Newman’s Own Foundation Pledges $1 Million to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

WESTPORT, Conn. – Newman’s Own Foundation has committed $1 million to the rebuilding of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp following a significant fire on February 12 that destroyed a number of buildings on the Ashford, Connecticut, site. The Camp was founded by actor Paul Newman in 1988.

“All of us at Newman’s Own were devastated by the fire,” said Miriam E. Nelson, president and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. “I have encouraged my colleague and friend, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp CEO Jimmy Canton, to rebuild in a manner that not only meets the current needs of children living with illness and their families, but also helps them pursue their boldest dreams for the future.”

Dr. Nelson went on to say, “We were particularly thrilled by the inspiring $1 million match made by Travelers and the Travelers Championship. The community response to this match is heartening, and it’s absolutely critical that people continue to donate to help this multi-million dollar rebuild effort. Hole in the Wall was the first of its kind and we hope that our commitment above and beyond the match will allow the Camp to continue to be cutting edge in every imaginable way for the brave campers and families they serve.”

“We are deeply grateful to Newman’s Own for their exceptionally generous commitment as well as their shared vision for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s future,” said Canton. “We envision both new buildings that reflect the latest accessibility standards and innovative programs that are as inclusive and welcoming as possible.”

Through a variety of year-round programs offered onsite and in hospitals and clinics, as well as in camper homes and communities, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp serves more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members each year. Hole in the Wall is an independent, not-for-profit organization dependent on private funding to serve all children and their family members completely free of charge.

On February 15, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) and the Travelers Championship announced a joint commitment to match up to $1 million in donations to rebuild the camp. Newman’s Own Foundation has asked that the Travelers and Travelers Championship challenge match not apply to the gift being announced today, so that the matching funds remain available to inspire further donations. Newman’s Own encourages all to continue to support the Travelers challenge match by making a gift at https://www.holeinthewallgang.org/rebuildcampfund or sending a donation by mail to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, P.O. Box 150448, Hartford, CT 06115-0448, Memo: Rebuild Camp Fund.

About Newman’s Own Foundation
Actor and philanthropist Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, he founded Newman’s Own Foundation to turn all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own products into donations. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given nearly $570 million to thousands of impactful organizations around the world. For more information, visit www.newmansownfoundation.org.

About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp 
Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides “a different kind of healing” to more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members annually – all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Ashford, Conn., in more than 40 hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities, and through other outreach activities across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Learn more at www.holeinthewallgang.org.

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Newman’s Own Foundation Makes $550,000 in Grants for Food Sovereignty for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Westport, CT – Newman’s Own Foundation today announced a commitment of $550,000 to support initiatives that increase food sovereignty, access to fresh food, and nutrition education in 19 states. From Urban Creators in Philadelphia, PA, to Partnership with Native Americans headquartered in Addison, TX, and serving dozens of tribal reservations, all of the organizations receiving grants are led by or serve Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC).

North Central Philadelphia is a predominantly African-American community, and due to decades of disinvestment, has some of the highest concentration of land vacancy, deep poverty, youth violence, and food insecurity in the nation. Urban Creators has engaged over 5,500 students and volunteers in growing fresh food for the community. At the same time, they have provided 121 jobs for local youth and contributed to a 40% decrease in Part 1 Violent crime in their immediate area. Founded in 2010, Urban Creators is led by a diverse group that makes all major decisions through consensus. Of their nine core staff members and co-creators, eight are people of color, five are members of the immediate community, and four are former participants of their youth programs.

Newman’s Own Foundation’s grant is supporting the creation of Urban Creators’ Mobile Market to respond to the changing needs of the community because of COVID-19. The Market offers fresh produce, hot meals, PPE, diapers, voter registration, and social service navigation.

“It’s a pleasure to do the work that we do, and we at Urban Creators are grateful to be acknowledged for it by Newman’s Own Foundation,” says Rob Sonder, co-director of event management of Urban Creators. “We will be using these resources to add to our infrastructure in order to assist small businesses and first time entrepreneurs by creating a co-op with the goal of sharing a network and resources to increase the local economy while increasing our capacity so we can continue to serve, educate, and empower more people in our North Philadelphia community.”

“Newman’s Own Foundation has supported fresh food access and nutrition education programs for more than 35 years,” says Miriam Nelson acting President and CEO of the Foundation. “We are pleased to be able to support strong BIPOC leaders as they seek to improve the well-being of children and families.”

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About Newman’s Own Foundation
Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman’s Own Foundation turns all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own products into charitable donations. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $560 million to thousands of charities around the world. For more information, visit www.newmansownfoundation.org.

Newman’s Own Foundation Supports Leadership Development

Grants to Nonprofits Addressing Nutrition Challenges

Westport, CT – Newman’s Own Foundation, founded by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, announced grants supporting internal professional and leadership development for nutrition-focused nonprofits. The Foundation identified eight organizations to receive funding, recognizing that nonprofits often have the need but not the opportunity for training.

“Over time, our commitment to nutrition has expanded beyond program support,” said Kelly Giordano, Managing Director of Newman’s Own Foundation. “Professional development funding can be critical in helping to foster organizational growth and sustainability for long-term impact.”

A total of $50,000 is being awarded to Acta Non Verba (Oakland, CA); Green Village Initiative (Bridgeport, CT); Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard (Bloomington, IN); Rid All Green Partnership (Bedford, OH); Soul Fire Farm (Petersburg, NY); The Food Project (Lincoln, MA); Truly Living Well (East Point, GA); and Urban Creators (Philadelphia, PA).

Newman’s Own Foundation has been a long-time supporter of nutrition, through funding for grassroots organizations, domestic and international programs, and cohorts of nonprofits working together for greater impact and sustainability. For more information about the nutrition focus and support by Newman’s Own Foundation, visit https://newmansownfoundation.org/nutrition/.

The Newman’s Own® Awards Celebrate 20 Years of Charitable Giving with 2019 Grant Winners Announcement

Funds Continue to Support Military Non-Profits Offering Quality Veteran Care

Two decades ago, Newman’s Own partnered with Fisher House Foundation and Military Times to highlight five non-profit organizations supporting military servicemembers and their families. Every year since then, the Newman’s Own® Award grants have continued to provide funding toward innovative programs created to improve the quality of life of veterans. The 2019 Newman’s Own® Awards marks the 20th anniversary, with more than $2 million awarded across 174 non-profit programs over the past two decades.

As a long-time supporter of military non-profits, Newman’s Own carries on the legacy of Paul Newman, founder of Newman’s Own, who sought to help make a difference in the lives of others. Paul, a Navy veteran, served in the Pacific during World War II. Later in life, he came up with his own line of salad dressings, BBQ sauces, pizzas, salsas and much more, and decided that all the profits from Newman’s Own products would go to charities in need.

“At Newman’s Own, we are honored to carry on Paul Newman’s legacy by supporting organizations that help improve the quality of life of our military members and their families,” said Jeff Smith, VP of Operations at Newman’s Own, Inc. “Service members, veterans and their loved ones often face unique obstacles as a result of their dedication to serving our nation. We are delighted to be able to show our appreciation and respect for their service through the Newman’s Own Awards year after year.”

“For the past twenty years Fisher House Foundation has been proud to partner with Newman’s Own and Military Times to recognize and help organizations that share our values,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “It’s important to give these organizations visibility, and share their stories, so that others can see the good things that are being done throughout the military community.”

After receiving more than 200 entries for the 2019 program, five judges evaluated each entry based on the organization’s impact to the respective communities, creativity and innovation. Newman’s Own, Fisher House Foundation and Military Times are proud to announce that the five winning organizations include: Quality of Life Plus Program, Quality of Life Plus; Drive for Hope, Hope For The Warriors; Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP), Stack Up; Service2CEO, The Rosie Network; and the Military Family Wellness Center, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center (Organization information below). The leading 2019 Newman’s Own Award-winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant, with the remaining top organizations receiving $37,500. All winners will be honored at a private ceremony held at the Pentagon in Washington, DC in early 2020.

The Quality of Life Plus Program received the highest honor and a $50,000 award. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, the Quality of Life Plus Program provides America’s injured patriots with individualized, functional and affordable assistive technologies to increase their mobility beyond what is provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.  They do this by supporting engineering students at 18 universities helping them develop solutions that give veterans with disabilities greater mobility and independence.

“The Quality of Life Plus (QL+) team thanks Newman’s Own and Fisher House Foundations for their generous gift,” said Charlie Kolb, Executive Director, Quality of Life Plus. “Their commitment to assist service members and veterans is aligned with the QL+ mission to improve the quality of life of those who have served.  We are humbled and honored to be chosen as a 2019 grant recipient from these prestigious organizations.”

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About Newman’s Own®, Inc.
Newman’s Own, Inc., founded by Paul Newman in 1982, offers great tasting, high quality food and beverage products for people and pets. Products include salad dressings, pasta sauces, frozen pizza, salsa, refrigerated drinks, cookies, barbecue sauce, and snacks as well as dog food, cat food and pet treats. Newman’s Own Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all royalties and profits that it receives from the sale of its food products for charitable purposes. Over $550 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982. For more information, visit NewmansOwn.com.

About Military Times
The Military Times digital platforms and print products are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on the Army Times, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times and Air Force Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including: pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit www.militarytimes.com.

About Fisher House Foundation
Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 86 comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $451 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation. www.fisherhouse.org

Winning Entries
Quality of Life Plus (QL+)
Quality of Life Plus Program, McLean, VA

The Quality of Life Plus Program provides America’s injured patriots with individualized, functional and affordable assistive technologies to increase their mobility beyond what is provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. They do this by supporting engineering students at 18 universities helping them develop solutions that give veterans with disabilities greater mobility and independence. These quality of life improvements are provided at no cost to the veteran. QL+ recruits veterans, identifies challenges that can be addressed by students as a senior design project, and together with faculty advisors, monitors the projects to completion.For more information, contact Charlie Kolb (Charlie.kolb@qlplus.org) or visit www.qlplus.org.

Hope For The Warriors
Drive for Hope, Springfield, VA

In collaboration with the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, the Drive for Hope program supports comprehensive driving rehabilitation services designed to help service members and veterans regain the independence that was lost as a result of injury or illness. From working with medical providers to behind-the-wheel training in adaptive vehicles, Drive for Hope will be there every step of the way. It is the only non-profit in the Nation to offer and fund a comprehensive driver rehabilitation program. All services will be offered at no cost to the participants. A significant gap in services exist within the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs related to driver’s rehabilitation and access to related services. The magic of this program is that all aspects – rehabilitation and vehicle modification – exist in one location.  For more information, contact Natalie Kanellopoulos (nkanellopoulos@hopeforthewarriors.org) or visit www.hopeforthewarriors.org.

Stack Up
Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP), Sylmar, CA

The Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP) is an innovative suicide prevention and crisis intervention initiative that uses online gaming to connect veterans with trained, certified StOP members via Stack Up’s Discord channel—a popular tool that allows online gamers to communicate in real time. StOP members provide immediate mental health intervention and assistance, with the goal to de-escalate the crisis and provide referrals to resources within the veteran’s local community.While previous generations of veterans found support and camaraderie by gathering in person, post-9/11 veterans have developed online communities that include online gaming as a source of community and trauma relief. Discord is a powerful digital tool for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. StOP is at the forefront of the mental health wellness trend, providing support and referrals to veterans who need it, when they need it, even if it’s just someone to talk to or game with. For more information, contact Mat Bergendahl (mat.b@stack-up.org) or visit www.stackup.org.

The Rosie Network
Service2CEO, Ramona, CA

The Service2CEO initiative is a 12-month individualized entrepreneurship and financial literacy training program for military spouses, veterans and transitioning service members housed in a shared office environment in the Military Entrepreneur Development Center (MEDC) in San Diego and Rosie Chapters across the US. Participants choose one of two tracks – launch or grow, with the opportunity to choose an accelerator track based on their business model and position for growth. Many military entrepreneurial programs focus on specialty areas such as high tech, or only for eligible veterans, the Rosie Network was the first to offer entrepreneurial programs specifically geared towards military spouses and continue to have more than 60% spouses as Service2CEO members. What sets them apart is their inclusivity of clients — all branches of service, all sizes/industries of business, any military spouse, veteran or transitioning service member looking to launch or grow a business. For more information, contact Leona Sublett (lsublett@therosienetwork.org) or visit www.therosienetwork.org.

Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Military Family Wellness Center (MFWC), New York, NY

Military caregivers and spouses are more likely than civilians to experience mental health problems such as depression. The MFWC provides mental health assessment and treatment to those who do not qualify for, do not benefit from, or feel reluctant to use traditional providers. Roughly 25% of the Center’s patients are adult family members of veterans including spouses, adult children, and others.

The MFWC is distinguished for its ease of access, cost-free services, minimal bureaucracy, confidentiality, and wide range of high-quality treatment options. Another unique attribute, they offer tele-mental health services, making mental health care accessible to patients who are unable to come to in-person appointments. For more information, contact Takeisha Hall-Ruff (th2187@columbia.edu) or visit https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/.

Judges for the 2019 competition were:

Mrs. Ellyn Dunford                        Spouse of General Joseph Dunford, USMC
Mrs. Tammy Fisher                       Trustee, Fisher House Foundation
Mrs. Lynne Pace                           Trustee, Fisher House Foundation
Mrs. Suzie Schwartz                     Trustee, Fisher House Foundation
Mr. Jeffrey Smith                           Vice President of Operations, Newman’s Own

Newman’s Own Foundation Supports Nutrition Initiatives With $2 Million in Grants

Focused on Fresh Food Access and Nutrition 

Newman’s Own Foundation, founded by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, today announced $2 million in grants have been awarded to nonprofit organizations that are focused on fresh food access and nutrition education. The funding will support nutrition programs all over the country and internationally, helping nonprofits address various needs such as nutrition education, healthy diets, food rescue, gardening, and access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved communities.

Newman’s Own Foundation has been a long-time supporter of nutrition, and this year more than $1 million of the funds will be focused on grassroots organizations that provide impact at a local level.

“Nutrition is a fundamental need that is often taken for granted, but severely neglected in many communities, due to various circumstances. Newman’s Own Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that help improve nutrition education and fresh food access, especially in underserved communities,” said Jennifer Smith Turner, Interim President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. “There are many nonprofits working hard to assist children and families with nutritional training and offering programs that provide healthier food through affordable access, and we applaud their efforts.”

As part of this commitment to nutrition, $750,000 has been awarded to organizations that work on fresh food access, nutrition education, and food sovereignty in Native American communities. Food insecurity in these communities is particularly severe, where many Native households don’t have access to adequate food due to lack of money or other resources. Newman’s Own Foundation has been supporting a Native American Nutrition Cohort, consisting of nine nonprofits that are working to improve nutrition in their communities. Through this peer-learning model, the group shares experiences, builds relationships, and collaborates to help address issues and solve nutrition-related problems in their communities. The most recent meeting was held in Flagstaff AZ in September. The list of organizations in the Native American Nutrition Cohort that are receiving grants can be found here: http://newmansorgstg.wpengine.com/nutrition

Newman’s Own Foundation continues the legacy of Paul Newman, who founded Newman’s Own in 1982, giving all profits to charity. To date, more than $550 million has been donated to thousands of charities around the world, helping millions of people.

For more information about the nutrition focus and support by Newman’s Own Foundation, visit the website: http://newmansorgstg.wpengine.com/nutrition

Newman’s Own Foundation Supports Wild Earth Allies With $500,000 Grant

Newman’s Own Foundation, founded by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, provided a grant of $500,000 to Wild Earth Allies to support their global conservation work. The funds will help Wild Earth Allies launch The Wild Fund to protect more of the earth’s vital wildlife and habitats.The grant announcement was made during a field visit with Wild Earth Allies in Rwanda by Bob Forrester, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation, to see collaborative efforts in protecting the threatened mountain gorilla population in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Their visit included a conservation briefing by Eugène Rutagarama, Goldman Environmental Prize recipient, CNN Hero, and former mountain gorilla program director.

“We are a proud supporter of Wild Earth Allies, which has been working for decades to protect the wildlife and habitats that face unprecedented threats from natural and manmade forces,” said Forrester. “Their innovative initiatives are more critical than ever to protect the planet’s biodiversity, and the Newman’s Own Foundation grant will hopefully catalyze other investments to accelerate their work globally.”

The $500,000 grant to The Wild Fund is a leadership donation intended to leverage funding from other donors. The Wild Fund will deepen protection in key program areas such as great apes in Central Africa, Asian elephants in Cambodia, marine turtles in the eastern Pacific, and threatened trees in priority landscapes. Wild Earth Allies’ decades-long commitment to collaborating in the field to protect biodiversity around the globe has delivered tangible results, such as growing the critically endangered mountain gorilla population in Central Africa by roughly 42% since 1989.

Wild Earth Allies, formerly known as Fauna & Flora International, Inc., works to identify and protect globally important wildlife and habitats that can be conserved through targeted collaborative action. They foster local partnerships that result in lasting conservation impact.

“This is such important support, fueling our work with many partners to protect critical areas of our natural world for the benefit of wildlife, habitats and people,” said Katie Frohardt, Executive Director of Wild Earth Allies. “It is a particular privilege to be with Bob here in Rwanda, where I lived and worked on mountain gorilla conservation years ago. Seeing the impact from sustained investment like that of Newman’s Own Foundation sparks optimism about the future.”

The $500,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation was made as part of the 35th anniversary celebration of Newman’s Own, founded by Paul Newman with the promise of giving 100% of profits to charity. Since 1982, $500 million has been donated, helping thousands or organizations and millions of people around the world.

Newman’s Own Foundation Awards $2.5 Million in Grants to Independent Media

Helping stations to sustain valuable news and informational programming

Westport, CT – Newman’s Own Foundation, founded by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, today announced that it is awarding $2.5 million in grants over two years to 16 public broadcasting radio and television networks across the United States. The grants affirm the value of preserving trusted sources and multiple perspectives for news and other informational programming.

Most of the stations will use their grants as challenges to stimulate donor giving. Two will direct funding to programming or special projects.

“Independent media is essential to bringing civil dialogue to communities,” said Robert Forrester, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. “We are proud to help these stations as they continue their important work in giving a voice to many perspectives.”

The organizations receiving grants are:

  • Arizona PBS, Tempe, AZ
  • Blue Ridge Public Television, Roanoke, VA
  • Channel 5 Public Broadcasting, Reno, NV
  • Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, Hartford, CT
  • Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Tampa, FL
  • Foundation for Public Broadcasting in Georgia, Atlanta, GA
  • Greater Cincinnati Television Educational Foundation (CET), Cincinnati, OH
  • Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association (WETA), Arlington, VA
  • KCETLink, Burbank, CA
  • KQED, San Francisco, CA
  • Minnesota Public Radio, Saint Paul, MN
  • National Public Radio, Washington, DC
  • North Texas Public Broadcasting, Dallas, TX
  • Illinois Public Media, Urbana, IL
  • WNET/Channel 13, New York, NY
  • WSHU Public Radio, Fairfield, CT

Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, summed up the value of challenge grants in generating additional support for independent media. “The Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge grant was the first of its kind to come to our organization. The Foundation has served as a trailblazer in this area, allowing us to leverage challenge grants from several other foundations, corporations, and even small businesses,” said Franklin. “Our audiences have come to recognize Newman’s Own Foundation as the gold standard for challenge grants, making the challenge grant our single most effective tool during pledge drives.”

Paul Newman founded Newman’s Own, the food and beverage company, in 1982, with a commitment to donate 100% of the profits to charity. Today, Newman’s Own Foundation is the sole owner of the company and continues this charitable promise. Together, Paul Newman and the Foundation have donated more than $485 million to thousands of charities around the world.

For more information about the Foundation’s support of independent media and other initiatives, visit newmansorgstg.wpengine.com/empowerment.

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