Idaho Potato Commission Helps Spread Christmas Cheer to Underprivileged Boise Children

Fantasy Flight Event Transports 80
Deserving Children from Boise Airport to the
North Pole Where Santa, His Elves
and IPC Mascot, Spuddy Buddy, Made Their
 Holiday Wishes Come True

EAGLE, IDAHO, December 21, 2010 – This holiday season, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) spread Christmas cheer to underprivileged children in the Boise area as a partner with United Airlines’ Fantasy Flight.  In its fifth year, this magical event flew 80 deserving children from Boise International Airport (BOI) to Santa’s workshop where their holiday wishes came true. 

The specially-selected participants from the Meridian School District departed from a festively decorated gate at BOI and boarded a 30-minute United Airlines flight transporting them to the North Pole – another gate which was transformed into Santa’s winter wonderland.  The kids were greeted by Santa, his elves and the IPC’s mascot, Spuddy Buddy, who was enlisted as one of Santa’s helpers for the evening.

“The Idaho Potato Commission was honored to be part of such a wonderful event benefiting local children in need,” said Frank Muir, President/CEO, IPC.  “It was magical to witness the joy brought to each participant as they arrived in the North Pole and were greeted by Spuddy Buddy and Santa's helpers laden with gifts.”

To help make the memory last a lifetime, the IPC donated 80 giant Spuddy Buddies valued at $3,400.

About the IPC
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research.  The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered certification marks that belong to the IPC.  These marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.  For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.