Community

Brad Alford, president and CEO, Nestlé Brands Company, and Brandi Chastain with students from Sierra Park Elementary School, Glendale, Calif.

Last fall, Nestlé associates across the country generously gave more than $1 million to benefit a variety of different charities including Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), United Way, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and Nestlé USA's Adopt-A-School program.  In Glendale, Calif., to help kick-off their campaign, Olympic soccer star and PowerBar spokesperson, Brandi Chastain, addressed local Adopt-A-School students and Nestlé associates about her quest for the gold, what it takes to be a team player, and her commitment to community.

Matt Ronken, FRISKIES®brand director, at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, NY.

As part of its mission to help all cats get more out of life, PURINA® FRISKIES ® brand cat food is helping shelter cats live happier, healthier lives by creating more stimulating living environments for them while they await adoption.  The PURINA® FRISKIES® For More™ Cat Habitat Shelter Program was a cause-related initiative that awarded $100,000 to 10 in-need animal shelters across the country to help them build the ultimate cat habitats for their feline friends.

Cristina Bastida, Community Affairs (left), and Anthony McPhail, Sales Divison (right), participate in a RIF Day at Glenridge Elementary in Baltimore, Md.

Each year hundreds of Nestlé associates give their Community Care dollars to support Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) at Nestlé's adopted schools across the country.  Over 23,000 students benefit from the partnership between Nestlé and RIF that brings new, free books and motivational literacy programs to children.  Nestlé associates also participate as volunteers at the book distributions through Nestlé's Adopt-A-School program.  "We are proud to be associated with RIF," said Cam Starrett, executive VP, Human Resources, Nestlé USA.  "Books from RIF open up the world for children to experience a broader range of possibilities.  I want to thank all of our associates for their contributions and helping to make the lives of our children a little brighter."

The Third Marine Air Wing out of Miramar Marine Corps Air Station appreciates the sponsorship of Operation Archangel.  Pictured from left to right: Staff Sgt. Orlando Tellez, Master Sgt. Ann Brown, 1^st Lt. Aixa Dones and Robert Esquinas of Operation Archangel.

Several divisions within Nestlé USA have donated hundreds of cases of product to the U.S. Marines serving overseas.  The U.S. Marines serving overseas appreciate the gaps Operation Archangel fill by sending personal items, snacks and candy.  Care packages are delivered to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Fallujah, Iraq.  In addition, Nestlé's Media and Advertising department donates hundreds of used magazines and Nestlé's adopted school students have included their letters and drawings in the care packages.

Nestlé Prepared Foods Company (NPFC) Vice President of Operations Jay Weaver (second from right) presents the Cleveland Foodbank with a $50,000 donation from NPFC.

Nestlé plants donate regularly to local food banks.  In 2004, the STOUFFER'S® brand marked its 50^th anniversary with a special donation to the Cleveland Foodbank.  A longtime supporter of hunger relief efforts and the single largest manufacturing donor to the Cleveland Foodbank, the company delivered a check of $50,000 for the foodbank's new distribution center.  A group of NPFC associates also volunteers at the facility on a monthly basis.  The Cleveland Foodbank is part of the national America's Second Harvest network.

Ken Thompson, plant manager, Jacksonville, Ill. (left), with MaryBeth Lauderdale (second from left) of the Illinois School for the Deaf and students, visit the Land Pavilion at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Fla.

Since 1998, a total of 20 students from Illinois School for the Deaf have had the pleasure of winning the EPCOT Science Competition sponsored by the Nestlé Brands Company, Jacksonville, Ill., plant.  During the spring term, high-school students sign up to attend an extracurricular class in hydroponics (growing plants without soil).  At the end of each term, students are asked to write essays on topics concerning the potential uses of hydroponics and winners are selected and awarded an all-expense trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.  While there, the students have the opportunity to work with in the Biotechnology lab and greenhouses at the Land Pavilion, which is sponsored by Nestlé USA.

FoodServices employees participate in Light the Night walks supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The FoodServices Division raised over $90,000 last fall to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphomas Society's Light the Night campaign.  At the two Light the Night walks in Southern California, FoodServices Division employees and their families had a strong presence, handing out products at the Nestlé booth and holding red and white balloons along the two-mile walk.