Pepsi Hits 'Refresh' on Donor Project
PepsiCo Inc. is revamping a charitable-giving program created to boost its corporate image and sales of its flagship cola but marred by complaints of vote-rigging and other irregularities.
With a promise of $20 million in donations for "refreshing ideas that change the world," Pepsi's Refresh Project drew rabid competition for the prize money—perhaps too rabid.
Community organizers, health interest groups and religious organizations quickly formed alliances that dominated voting. Those alliances picked nominees each month and asked supporters to vote as many times as the contest rules would allow. And when they won, some small groups and grass-roots organizations howled