SAN DIEGO – Dec. 13, 2004 – Representing the urban legend of the "New York City Sewergator," a sculpture of an alligator made out of Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna cans is the 2nd place Peoples' Choice Winner for a Canstruction event. 

Canstruction is a charity event held in cities across the United States and abroad where architecture and engineering firms design and build sculptures composed entirely of canned food.  After the event, food is donated to local food banks and shelters.

For the first time in Canstruction's 12-year history, the public was invited to vote for their favorite sculptures, which were on display at the New York Design Center.  More than 2,700 votes were cast between Nov. 11 and Nov. 24; votes were tallied Dec. 2. 

The "NYC Sewergator" was created by Weidlinger Associates and used approximately 1,300 3-ounce, 6-ounce and 12-ounce Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna cans, which were donated by the seafood company. 

Canstruction is trademarked by the Society of Design Administration, and works in tandem with the American Institute of Architects and other members of the design and construction industry. 

Chicken of the Sea wants to know what you can do with its seafood.  Build your own creation out of any Chicken of the Sea products, and send a photograph of it, along with a short description (100-word maximum), via e-mail to creations@chickenofthesea.com by Jan. 10, 2005.  One winner's sculpture will be featured in the January Mermaid Memo, and its creator will receive a $75 gift certificate to the Mermaid Store.  Participants must be Mermaid Club members to win.