Newman's Own Foundation Announces 2nd Annual Campus Community Challenge

Newman's Own Foundation Announces 2nd Annual Campus Community Challenge

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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.