FALLSTON, Md., Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) has chosen to give back this holiday season in two rewarding ways. One initiative is to raise money on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Avocados from Mexico is supporting City Harvest, one of the great groups providing food and support to communities that still need help getting back on their feet after Hurricane Sandy. For every Facebook engagement, from comment "likes," to shares, or Facebook wall comments on the Avocados from Mexico Facebook page in December, Avocados from Mexico will match with $1 to City Harvest, up to $25,000.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121213/NY29368)

Avocados from Mexico also teamed up with Roberto Santibanez, chef and owner of Brooklyn and Manhattan's Fonda restaurants and author of Tacos, Tortas and Tamales, as part of the "'Tis the Avocado Season Sweepstakes" to surprise one lucky Avocados from Mexico fan with a trip to New York for a personalized cooking lesson with Chef Santibanez. The holiday festivities continue with the "Tis the Avocado Season Pin It to Win It" contest, where pinners can share avocado inspirations and activate a progressive prize that doubles in size with every 50 boards.

Avocado fans were able to enter the "'Tis the Avocado Season" sweepstakes November 2^nd through November 15^th at http://www.facebook.com/theamazingavocado. Early in the holiday season, MHAIA also teamed up with House Party to bring more holiday cheer to fans of avocados by conducting more than 1,000 house parties across the country, challenging fans to use Avocados from Mexico in new and exciting ways and inviting hosts to also enter the sweepstakes. Fans are encouraged to continue interaction on The Amazing Avocado Facebook page to increase the support for communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.

After a random drawing from all eligible entries, Brad Golden of Ogallala, Nebraska was crowned the grand prize winner. Brad traveled to New York for a cooking lesson with Chef Santibanez, who selected recipes specifically for Brad to brighten up his holiday table, including tortillas, strawberry tamales, pecan apple guacamole and Fish in Guajillo adobo.

"This was the trip of a life time, to travel to New York City during the prime time of holiday excitement," said Golden. "Cooking with Chef Roberto inspired me to be more adventurous in the kitchen and use avocados in fun new ways!

Brad took in the sites of New York City decked out in holiday lights and shared his enthusiasm for the season with Chef Santibanez.

"Since I cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients, it's always exciting to see people's reaction when they learn that Avocados from Mexico are available year-round and are a staple of the Mexican holiday table," said Chef Roberto Santibanez. "There's something especially rewarding about sharing my experience as a chef during the holiday season. It's a time to come together and cooking is a great way to do that."

While Brad was awarded the grand prize of the "'Tis the Avocado Season Sweepstakes," Avocado fans can still stay involved by keeping up with the Amazing Avocado Pinterest and Twitter pages. The Pinterest page is continuing the holiday festivities by hosting a "Pin It to Win It" contest where followers can upload images of their favorite avocado inspired recipes for a chance to win gift cards just in time for holiday shopping. In the generous spirit of the holidays, the grand prize for the "Tis the Avocado Season"  Pin It to Win It contest will double with every 50 boards posted and could total up to $5,000.

To learn more, visit the Amazing Avocado Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/theamazingavocado, share your thoughts on Twitter: https://twitter.com/amazingavocado or visit the website at http://www.theamazingavocado.com/.

About Avocados From Mexico:
The Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) and the Producers and Packers of Avocados from Michoacan (APEAM) are dedicated to providing a consistent supply of high quality avocados throughout the year. Avocados from Mexico are available year round and can be found in your local grocery store in the produce aisle. Mexico's rich volcanic soil, abundant sunshine and timely rainfall provide the perfect climate for producing fine avocados. A three-slice (1 oz) serving of avocados has 50 calories and contribute nearly 20 vitamins and minerals and the "good" fats. Avocado enthusiasts can find MHAIA on Facebook (search: The Amazing Avocado) and @AmazingAvocado on Twitter. For more information, visit www.theamazingavocado.com or www.avocadosfrommexico.com.

SOURCE Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association