Arbor Day Foundation Adding a Touch of Green To the Lighting of NBC's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Nebraska City, Neb. (Nov. 23, 2009) – The NBC-televised lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is adding an additional touch of green this year with help from the Arbor Day Foundation and its partners.

Through its "Green is Universal initiative," NBC Universal will collaborate with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant one tree for every text message received during its 1-hour broadcast of "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" through the "Text For Tree" promotion. Every half hour during the live national broadcast on Dec. 2 (7-8 p.m. CST), viewers will be able to text NBCU to have a tree planted on their behalf by the Arbor Day Foundation. The promotion will continue online following the broadcast at www.arborday.org and www.greenisuniversal.com.

Trees planted through the "Text For Trees" promotion will go to our nation's forests that are in need of more trees and will be funded by partners of the Arbor Day Foundation.

"The trees planted through this promotion will have a positive impact on the environment for generations to come," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees clean the air and drinking water for millions of Americans, provide habitat for wildlife and are a valuable, sustainable resource. We are happy to team up with NBC Universal for this promotion that will help plant thousands of trees."

The promotion will help increase awareness about the need for trees in our nation's forests that have been damaged by wildfire, disease and insects.

The 12th annual "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" will be broadcast in high definition and will feature musical performances from several top performers.

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About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, conservation and education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.

About Green is Universal: Launched in May 2007, "Green is Universal" is NBC Universal's ongoing environmental initiative dedicated to raising Green awareness, effecting positive change to the environment, and substantially greening its own operations.