(PRLEAP.COM) May 25, 2005 — Rainforests are often called the heart and lungs of the planet because they supply a large portion of our oxygen supply which makes a healthy active lifestyle possible. In addition to serving as the "Heart and Lungs" of the planet, the Amazon Rainforest constitutes the world’s largest "pharmacy" yielding thousands of previously unknown substances found no where else. Compounds from tropical flora relieve headaches, help treat glaucoma and provide muscle relaxants used during surgery. The Amazon Rainforest has also yielded quinine for the treatment of malaria and periwinkle for the treatment of leukemia. Given the rainforest’s teeming biological diversity, its value to humanity as a laboratory of natural phenomena and as a medical storehouse is priceless. Conversely, if the rainforest disappears, researchers fear that plants with wonder-drug potential will be lost forever.

May 29th, 2005 marks the first Rainforest Run Fundraiser event developed by medicinal tea and import company Natural Lattitudes LLC of Madison, WI.

Co-Founder of Natural Lattitudes Joel Heyn says "I am running this year to show others that anything is possible with enough effort and drive. Our Rainforests have been recklessly put in danger for a long time and until what is left is completely saved, we as a people of this fragile planet need to step up and be responsible for our actions and put a stop to those causing the destruction of ours and our childrens unique natural treasures."

The focus of the Rainforest Run Fundraiser is to seek out every proud nature supporter to pledge as little as $1 per mile. That $26 dollars put towards the “Rainforest Run Marathon” will save over 1 acre of pristine rainforest land which will help to save hundreds of trees, flowers, birds and dozens of animals, reptiles, insects and fish which will otherwise have their homes carelessly destroyed

The goal of this event is to make others aware of Natures priceless beauty and to encourage a pride in the preservation of this vanishing paradise in order to pass on a legacy to future generations.

If every person in the U.S. could save just five acres, the entire rainforest would be preserved forever, and destructive corporations would be forced to seek land elsewhere. The soil of the Amazon is said to be of poor quality when stripped of its natural habitat and would be uselessly abandoned after only a few years of agricultural use. The natural structure of life in this amazing place is impossible to replicate.

We are trying to save as much as possible and plan to develop and encourage other fundraisers in the near future

Natural Lattitudes has partnered with the Amazon International Rainforest Reserve a Non-Profit Organization from Texas who since 1991 has saved over thousands of acres. Enthusiasts can learn a about the importance and gifts of the Amazon Rainforest at www.amazonrainforest.org Additional info about this and future events can be seen at www.rainforestpride.org

About Natural Lattitudes:
Natural Lattitudes is a medicinal Tea company located in Madison Wisconsin. The company was started by 2 young entrepreneurs last fall. The primary goal of Natural Lattitudes is to introduce the cultural sensation Yerba Mate to the people of the world. Yerba Mate is a hot tea drink with an abundance of healthy properties. Yerba Mate is regarded as a ritual of unity between the people who partake of it. The ritual consists of passing a gourd filled with the all natural tea to 1 or more other people in a circle. Each person will drink from the mate (gourd) through a straw (bombilla) and then pass it back to the server.

In addition to uniting people through this magical tradition, Natural Lattitudes also provides a taste of culture through their art and imports as well as other herbal and medicinal tea. Natural Lattitudes is proud to donate a portion of their profits to Rainforest Preservation.

www.thebestyerbamate.com