Limited Edition M&M'S® Candies Dispenser Expected to Raise More Than $1 Million

The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum and Masterfoods USA are teaming up to preserve the national collection of aviation and space artifacts.

In support of the museum, Masterfoods USA has introduced a limited edition M&M'S Chocolate Candies dispenser, featuring a whimsical aviation theme, of which 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Museum. The dispenser is available for purchase at National Air and Space Museum stores, M&M'S World store in Las Vegas and online at www.shop.mms.com.  More than $1 million is expected to be raised for this important cause.
 
The new dispenser, "M&M'S Barnstorming Rides," depicts M&M'S characters RED and YELLOW flying high atop a bright red biplane and holds two pounds of candy.  The item’s packaging bears the Smithsonian Institution sunburst logo.

Proceeds from sales of the dispenser, which retails at $19.99, will be used for the construction of a state-of-the art restoration hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the museum’s companion facility in Chantilly, Virginia.  From large overlooks, visitors to the hangar will be able to watch as specialists preserve and restore historic air and space artifacts. 

"Our  partners at Masterfoods USA understand the importance of completing the second phase of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center," said Gen. J.R. "Jack" Dailey, the museum's director.  "This specialty M&M'S dispenser captures the fun of flight and appeals to a broad range of the museum's supporters.  It is a uniquely rewarding way of joining in this effort."

"M&M'S have been part of the space program for more than 20 years," said Martyn Wilks, president of Snackfoods at Masterfoods USA.  "We are proud to support the efforts of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Air and Space Museum through this unique, collectible dispenser that brings excitement and interest to this valued program."
 
The Udvar-Hazy (pronounced OOD-var HAH-zee) Center opened Dec. 15, 2003 and is home to some of the museum’s largest artifacts, including a Concorde, the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the Boeing 307 Stratoliner and Space Shuttle Enterprise.
 
Admission to the Udvar-Hazy Center and the museum's flagship building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is free, but there is a $12 parking fee at the Udvar-Hazy Center.  The museum operates a shuttle bus between the two locations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a round-trip ticket costing $12. Group discounts are available.  Both facilities are open daily with the regular hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Closed Dec. 25.)

Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and petcare operations of Mars, Incorporated, and the Mars family members, have long been committed supporters of the National Air and Space Museum.