Monday, March 29, 2010

Chase Holfelder, a University of North Carolina Wilmington junior from Cary, NC, is a semifinalist in a national contest seeking a new, updated version of the famous Folger's jingle, "The best part of wakin' up, is Folger's in your cup." The company is holding the contest to celebrate the jingle's 25th anniversary and to promote the Folger's brand.

When Holfelder, an English major with a concentration in professional writing, learned about the contest from his girlfriend, who had seen it online, the deadline to enter was just a day away. He quickly put together a contemporary pop version of the jingle and videotaped himself singing it and playing guitar. He wrote original lyrics that lead into the famous tag line.

Online voting for the contest continues through April 21 at www.BestPartofWakinUp.com. Five finalists will be selected based on scored from the semi-finalist judging and online vote periods, according to a press release from Folger's. Finalists will be flown to New York, where they'll perform their versions of the jingle for a judging panel that includes Kara DioGuardi from "American Idol." The final winner will take home $25,000 and have the chance for their song to be selected for a Folger's commercial. Online voters have the chance to win iTunes gift cards and a grand prize of $10,000 just for participating in the voting.

Holfelder's entry can be viewed and heard at http://www.bestpartofwakinup.com/contests/showentry/177460.

The Folger's jingle, written by Leslie Pearl, first appeared on a commercial in 1984. Commercials since have used numerous versions of the tune, including gospel, jazz, R&B, folk and Celtic renditions, and one recorded by the late country singer Johnny Cash.

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu.