9 Nonprofits to Participate for $25,000 Top Grant in
Unique Philanthropic Initiative;
Selection Panel Includes Basketball Stars Dikembe
Mutombo and Rebecca Lobo
Westport, Connecticut ─ Newman's Own Foundation today announced the
continuation of its Campus Community Service Challenge in partnership with the
America East Conference. Launched last
year at the Conference's pre-season basketball tipoff, this unique program encourages
the practice of philanthropy on America East campuses and in surrounding
communities. One student group, chosen from each of the America East's nine
member universities, will participate on behalf of its nonprofit partner for
the top grant of $25,000. In total, over $100,000 will be awarded to nominated
nonprofits and other charities.
"Paul Newman believed that giving back is the greatest
opportunity and responsibility for making the world a better place," said Bob
Forrester, president of Newman's Own Foundation. "Tomorrow's leaders are today's university students,
and we want to recognize and encourage the spirit of philanthropy among these
young people. Last year's inaugural Challenge proved to us the value of doing
this one-of-a-kind program again this year."
Last year's top grant was awarded to
University of Vermont's Campus Kitchen in partnership
with Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. Its
grant of $25,000 has
been used to hire additional staff, purchase fresh food, teach cooking and nutrition
classes, and expand its culinary job-training program.
"Newman's Own Foundation and the
students of the America East Conference should be applauded for their
continuing efforts to positively serve our communities and shape the very
fabric of our nation," said U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), who has
the University of
Hartford - an AEC member
institution - in his congressional district.
One service-focused student group
from each member university, in connection with its nonprofit partner, will
again participate for a Newman's Own Foundation grant. The final grant
decisions will be made based on:
- The level of the student
group's involvement with its nonprofit partner, and the degree to which
that involvement reflects Paul Newman's philanthropic spirit of creativity
and commitment.
- The actual mission and programs
of the nonprofit, the populations and purposes it serves, and the impact
the Foundation's grant will have on it.
The top grant will be $25,000. The
next two grants will be for $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. Six nonprofits
will each receive a $5,000 grant from Newman's Own Foundation.
The nine student group/non-profit
pairings will be reviewed and voted on by the Challenge's Selection Panel. Leaders in philanthropy and social activism,
the judges are:
- Dikembe Mutombo, NBA legend and
well-known philanthropist who currently serves as a Global Ambassador for
the NBA.
- Rebecca Lobo, basketball
analyst for ESPN and former player in the Women's National Basketball
Association
- Ben Goldhirsch, founder of GOOD
Magazine
The
winners will be presented throughout the America East Men's and Women's
Basketball Championship held at the University of Hartford from March 3-6, 2011.
"Our campuses are very thankful that
Newman's Own Foundation will once again be sponsoring its Campus Community
Service Challenge," said Patrick Nero, commissioner of America East. "The Foundation serves as a terrific example
for our over 100,000 students, and its donations will have a long lasting
impact on our nine communities."
To learn more about the Challenge, please visit www.NewmansOwnFoundation.org/Challenge
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Newman's Own Foundation (www.newmansownfoundation.org)
Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To
carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman's Own Foundation donates all net
royalties and profits after taxes it receives from the sale of Newman's
Own products to charity. To date, Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have
given over $295 million to thousands of charities around the world.
About America East
(www.americaeast.com)
Since its beginning as a men's basketball
conference in 1979, America East has evolved into one of the most comprehensive
NCAA Division I conferences with 20 championship sports serving more than 3,000
student-athletes. Supporting the missions of its nine member institutions -
Albany, Binghamton, Boston University, Hartford, Maine, UMBC, New Hampshire,
Stony Brook and Vermont - America East is committed to developing champions in
academics, athletics and leadership.