The Michael Andretti Foundation, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. and Canadian Club(R)...

DETROIT -- Michael Andretti, former race car driver and co-owner of Andretti Green Racing, joined forces today with Detroit community leaders and Canadian Club(R) Whisky to launch a public awareness campaign designed to prevent underage drinking and discourage

adults from providing alcohol to minors. This effort is centered around a program developed by The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by America's leading distillers and dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. The program seeks to educate adults about how youth access alcohol and provides tips on how they can play an active role in helping to discourage and prevent illegal, underage drinking. Up to 1.2 million tip cards will be provided to liquor stores throughout the state where they will be distributed at the point of sale.

Based on survey data showing that 65% of youth who drink obtain alcohol from their family and friends, The Century Council named their campaign "65%." Components of the campaign include a 30-second Public Service Announcement (PSA) and buttons and informational tip cards in English and Spanish. The tips for parents include:

--be a good role model

--disapprove of underage drinking

--supervise your child including their online activities

--reinforce that underage drinking is against the law.

"Canadian Club and Beam Global Spirits & Wine are committed to marketing our products responsibly and standing on the front lines to combat underage drinking," said Dennis Prado, Canadian Club senior director. "We want our products to be enjoyed in moderation and responsibly by a legal, drinking age, adult consumer only. It takes a comprehensive community effort to eliminate illegal, underage drinking. Our industry, federal, state and local governments, educators and parents need to work together and we are glad to bring many of these entities together in Detroit today to raise awareness about how we can join forces to succeed."

Beam Global Spirits & Wine donated $100,000 on behalf of Canadian Club to The Michael Andretti Foundation to support The Century Council program. The money will go towards the production and distribution of 1.2 million tip cards to Detroit parents and adults. National Wine & Spirits will distribute the materials to over 1,000 beverage retailers in Michigan.