PLANO, Texas, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Quaker Chewy and the Afterschool Alliance award Suzy Herzog and daughter Maddy, 8, with a private performance by actress and recording artist, Miranda Cosgrove.  The event is part of the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign to bring awareness to afterschool programs across the country.  Cosgrove will perform songs from her new album, "Sparks Fly," for Herzog and 300 of her friends at the Courtyard Community Theater in Plano, Texas.

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars has teamed up with Afterschool Alliance and Miranda Cosgrove to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs. Through Miranda's visits to afterschool programs in Harlem and Chicago, the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign aims to build support for more than 15 million children in need of quality, affordable afterschool activity.

"The Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign is building support for quality afterschool programs that give children opportunities to learn and grow," said Bill Fiely, senior brand manager, Quaker Oats. "By partnering with the Afterschool Alliance and Miranda Cosgrove, Quaker Chewy is working to provide wholesome snacking afterschool and the benefits of afterschool programs to all children."

The star of Nickelodeon's highest rated live-action show, "iCarly," and winner at 2010 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Miranda just released her debut album, "Sparks Fly," on April 27, which debuted in Billboard's Top Album chart at #8, with a hit single "Kissin U" landing at Top 40 Radio. She will also star in the animated film "Despicable Me" due in theaters this summer.  

"Maddy is so excited for Miranda to visit Plano and perform for her and her friends," says Herzog, winner of the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks sweepstakes.  "Quaker Chewy is not only bringing awareness to afterschool programs, but providing children the opportunity to meet their role model in person."

As the Official Snack of Afterschool, Quaker Chewy 90 Calorie Granola Bars have long been an afterschool snack both moms and kids love, providing half a serving of whole grain and no high fructose corn syrup. For more information on the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks campaign or to learn more about the importance of afterschool programs, please visit www.QuakerOats.com.

About Miranda Cosgrove

17-year-old Miranda Cosgrove is one of Hollywood's hottest young stars. She can currently be seen on the Emmy-nominated and Nickelodeon's highest rated live-action show, "iCarly." Miranda just released her debut album, "Sparks Fly," on April 27, and she will also star in "Despicable Me" with Steve Carell this summer. As part of the Afterschool Rocks promotion, sponsored by Quaker Chewy, Miranda is partnering with Afterschool Alliance to help inspire moms and kids across the country to participate in quality afterschool programs and emphasize the importance of afterschool activities. For more information on Miranda and her upcoming projects, please visit www.mirandacosgroveofficial.com.

About Afterschool Alliance

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. The nation's leading voice for afterschool, the Afterschool Alliance is the only organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocating for more afterschool investments. The Afterschool Alliance works with the Administration, the U.S. Congress, governors, mayors and advocates across the country. Its network spans 26,000 afterschool program partners. For more information, please visit www.afterschoolalliance.org.

About Quaker Snacks

Quaker Snacks, headquartered in Chicago, is a unit of PepsiCo, Inc., one of the world's largest consumer packaged goods companies. For nearly 130 years, Quaker's brands have served as symbols of quality, great taste and nutrition. Holding No. 1 positions in their respective categories, Quaker Oats, Quaker Rice Cakes and Quaker Chewy Granola Bars are consumer favorites. For more information, please visit www.QuakerOats.com.

Proud Partner of Afterschool Alliance

SOURCE Quaker