America Supports You: Newman’s Own Launches 9th Annual Awards
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2008 – Volunteer organizations providing support to military families can compete for a share of $75,000 in grant money that could make their efforts a bit easier.

Newman’s Own, the Fisher House Foundation and the Military Times Media Group are accepting nominations for the 2008 Newman’s Own Awards through May 2.

The Fisher House Foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

The three organizations are looking for innovative plans to support military families from the volunteer groups, with the one chosen as the top plan receiving a $15,000 grant to help with its efforts. The remaining $60,000 will be divided among as many groups as the judges choose, though the division doesn’t necessarily have to be equal, Fisher House Foundation officials said.

Of nearly 100 nominations submitted in 2007, 11 grants were awarded. Nine of those went to groups currently affiliated with the Defense Department’s America Supports You program.

Full details of the contest and eligibility requirements are available on the Fisher House Foundation Web site, www.fisherhouse.org.

Awards typically are presented in late summer, though the date for the 2008 award ceremony is yet to be determined.

Actor Paul Newman began his Newman’s Own line of food products in 1982. Since then, he has donated all royalties and after-tax profits of the sales from the line -- more than $200 million -- to educational and charitable organizations.

In 1997, the World War II Navy veteran decided he wanted to take his line of products to the military. It was suggested that the proceeds from those sales at military facilities go back to the military, and the Fisher House Foundation was chosen to make that happen. Newman's Own salad dressing, pasta sauces and salsas are sold in military commissaries worldwide.

Nominations are open for the 2008 Newman’s Own Awards.   The Newman’s Award recognizes volunteers and non-profit organizations supporting our nation’s military families.  Fisher House is a program that supports America’s military.  The Fisher House Foundation provides “comfort homes” that are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers.  These homes provide places to stay for family members while their wounded loved ones are hospitalized.    Fisher House provides these lodgings at no charge.  The Fisher House Foundation uses donations to cover the costs.  Winners of the 2008 Newman’s Own Awards will win cash prizes.  Fisher House is a member of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program, designed to stress the importance of supporting our troops.  MilitaryConnection.com supports many of these wonderful groups.  We provide them space on our web site to feature their special events.  We appreciate their good works.  Please visit our website at www.militaryconnection.com for more information.