child’s heath and development. 9 Iron was formulated as a sports drink with functional benefits for active people of all ages. 9 Iron is not an energy drink as defined in the beverage business because it does not contain caffeine. Natural sources of energy come from vitamins, nutrients and hydration. When these components are in balance, humans can achieve maximum physical performance. Caffeine is a stimulating chemical that can create the temporary feeling of natural energy. It is wrong to promote the concept that chemical stimulants are needed for maximum physical performance especially when children and teenagers are part of your customer base. It begs the question whether chemical stimulants are necessary for maximum fun. Caffeine and other superfluous ingredients are not part of 9 Iron’s content or intent. You will never see a 9 Iron web page called “Holy Shxx” and a new product line referred to as a “pocket rocket”.
PBG believes 9 Iron is a great brand and a great sports drink for active people. Indeed, we designed the label and formulated the contents for commercial success, yet we have a bigger picture in mind when it comes our interaction with society. The people who own and manage 9 Iron actively participate in charities and not-for-profits because they believe that social responsibility and civic engagement comes with selling a consumer product.
What you will see if you attend the events or activities of the following organizations is 9 Iron employees, owners, and/or managers working and interacting with people to promote social change.
Heath Evans Foundation – Florida
The Heath Evans Foundation is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse. We are committed to breaking the cycle of abuse through healing the psychological, physical, and spiritual wounds inflicted on innocent children; to bring hope and healing to the young victims of sexual abuse.
Hope
The Heath Evans Foundation works in at-risk communities with those who have been affected by sexual abuse. We provide access to a variety of programs, treatments, and services in communities with great need and scarce resources. We also are available to people, organizations, and communities outside those we serve, as a resource to foster healing and hope in the lives of others.
Help
How you can make a difference… Our success in fostering hope and healing in abused children, young people and their families, and communities is made possible by our team of supporters. The battle against child abuse wages on, and it’s a fight we can win…together. Whether you choose to donate your time or make a monetary contribution to help fund this battle, your generosity is the key to securing these children’s futures. Click here to get involved.
Healing
Programs & Services… We provide competent and caring treatment as well as educational and advocacy services in an environment that is child centered, family focused and community based. We can be a resource to all yet target our programs and services at children, young people, and their families in at-risk communities where the need is great and resources are scarce. Click here to find out more about our Programs & Services.
Life with Cancer – Virginia
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing education, information and support.
Street Soccer – Washington, D.C.
Street Soccer DC has teamed up with sports drink manufacturer Performance Beverage Group, Inc, maker of 9 Iron Sports Drink, to fight homelessness and addiction through sports. Through the sponsorship agreement, 9 Iron will participate in SSDC events and play an active role in championing the Soccer for Social Change cause. The new partnership will be on display at the Knights next major event on Sunday July 18 at RFK Stadium. “Meet, Greet and Kick it on the Street” will run from 5:00-7:30 pm before the DC United take on the LA Galaxy. Ticket packages to the event, which include parking, food, 9 Iron® Sports Drink, games, prizes and a ticket to the Galaxy match, can be purchased online at http://www.streetsoccerdc.org.
Street Soccer DC is a program of Street Soccer USA (SSUSA), an organization devoted to sports for social change. Research shows that SSUSA reaches more than 20% of the chronically homeless in a given service area, and realizes a 75% success rate in effecting a positive life change with its players, such as addressing a substance abuse problem or mental health issue, securing full-time employment or moving off the street.
