COLUMBUS, Ga., April 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Patients at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta were treated to a visit by an "extra-sweet" version of the Aflac Duck to commemorate the iconic spokesduck's 10th birthday party. The celebration featured a life-sized Aflac Duck cake baked by Food Network's famous cake decorator Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore. The event, including a behind-the-scenes look at how the cake was made, will air on the April 15th episode of Ace of Cakes on Food Network at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT.
"Most people know the Aflac Duck as the pop icon who tells you how Aflac pays you cash, but what many don't know is that the Duck is also a major symbol in the fight against childhood cancer," Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos said. "We are so pleased that Duff and his team came to the Aflac Cancer Center to help us celebrate the Aflac Duck's 10th birthday with America by shining a national spotlight on our mission to cure pediatric cancer; spend time with some awesome kids and enjoy an unbelievable cake."
Aflac is also celebrating its 15th year sponsoring the Aflac Cancer Center, which has become the company's primary philanthropic cause. Aflac sells plush ducks with all proceeds going to the Aflac Cancer Center and accepts contributions from Aflac's employees and independent sales agents, who donate more than $325,000 every month. All told the company has raised more than $55 million for childhood cancer research and treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center and for children's cancer hospitals nationwide.
ABOUT AFLAC
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For 55 years, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for four consecutive years and was also named by the Reputation Institute as the Most Reputable Company in the Global Insurance Industry for two consecutive years. Forbes magazine named Aflac as America's Best-Managed Company in the Insurance category. In 2010, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the twelfth consecutive year and also included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the ninth time. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.