Edible gardens educate, connect 200K underserved children to fresh, healthy food

SOURCE:Wells Fargo & Company

DESCRIPTION:

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced today a $2 million grant to The Kitchen Community (TKC) to help bring hundreds of innovative, outdoor Learning Garden Classrooms to thousands of students in underserved communities nationwide. The contribution represents the largest corporate donation to the organization.

The philanthropic endeavor also furthers Wells Fargo’s 2020 Environmental Goals to provide $65 million in contributions by 2020 to foster resilient communities, clean technology and innovation, and environmental education.

The Kitchen Community, founded in 2011 by Chef Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk, reaches 200,000 students every school day with nearly 400 outdoor Learning Garden classrooms in Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Memphis, Tenn. “The bank’s contribution empowers TKC to reach its 2020 impact goal of 1000 schools across 10 cities to reach hundreds of thousands more children in low-income areas,” said Tighe Hutchins, national director of The Kitchen Community.

“We’re thrilled to work with Wells Fargo to bring more Learning Gardens to kids across America,” Hutchins said. “We’ll be able to build more Learning Gardens in more cities that connect kids to real food, the natural world, and teach them about a key environmental issue of our time: where their food comes from.”

In addition to introducing fresh, healthy food to children, the outdoor classrooms serve as edible gardens designed to increase academic achievement, and drive community engagement. Students, grades K-8, apply math and science concepts while planting, maintaining, and harvesting their produce. The Learning Garden beds – customized, modular, and raised – feature seating and shade, making them conducive to teaching and learning.

“Without involving school gardens in primary education, we cannot expect to cultivate the citizens of tomorrow whom will improve the health of our city ecosystems,” said Musk, CEO and co-founder of The Kitchen Community.

“We are proud to partner with Wells Fargo in promoting a message of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and opportunity for underserved, urban students,” Musk added.

Since 2005, Wells Fargo has integrated sustainability initiatives into its culture, funding innovative organizations that foster environmental literacy and a new generation of sustainability leaders.

“The Kitchen Community’s program is already having a huge impact and we are excited to work alongside the organization to reach even more students and communities,” said Ashley Grosh, vice president, environmental philanthropy manager for Wells Fargo.

Through its environmental education grant-making, Wells Fargo promotes scalable community outreach and education programs, targeting low-to-moderate-income communities and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives. The bank’s larger environmental commitment also focuses on improving its own operational efficiency, financing renewable energy projects and advancing clean technologies.

About The Kitchen Community

The Kitchen Community (TKC) was established in 2011 by Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk. TKC believes in a future where every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in healthy communities. To create healthier environments in underserved schools, TKC builds Learning Gardens, thriving vegetable gardens and hands-on outdoor classrooms. Through our Learning Gardens and our school-based programming, TKC seeks to increase academic engagement and achievement, strengthen the bond between schools and their communities, and increase kids’ knowledge of and preference for fresh fruits and vegetables. Today there are hundreds of Learning Gardens in schools around the United States reaching nearly 200,000 students every day. For more information, please visit http://tkc.org or follow on Twitter @TheKitchenComm and Instagram @TheKitchenCommunity.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 8,500 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 42 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 271,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 25 on Fortune’s 2017 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Tweet me:.@WellsFargo Grants the Kitchen Community $2M for Hundreds of School Gardens. http://bit.ly/2uDnG47

KEYWORDS: Environment, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Wells Fargo & Company, The Kitchen Community, Learning Garden Classrooms, students, underserved communities

SOURCE:Albertsons Companies

DESCRIPTION:

Originally posted on PR Newswire

Hunger Is, a joint charitable program of The Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Vons Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), supports Olive Crest Children to make sure students have access to a healthy breakfast every day.  Wednesday, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions store executives and corporate volunteers helped make healthy snacks with the children at Olive Crest Academy in Orange.  The "Hunger Is" campaign is active in the 33 states where Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions has stores.  

More than 20 volunteers and 175 children participated.  At the end of the breakfast time, the company representatives presented a $20,000 check to Olive Crest Academy to continue the program. To date, "Hunger Is" has funded 5 programs in Orange County, totaling $213,000. 

Continue reading at PR Newswire

Tweet me:.@Vons @AlbertsonsCos Foundation supports children @Olive_Crest by increasing access to healthy breakfast every day http://bit.ly/2tjFiCC

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Community Development, Albertsons Companies Foundation, Vons Foundation

SOURCE:Ray C. Anderson Foundation

SUMMARY:

Development of a connected and sustainable highway needs dedicated leaders within institutions, companies and governments. Europe should take heed of The Ray initiative in the US, argues John Catling

DESCRIPTION:

Reprinted from World Highways

Development of the connected and sustainable highways is moving quickly in the US and the Far East but progress in Europe is much less impressive. One example of a connected highway that offers an interesting model for European transport planners and policymakers is The Ray, a 29km stretch of Interstate 85 in the state of Georgia.

Read more.

Tweet me:Development of a connected and sustainable highway needs dedicated leaders http://bit.ly/2ue9vls @TheRayHighway

Contact Info:

Valerie Bennett
Ray C. Anderson Foundation
+1 (770) 317-5858
valerie@raycandersonfoundation.org

Anna Cullen
The Ray
+1 (404) 405-2685
anna@theray.org

KEYWORDS: Green Infrastructure, Environment, WheelRight, The Ray, Wattway, Ray C. Anderson Foundation

SOURCE:Caterpillar

DESCRIPTION:

Caterpillar and the Caterpillar Foundation are committed to reducing energy poverty so that sustainable progress is possible — progress such as sanitation and education. These are the building blocks to grow economies and improve living standards for millions.

Click here to explore some of the solutions that Caterpillar and its customers are deploying around the world today.

Tweet me:.@CaterpillarInc and @CatFoundationTS are committed to reducing energy poverty and providing sustainable progress http://bit.ly/2tn7YuH

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Energy, sustainability, Caterpillar

SOURCE:Baxter International Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

DEERFIELD, Ill., July 20, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), a global medical products company, today announced the publication of its 18th annual corporate responsibility report. Entitled Making a Meaningful Difference, the report details Baxter’s commitment to delivering environmental, social and economic value to the communities and constituencies the company serves in support of its mission to “Save and Sustain Lives.”

Baxter was also recently recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. The Civic 50 provides a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

“Our corporate responsibility priorities are tightly integrated with our strategic imperatives as a healthcare leader, adding greater dimension to how we bring our mission to life,” said Baxter Chairman and Chief Executive Officer José (Joe) E. Almeida. “Even as we transform as a business, we are tireless in our efforts to expand access to quality care, reduce our environmental footprint, advance STEM education, promote an inclusive workplace, and ultimately make a difference for the communities and constituencies we serve.”

This year's report, which is available at www.Baxter.com/responsibility, outlines the company’s corporate responsibility strategy and highlights progress toward Baxter’s 2020 corporate responsibility goals. Areas of focus include employee health and safety; community service; product innovation; access to care; operations; ethics and compliance; responsible procurement and logistics; and workplace culture.

2016 Highlights include:

• Operations: Baxter decreased plastic waste by more than 535 metric tons; achieved a 67% recycling rate; reduced its use of PVC by 145 metric tons; and reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint by 6% from 2015
• Responsible Procurement and Logistics: The company’s total worldwide GHG emissions from product transport equaled 336,000 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent, a 25% decrease from 2015; additionally, the company converted approximately 30% of its road freight to rail during the year
• Serving Our Communities: Baxter and the Baxter International Foundation donated more than $27 million in product, cash and grants to help increase access to healthcare and support causes that matter to employees globally
• Employee Health and Safety: More than 14,000 employees logged over 165,000 hours of exercise as part of the BeWell@Baxter Exercise Challenge, a 29% increase over 2015

In recognition of the company’s broader efforts to advance corporate responsibility, Baxter has been included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 17 consecutive years. The company has also been recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Human Rights Campaign. Baxter achieved an A- on its CDP Climate Change score; and is recognized as an EPA Green Power Partner for being the 23rd largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the United States. For more information about recent recognition visit: http://www.baxter.com/awards.

About Baxter
Baxter provides a broad portfolio of essential renal and hospital products, including home, acute and in-center dialysis; sterile IV solutions; infusion systems and devices; parenteral nutrition; surgery products and anesthetics; and pharmacy automation, software and services. The company’s global footprint and the critical nature of its products and services play a key role in expanding access to healthcare in emerging and developed countries. Baxter’s employees worldwide are building upon the company’s rich heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of healthcare innovations that enable patient care.

Tweet me:.@baxter_intl #CSR report features progress towards 2020 #social and #environmental goals http://bit.ly/2tKCdXG

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Diversity & Inclusion, Baxter International, sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility

AEG’s LA Galaxy Host Women in Soccer Night for the LA Galaxy-Vancouver Whitecaps FC match on July 19

SOURCE:AEG

DESCRIPTION:

AEG’s LA Galaxy Foundation continued its Women’s Leadership Series presented by Herbalife Nutrition with an executive leadership panel on Wednesday, July 19 at StubHub Center as part of the LA Galaxy’s Women in Soccer Night that featured a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In collaboration with WISE Los Angeles, the event included a discussion with senior female executives in the sport and entertainment industry about the progress and direction of women in soccer and emerging roles within the sport and entertainment industry.

Panelists included Christine Simmons, President & COO of LA Sparks, Dana Ryan, Sports Performance and Education Manager for Herbalife Nutrition, Elizabeth Robinson, West Director of adidas Key Cities Los Angeles, Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of StubHub Center and was moderated by Melinda Travis, CEO at PRO Sports Communications. 

For more information, click here. 

Tweet me:Yesterday @LAGalaxy Foundation teamed up w/ @WISELosAngeles to host Women’s Leadership Series at @StubHubCenter http://bit.ly/2ttCoeK

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Education, AEG, LA Galaxy, WISE Los Angeles, StubHub Center, Dan Beckerman, Chris Klein, Women in Soccer, women in sports and events, Christine Simmons, LA Sparks

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

POCONO MANOR, Pa., July 20, 2017 /3BL Media/ – At tonight’s sold out 14^th annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, the largest single event fundraiser in Monroe County, $225,875 was awarded to five Monroe County-based nonprofits, bringing the total raised since the event’s inception to more than $2.3 million.

Almost 500 community supporters attended this year’s event, titled “Millions Raised, Thousands Reached.” Within the ballroom of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, funds were presented to the following local non-profit organizations (in alpha order): Fitzmaurice Community Services, Inc.; Monroe County Habitat for Humanity; Monroe County Meals on Wheels; Monroe County Youth Employment Services; and United Way of Monroe County.

Event founder, Diamond Sponsor and host Sanofi Pasteur once again covered all event costs. As a result, 100 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships directly benefitted the non-profit recipients and their clients.

  Monroe County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kelly Kemmerer shares, “The Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser has twice funded our home preservation program. Through that support, challenged homeowners have successfully continued living in their homes in need of repair, ultimately becoming more self-sufficient, more productive community citizens. Consider that type of impact for the clients of the 30 other nonprofit recipients and one can appreciate the true collective impact of the Fundraiser.”

Funding awarded at this year’s event will help the following programs:

- Fitzmaurice Community Services, Inc. -- Employ individuals with disabilities and purchase necessary equipment to operate a first-of-its-kind café at the Eastern Branch of the Eastern Monroe Public Library. This opportunity will provide individuals with disabilities integration into the community and new development opportunities, while enhancing the public’s overall library experience.

- Monroe County Habitat for Humanity – Sustain a home preservation program – helping local homeowners who are affected by low income, age, or disability to receive necessary repairs on their homes.

- Monroe County Meals on Wheels -- Fund a case manager who will connect homebound individuals, often frail and socially isolated, with support services they need to stay healthy, safe, and independent in their homes.

- Monroe County Youth Employment Services -- Continue the Project Success program, which will afford training in leadership, health awareness, career exploration, employability, and entrepreneurship to local youth ages 12 to 24.

- United Way of Monroe County -- Launch the Fresh Change project, a community impact collaboration focused on offering access to healthy, nutritious food to all Monroe County residents. The program will also bring together food pantry partners to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the county’s supplemental feeding system.

Eyewitness News/WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV served as a key media sponsor for the Fundraiser, culminating with Brianna Strunk, Eyewitness News reporter, serving as a co-emcee for tonight’s gala, along with Sanofi Pasteur’s Frank Epifano and Ellyn Schindler. In addition, Eyewitness News/WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV filmed and broadcasted each of the non-profit recipients, highlighting each program supported by the Fundraiser. Guests enjoyed an array of culinary delights by Kalahari and the music of the Jim Roberti Trio.

The agency selection committee, which voted on this year’s non-profit recipients, includes representatives from the following organizations: Desaki Restaurant, East Stroudsburg University, Farr Associates Consulting, LLC, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono, Northampton Community College, Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Sanofi Pasteur, and Vigon International.

Past fundraiser recipients include: Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Services, Equi-librium, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania, Pocono Alliance, Pocono Services for Families and Children, Salvation Army, Weller Center for Health Education, and Women’s Resources of Monroe County, among others.

Corporate and Media Sponsors for the 2017 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser include: Aumvis Pharmatec, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Publicis Groupe, and Sanofi Pasteur (Diamond sponsors); LR Costanzo Co., Inc., and St. Luke’s University Health Network (Signature sponsors); East Stroudsburg University/ESU Foundation, Eyewitness News/WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono, Monroe County Bar Foundation, Mount Airy Casino Resort, Relevant Solutions, Sanofi, and Worth & Company, Inc. (Gold sponsors); Adams Outdoor Advertising, Advanced Cleanroom Microclean, Ann & Joseph Farda Foundation, Desaki/The Trapasso Family, DME, DrugDev, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mattioli Foundation, Pocono Manor Investors, LP; Stone Office Inc., Turner Construction Company, Vigon International, and W2O Group (Silver sponsors); ACP Facility Services, Inc., The Braga Family, and ICON Clinical Research (Shining Star sponsors).

About Sanofi

Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris ((EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur produces a portfolio of high quality vaccines that matches its areas of expertise and meets public-health demand. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us

Contact:
 

Ellyn Schindler                                                                                   

Director, North America Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement

Sanofi Pasteur                                                                                     

570-957-2689                                                                            

ellyn.schindler@sanofi.com

Tweet me:Sanofi Pasteur’s Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser Continues Its Legacy With Millions Raised, Thousands Reached http://bit.ly/2u8KDtV

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Events, Media & Communications, Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Fitzmaurice, United Way, Youth Employment Services, csr, Corporate Social Responsibility, Monroe County, Poconos, Donation, Kalahari

SOURCE:Albertsons Companies

DESCRIPTION:

Originally appeared on KGW.com

Safeway and Albertsons has partnered with KGWNews and The Harrington Family Foundation to improve access to higher education for low-income students in Oregon. The Harrington Family Foundation's Quarterback Scholarship invests in local communities who make a difference in in their local communities. The need-based scholarship is for low-income students seeking to study at a trade school or Oregon University. 

Donate at the register at your participating local Safeway or Albertsons store in Oregon to help local students.

Continue reading on KGW.com

Tweet me:.@Safeway @Albertsons @KGWNews partner with Harrington Family Foundation to improve access to higher education http://bit.ly/2tqJoca

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Education, Albertsons, Safeway

7 externs. 25 mentors. 12 business and technical disciplines.

SOURCE:Weatherford

DESCRIPTION:

We have to brag on our Weatherford IPAA/PESA summer externs from Westside High School and Young Women's College Preparatory Academy. Over the course of their two-week externship they met with more than 25 mentors from 12 business and technical disciplines. Each day, the young ladies learned something new and grew more confident in their abilities. And each day, they left a lasting impression on our team. #WeatherfordWISE

Tweet me:.@WeatherfordCorp helped summer externs grow in knowledge/confidence under the guidance of #WeatherfordWISE mentors http://bit.ly/2tyfv6J

KEYWORDS: Education, Diversity & Inclusion, Weatherford, engineering, Girls in STEM

SOURCE:Las Vegas Sands

DESCRIPTION:

Las Vegas Sands’ global corporate giving program, Sands Cares, integrates our philanthropic work worldwide, including financial giving, Team Member volunteerism and in-kind support. The ultimate goal for Sands Cares is to build on our company’s legacy of making an impact in the areas we care about most – our People and those working in the hospitality industry, the Communities we call home and the Planet we share. 

Watch this to see how we’re making a difference in our communities.

Tweet me:VIDEO | #SandsCares: @LasVegasSands' #CorporateGiving Program http://bit.ly/2tRoPW2 #CSR #philanthropy #EmployeeEngagement

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Community Development, Sands Cares, Global Citizenship Program, Las Vegas Sands

Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility Report to honor several CSR Heroes July 25th

SOURCE:Aflac

DESCRIPTION:

Twice a month, you'll find Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator David Watsonand his "Breakfast Crew" up before the sun, cooking a hot breakfast at the Family Emergency Shelter for homeless children and parents in Louisville, Kentucky. When David found out the Shelter struggled with funding to help these families, he and his team stepped up in a big way. In fact, Volunteers of America named him their Volunteer of the Year. Look for David, along with our other Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) heroes, in the new Aflac CSR Report on July 25. #AflacCSR

Tweet me:.@Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility Heroes | Regional Sales Coordinator David Watson http://bit.ly/2tmr7sD #duckprints

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Media & Communications, Aflac, csr, Heros

C-suite leaders from Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft and Google will meet at the first ever Responsible Business Summit West in November to champion the delivery of social impact by looking at stakeholder engagement, leveraging data & technology and more

SOURCE:Ethical Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

LONDON, July 20, 2017 /3BL Media/ - The Responsible Business Summit is returning to the US in 2017 to tackle some of the top societal and business-critical issues faced on the West Coast and will launch for the first time in San Francisco on November 14-15.

Taking place on November 14-15 in San Francisco, this will be a landmark event as it marks the first time the Ethical Corporation’s globally renowned flagship Responsible Business Summit Series is held on the West Coast of the US.

The two-day forum will host over 200 CEOs and senior business executives looking to balance growth with positive social impact. The Summit will look to address the enormous complexity that has arisen from an increasing expectation on companies to inspire social change despite continuing pressure from stakeholders to meet financial targets.

“Businesses, now maybe more than ever before, are expected to address the increasing social issues faced both in the US and around the world. After months of research of professionals up and down the West-Coast we’ve identified the key challenges and opportunities that businesses are tackling. I look forward to hearing how these leading companies are looking to address these issues, and the business benefits they’re realising as a result,” explain Liam Dowd, managing director at Ethical Corporation.

With keynotes from impact visionaries at Eastman, Net Impact and Global Impact followed by three dedicated tracks on making the business case for social impact, influencing the business on social purpose and engaging external stakeholders, the Responsible Business Summit West will confront every aspect of delivering social purpose and will seek to overcome the many challenges that face businesses today. Some of the key issues tackled will include;

1. Realising the business case – generate solutions that meet business needs whilst strengthening purpose by looking at the evidence
2. Unlocking the potential of technology – see how technology can be utilized to boost social impact
3. Getting stakeholders on board - appreciate that strengthening social purpose can be used to engage customers and attract the right investors

Particularly, pioneers from Microsoft and Google will be unpicking the use of technology in delivering social impact and bolstering purpose in a dedicated keynote. As well, the influential non-profit Net Impact will be leading an innovative session on how to leverage social purpose strategy as a recruitment tool as well as to involve and inspire the workforce.

For more information on one of America’s leading CSR conferences visit the official event website here http://events.ethicalcorp.com/rbs-west/index.php or contact Krina Amin, Head of Strategy at Ethical Corp at krina.amin@ethicalcorp.com or call +44 (0) 207 375 7508 #RBSWEST

Tweet me:@Ethical_Corp renowned Responsible Business Summit will be held for the first time in San Francisco, see more here http://bit.ly/2vgrHIO

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Diversity & Inclusion, Ethical Corporation

SOURCE:Whole Foods Market Foundations

DESCRIPTION:

Whole Planet Foundation welcomes nuun hydration as a new member of the $10,000 Fund and as a sponsor of this year’s Virtual 10K Run, which aims to raise funds for microlending projects in 69 countries. “Our mission at nuun is simple in that ‘we inspire everyone to move more,’” says Kevin Rutherford, CEO (Chief Eternal Optimist) at nuun hydration. “The team at nuun is thrilled to partner with the positive change agents at Whole Planet Foundation, getting more people moving in the Virtual 10K Run, while giving back to help lift entrepreneurs out of poverty.”  Visit Whole Planet Foundation’s blog for hydration tips from nuun and a chance to receive a limited edition nuun x WPF water bottle with your Virtual 10K registration and t-shirt purchase. Watch the awesome make your water count with nuun video here. 

Find the nuun hydration tips blog here

Find the nuun make your water count video here

Tweet me:.@nuunhydration runs with @WholePlanet Foundation to fund microcredit loans for the world’s poor http://bit.ly/2tNB9lN

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, whole planet foundation, nuun hydration

SOURCE:KeyBank

DESCRIPTION:

CLEVELAND, July 21, 2017 /3BL Media/ -- KeyBank’s Community Development Lending & Investment (CDLI) team provided a total of $11.8 million in financing for the construction of Meriwether Place Apartments, an affordable housing development, located in Vancouver, WA. Key provided a $5.8 million construction loan and $6 million in LIHTC equity.

Meriwether Place will feature 30 studio units, with 23 set aside for individuals experiencing permanent homelessness, or households that are at high risk for homelessness. Fifteen units will be restricted for tenants earning at or below 30% AMI, with the other 15 units being designated for tenants earning at or below 50% AMI.

Individual units include a fully-equipped kitchen consisting of a dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and range. Other property amenities include: a community room, leasing facilities, common laundry facilities, a pea patch area with raised planting beds and an adjacent community patio area. Additionally, the property will also include 6,300 square feet of commercial space located on the ground floor, designed to provide mental health and other services to residents. 

The project received permanent financing from Washington Community Reinvestment Association.

Aubre Dickson and Beth Palmer of Key’s CDLI group arranged the financing.

About Key Community Development Lending and Investment

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) helps fulfill Key’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive by financing projects that stabilize and revitalize communities. Experts in complex tax credit lending and investing, Key is one of a handful of affordable housing lenders in the country with a platform that brings together balance sheet, equity, and permanent loan offerings. CDLI has a substantial investment and loan portfolio worth more than $2 billion, 90% of which is Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. For its ability to lend to, invest in, and serve its communities –especially low-to-moderate income communities – KeyBank has earned eight consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp's roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $135.8 billion at June 30, 2017. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, insurance, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of more than 1,200 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

Press Contact:  Laura Mimura laura.mimura@key.com, 216.471.2883

###

KEYWORDS: Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, keybank, affordable housing, Corporate Social Responsibility

Aimed at engaging with the academic community to encourage and support advanced engineering research

SOURCE:Qualcomm

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:Six @Qualcomm #Innovation Fellowship winners receive funding to develop their ideas http://bit.ly/2uQbw9f #education

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Qualcomm, Qualcomm Innovation Fellowship, India, research and development

By Tony Wittkowski

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

BENTON HARBOR — Instead of just volunteering, more than two dozen Whirlpool Corp. workers took part in a team-building exercise Tuesday that simultaneously solved a few kinks for a nonprofit organization.

In an effort to put their training to the test, workers from Whirlpool’s North American Region International Logistics team spent half the day at the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency’s warehouse in downtown Benton Harbor to evaluate the boxing-cycle process.

Click here to read the full story >>>

Tweet me:Whirlpool Corporation workers give back, problem solve for nonprofit organization @WhirlpoolCorp http://bit.ly/2tOBvJ4

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, whirlpool, team, logistics, SMCAA, problem, nonprofit, Box, process, North American Region, Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, Solve

Royals star shines bright for Big Brothers Big Sisters

SOURCE:Major League Baseball Players Trust

DESCRIPTION:

World Series champion, All-Star Game MVP, three-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2017 World Baseball Classic champion — first baseman Eric Hosmer has developed an impressive baseball resume since joining the Kansas City Royals in 2011.

But in addition to making a big difference for the Royals in recent years, the 27-year-old has also made a positive and significant impact in the Kansas City community.

Hosmer has been heavily involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City (BBBSKC) since 2011. He was originally introduced to the organization — whose goal is to match “children facing adversity in one-to-one, life-changing friendships with adult volunteers,” according to the official website – by fellow Kansas City sports star Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs.

It was the way his older brother, Mike Jr., treated him as a kid, however, that convinced him to become even more involved with BBBSKC.

“I just realized how good I had it growing up,” Hosmer told reporters. “There was always someone there, when Pops was at work, to go outside and play catch or just to guide me around throughout the day. This is an organization I’ve been with a long time and they’ve been great with us.”

“I think I just learned from how he treated me and how he accepted me as a friend: not like I was the annoying little younger guy,” Hosmer said in an interview in June 2016.

Hosmer has worked closely with the organization to find new ways to inspire others to get involved. In 2012, Hosmer spoke at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City to help recruit Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples through a program called “Step Up to the Plate with Eric Hosmer.”

In 2015, Hosmer started “Step Up Big with Eric Hosmer,” where he pledged to donate funds for every double he hit that season. In 2016, after pledging to donate $1,169.08 per double, he raised over $30,000 for BBBSKC.

Continue reading on PlayersTrust.org.

Tweet me:#MLBPlayers #GoingToBat - @TheRealHos35 @Royals goes all out for @BBBSKC http://bit.ly/2uQDL7v

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Kansas City Royals, Eric Hosmer, Major League Baseball, MLB, Major League Baseball Players Association, MLBPA, Major League Baseball Players Trust, Players Trust, Big Brothers Big Sisters

Previous Argon Award recipient increases support for signature Southface event

SOURCE:Cox Enterprises

DESCRIPTION:

ATLANTA July 24, 2017 /3BL Media/ — Southface is pleased to announce Cox Enterprises as the presenting sponsor for its upcoming Visionary Dinner on September 19 at the Georgia Aquarium. Previously a patron sponsor, Cox has raised its commitment of support, and will be providing the emcee for the event. For the third year in a row, Mohawk Group is the event’s title sponsor.

“We have been thrilled to work with Cox Enterprises and Cox Conserves to create this new sponsorship opportunity,” said Southface President, Andrea Pinabell. “Giving back is fundamental to the Cox organization, and this effort further demonstrates the qualities for which Cox was previously recognized as a winner of the Southface Argon Award for leadership in sustainability.”

Cox received the Argon Award in 2015. Cox Enterprises’ support of the Visionary Dinner is part of the company’s national Cox Conserves sustainability program that is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Through Cox Conserves, the company has saved 57 million gallons of water through conservation, offset 82,000 tons of carbon and diverted 97,000 tons of waste.

The Visionary Dinner raises awareness and funding for Southface’s continued work in high-performance affordable housing, green infrastructure, clean energy, healthy buildings and sustainable communities. The evening brings together more than 400 policy makers, industry leaders, development and construction professionals, interested community citizens and stakeholders to network and celebrate environmental leadership in the region. This year, the Visionary Dinner will include a provocative conversation on the changing landscape for collaboration among cities to create healthy and resilient communities through the eyes of national leaders in philanthropy.

The evening highlight is the presentation of the prestigious Argon Award to celebrate sustainability in action.

Mohawk Group is the returning Visionary Dinner title sponsor. Mohawk is leading the floor covering industry in product transparency.

For more information on the Southface Visionary Dinner, including additional sponsors and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.visionarydinner.org. 

About Southface
Southface inspires market-based solutions at the nexus of the natural, social and built environments. Since 1978 Southface has served as the Southeast's nonprofit leader in promoting sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Learn more at www.southface.org.

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues exceeding $20 billion and approximately 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. Learn more at www.coxenterprises.com

About Mohawk Group

Mohawk Group, the world’s leading producer and distributor of quality commercial flooring, delivers industry-leading style, cutting-edge innovation, unmatched service and superior sustainability. As the commercial division of Mohawk Industries, Mohawk Group has a heritage of craftsmanship that spans more than 130 years. The company’s enduring family of brands—Mohawk, Karastan and Durkan—are widely regarded as the most trusted names in the commercial flooring business. Rounding out its esteemed product offering, the Mohawk Group also offers a full spectrum of hard surface flooring products and installation accessories that exceed the most rigorous performance standards. For additional information, visit www.mohawkgroup.com.

About The Visionary Dinner

The Visionary Dinner supports Southface’s continued work in high-performance affordable housing, green infrastructure, clean energy, healthy buildings and sustainable communities. One of the Atlanta environmental community’s most highly anticipated events, the evening includes networking, a visionary program and a memorable dining experience provided by Atlanta’s top chefs who collaborate to create a sumptuous, wine-paired and locally sourced feast. For more information, visit www.visionarydinner.org.

Tweet me:.@SouthfaceEnergy announces @CoxEnterprises as Presenting Sponsor of 2017 Visionary Dinner #CoxConserves http://bit.ly/2to8kgk

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Energy, Cox Conserves, 2017 Visionary Dinner, Southface

SOURCE:Keystone Human Services

DESCRIPTION:

Join Susquehanna Service Dogs, NFL Hall of Fame players, and other former Penn State Football greats for A Perfect Pairing: UNRIVALED at Bucks Valley Winery and Vineyards from 4-8 p.m. on August 5.

Bucks Valley Winery and Vineyards will be featuring “Independence Unleashed,” a red wine specially labeled for Susquehanna Service Dogs. A portion of all sales of these specially labeled bottles will be donated to SSD.

A Perfect Pairing: UNRIVALED includes appetizers, food trucks, live music by Cool D and the Rhythm Bag, a raffle, and a silent auction with one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia such as a Penn State football signed by the 1986 championship team and Joe Paterno, a signed photo of Hall of Famer Jack Ham and Joe Paterno, and a program from Penn State’s 1,000^th game, among other great items.

Hall of Fame players and former Penn State Football players will be available throughout the evening for autographs and photo opportunities. Susquehanna Service Dogs’ Under the Sea puppies will also be available for photos and puppy hugs.

Tickets cost $20 per person or $35 per couple and includes a sample of “Independence Unleashed” and an SSD magnet. The first 300 people to purchase tickets will also receive an SSD wine glass.

A Perfect Pairing: UNRIVALED benefits Susquehanna Service Dogs through the Jamie S. Wise Memorial Scholarship. Established by Tom Wise in honor of his late wife and her love of teaching, the scholarship supports an apprentice dog trainer position at SSD.

More details about the event are available at www.keystonehumanservices.org/events/perfect-pairing/.

Since 1993, Susquehanna Service Dogs has been training service dogs to support children and adults with disabilities to live more independently. While promoting maximum independence, SSD’s service dogs, facility dogs, and companion dogs make it possible for their human partners to pursue everyday lives, including meaningful employment, education, and community life.

A fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, Susquehanna Service Dogs is a nonprofit program of Keystone Human Services.

A copy of the official registration and financial information for Keystone Human Services and Keystone Partnership may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. 

Tweet me:Get your tickets to A Perfect Pairing: UNRIVALED to support @SSDOGS & meet former PSU football players! http://bit.ly/2uPLsuV

Contact Info:

Kerry Wevodau
Susquehanna Service Dogs
+1 (717) 599-5920ext. 2
kwevodau@keystonehumanservices.org

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Penn State Football, fundraiser, Bucks Valley Winery and Vineyards, Charity Event, Keystone Human Services

SOURCE:Bloomberg

DESCRIPTION:

This week, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Harvard University convened the inaugural class of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. A first-of-its-kind collaboration, Bloomberg Philanthropies has brought together Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and its business school to help mayors become even stronger leaders. We spoke with Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patti Harris, Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria, and Harvard Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf about how the initiative got started and why it matters.

Why is it so important to have a leadership development program for mayors and how will this initiative help support the skills mayors already bring to the job?

Patti Harris: Over the years, through our work with cities across the globe, we’ve heard time and again that mayors wish they had easier access to the latest information, tools, and techniques to help them achieve their greatest ambitions for their cities. We’ve also learned that they value learning with and from fellow mayors above all else. That’s why we worked with Harvard to create the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, to give mayors access to high-quality executive coaching and training – like that offered to their CEO peers in the business world. It is truly a unique effort!

Nitin Nohria: Mayors all bring their unique perspectives and skills to the job. But it is hard to imagine how anyone can ever be fully prepared for all that it takes to be an effective mayor. Inevitably, mayors will have to grow into these jobs. And they can benefit from learning from each other, from a structured educational experience, and from research that can inform their thinking. This is where the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative hopes to play a role and make a contribution.

Douglas Elmendorf: An increasing number of people are moving to cities, so the decisions made by mayors and their staff affect more people every day. Making sure that mayors have the tools necessary to diagnose, face, and solve problems through leadership becomes more important by the hour. The job of mayor is extremely demanding – expectations are high and because mayors are close to the community they serve, mayors are held accountable immediately if they don’t meet expectations. Mayors rarely have the opportunity to reflect, step back, and further develop their skills to become an even better leader. Thanks to Mike Bloomberg’s vision, they now have that opportunity.

To read the full story, click here. 

Tweet me:Bloomberg Philanthropies & Harvard launch first-ever leadership program for mayors & city leaders @bloombergdotorg http://bit.ly/2tTViqw

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Education, philanthropy, Bloomberg, bloombergdotorg, Mike Bloomberg, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative