3BL Media Social Action

SOURCE: Home Depot Foundation

ATLANTA, May 21, 2013 /3BL Media/ – The Home Depot® Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Home Depot, today announced it has created a $1 million weather impact fund to aid relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts in response to the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and throughout the Southwest United States, and in expectation of continuing violent storms throughout the spring season.

As a part of this commitment, The Home Depot Foundation is donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross for immediate relief needs in response to recent tornadoes and storms that caused serious damage. The Home Depot Foundation has also committed $100,000 to Team Rubicon, whose primary mission is engaging veterans in disaster relief and recovery efforts, where their skills and experience greatly benefit communities. Additionally, The Foundation continues to support nonprofits and first responders to assist with emergency needs of local communities. 

"The violent storms that have recently stricken Moore and other areas throughout the Southwest make it incumbent upon us to respond quickly to help our communities recover and rebuild, both now and during the many months to come," said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO of The Home Depot. “It is our sincere hope that the worst of this ferocious weather is behind us, but we stand ready to continue assisting through this funding, volunteerism and partnership with our communities.”

In addition to funding, Team Depot, the Company's associate-led volunteer force, has been mobilizing locally to help with relief and recovery efforts.

The Home Depot is also a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). The Company's annual $500,000 contribution to the ADGP enables the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster anywhere in the United States.

Separately, The Homer Fund, a charity for The Home Depot associates in need of emergency financial assistance, has begun helping associates and their families affected by these storms.

The Home Depot Foundation is dedicated to improving the homes of U.S. military veterans through financial and volunteer resources to help nonprofit organizations. The Foundation has committed $80 million to these efforts over five years.

Since its formation in 2002, The Home Depot Foundation has granted more than $340 million to nonprofit organizations improving homes and lives in local communities. To learn more and see our associates in action, visit www.homedepotfoundation.org, follow us on Twitter @homedepotfdn, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,257 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2012, The Home Depot had sales of $74.8 billion and earnings of $4.5 billion. The Company employs more than 300,000 associates. The Home Depot's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index.

For more information, contact:

News Media

Catherine Woodling

Manager, The Home Depot Foundation

770-384-2304

Catherine_Woodling@HomeDepot.com

Tweet me: .@HomeDepotFdn commits $1 million to immediate relief and recovery efforts in the wake of tornadoes. #Oklahoma http://3bl.me/w59r43

KEYWORDS: People, Social Action & Community Engagement, The Home Depot Foundation, The Home Depot, philanthropy, volunteerism, Oklahoma, Moore, tornado, disaster relief, American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), Team Rubicon

SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.

CHICAGO, May 20, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Ecolab helped raise more than $130,000 for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) through a silent auction last night at the 11th Annual Ecolab Chairman’s Reception, held in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. Proceeds from the event, which was attended by more than 800 foodservice operators and guests, will support NRAEF’s ProStart® program and provide scholarships for students seeking professions in the restaurant and foodservice industry.  

ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. Over the last 11 years, Ecolab has raised more than $1.3 million for NRAEF and the ProStart program through this annual event.

“Talented young people bring new energy and fresh perspectives to the restaurant and foodservice industry,” said Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr. “Through the ProStart program and other educational initiatives, the NRAEF helps ensure the industry’s continued vitality.”

Baker presented Denise Marie Fugo, chairwoman of the NRAEF board of trustees, with a check for $130,370 on behalf of Ecolab and event attendees. 

“The Foundation’s programs are shining a spotlight on the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the restaurant and foodservice industry,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and NRAEF.  “On behalf of the 95,000 ProStart students and scholarship recipients served by the NRAEF, we are grateful to Ecolab and their industry partners for their contributions to help feed dreams and build futures.” 

About the NRAEF

As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) goal is to enhance the stature of the restaurant industry. The restaurant and foodservice industry comprises 980,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of more than 13 million employees, making it one of the nation's largest employers. The NRAEF’s focus is to attract, develop and retain a career-oriented professional workforce and to create a more positive business climate for the restaurant industry. For more information about the NRAEF, visit NRAEF.org.

About Ecolab

A trusted partner at more than one million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. With 2012 sales of $12 billion and 44,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments, optimize water and energy use and improve operational efficiencies for customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. 

For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com.

Follow us on Twitter @ecolab or Facebook at facebook.com/ecolab.

###

Contact:

Roman Blahoski

651-293-4385

MediaRelations@Ecolab.com

May 20, 2013                          

(ECL-C)

Tweet me: .@Ecolab's 11th Annual Ecolab Chairman's Reception raises more than $130,000 for @NRAEF http://3bl.me/nx92bs #education

KEYWORDS: Community, Ecolab, 11th annual ecolab chairman's reception, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Education

SOURCE: Verizon

When Rynae Benson started volunteering with Colette’s Children’s Home (CCH), a home for homeless women with children, in 2010, she wasted no time jumping in and becoming involved in any way possible. In her first year volunteering, she worked with CCH staff and Board of Directors to begin organizing weekly activities for a weekly children’s group program and helped implement a birthday club for the homeless children. For Valentine’s Day she prepared personalized gifts from the children to their mothers. In Spring, Benson put together hundreds of Easter Baskets and organized volunteers to assemble Mother’s Day gift bags.  Every Fall, she and her teenage son hold a Halloween costume drive and during the holidays she has organized co-workers, family members and friends to adopt families for Christmas.  If that wasn’t enough, last year she joined the fundraiser advisory board and works passionately to involve and educate others about homeless issues and stewardship activities.

Tweet me: Looking for ways to #giveback? Inspiring story of service: http://vz.to/116YTv7 @VerizonGiving volunteer helps homeless women & children

KEYWORDS: People, Social Action & Community Engagement, volunteer, give back, Community Engagement, homeless, needy, in need, community need, underserved children, underserved communities, homelessness, Poverty, Service, community service, employee volunteers, Verizon Foundation, women's shelter

SOURCE: Deloitte

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 20, 2013 /3BL Media/ - The 2013 Warrior Games presented by Deloitte concludedThursday at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., with the Marine Corps winning a fourth Chairman's Cup, awarded to the top overall performing service branch at the Warrior Games. Air Force Captain Mitchell Kieffer was crowned the Ultimate Champion based on individual accolades.

The Warrior Games, which features five U.S. teams (Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations) and the British Armed Forces team, is a competition for 260 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans held over six days at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy. In addition to Deloitte, the presenting sponsor, the fourth annual competition is also supported by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, USO, Fisher House Foundation, AT&T, BP, Budweiser, Semper Fi Fund and Daniels Fund.

"Congratulations to all of the 2013 Warrior Games competitors," said Charlie Huebner, chief of Paralympics for the United States Olympic Committee. "While we celebrate medals, this competition is really an example of how sport can change lives. We hope these service members and veterans don't stop here. The goal is for them to return home and get involved in sport programs in their communities."

The Chairman's Cup is a performance based team award based on each team's top finishes in individual events as well as sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball, the two team sports contested at the Warrior Games. The Marines claimed another Chairman's Cup with 100 points, topping Army, which finished with 85 points. Navy finished third while Air Force and Special Operations took fourth and fifth.

Highlighted by a 2-0 (25-21, 25-21) victory over defending champion Army in the sitting volleyball gold medal game, Marines won 34 gold medals, 33 silver medals and 26 bronze medals throughout the competition, leading the medal count in shooting, swimming and track and field. Marines won 93 medals of the 264 awarded at the Warrior Games.

Cpt. Kieffer (Apple Valley, Minn.), who has a traumatic brain injury from injuries sustained when his convoy was attacked in Baghdad, joins inaugural winner U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Hathorne and Staff Sergeant Scott Martin, Marine Corps Veteran, and two-time winner Marine Cpt. Jonathan Disbro as Ultimate Champion. The Ultimate Champion title is based on five competitions: 50-meter freestyle in swimming; 10m prone air rifle, shooting; 100m sprint, track; race based on disability category, cycling; and shot put, field.

Kieffer's performance at the Warrior Games was highlighted by silver medal in the 10 meter prone air rifle competition. He finished fourth in the men's bicycle open event and the 50m freestyle. In track and field, he finished seventh in the men's 100m and eighth in the shot put.

Marine Sgt. Jorge Toledo (Oceanside, Calif.) finished second in the Ultimate Champion competition with veteran Marine Sgt. Brian Riley (San Diego, Calif.) taking third. Other competitors were Army Staff Sgt. Krisell Creager-Lumpkins (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Air Force Captain Sarah Evans (Shalimar, Fla.), retired Navy Operations Specialist 2nd Class Joe Frank (San Diego, Calif.), veteran Army Staff Sgt. Seth Jahn (Lakeland, Fla.) of Special Operations, veteran Senior Airman Kendell Madden (Parker, Colo.) of Special Operations and Navy Chief Gunner's Mate Jeannette Tarqueno (Honolulu, Hawaii).

2013 Chairman's Cup final standings

 Name

Medals

Points

 Marines

93

100

 Army

81

85

 Navy

23

37.18

 Air Force

30

31

 Special Operations

16

21.25

British Armed Forces won 21 medals but cannot compete for the Chairman's Cup 

2013 Ultimate Champion final standings

 Name

 Branch

Points

 Mitchell Kieffer

Air Force

8

 Jorge Toledo

Marines

7

 Brian Riley

Marines

6

 Sarah Evans

Air Force

4

 Krissell Creager-Lumpkins

Army

4

 Joe Frank

Navy

0

 Seth Jahn

SOCOM

0

 Kendell Madden

SOCOM

0

 Jannette Tarqueno

Navy

0 

For more information, please contact Jamie Blanchard, U.S. Paralympics, at 719-866-2068 or jamie.blanchard@usoc.org.

Tweet me: Who won #WarriorGames sponsored by Deloitte? Check it out! http://3bl.me/5gfh4w @sustainableDeloitte

KEYWORDS: Deloitte, warrior games, USOC, Veterans, Paralympic, Marines, Mitchell Kieffer

SOURCE: Feeding America

CHICAGO, May 20, 2013 / 3BL Media/ PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization, announced today that the global financial services firm Morgan Stanley has made an $8 million commitment to the organization that will help provide nutritious food to millions of families in need across the country.

The gift from Morgan Stanley to Feeding America and its nationwide network of food banks is the largest gift ever received by the hunger organization from a financial institution. The donation will go to fund a number of initiatives across the Feeding America network, including:

• funding for more than $4 million in awards to food banks over the next four years, including 27 food banks in 17 states this spring that will be used to help meet the nutritional needs of families in those communities;
• enabling research on the effectiveness of Feeding America child hunger programs across the country; and
• supporting a produce program with nearly $2M in funds that will help bring fresh produce to families in need across the United States through Feeding America's network of 61,000 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters.

"With more than 50 million people in the United States in danger of going hungry, we know that we can't solve this issue alone," said Bob Aiken, President and CEO of Feeding America. "This historic gift by Morgan Stanley shows the true commitment that they have to help us fight hunger in all of our communities. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Morgan Stanley and together look for ways to erase hunger from our communities."

The timing is especially significant considering the growing number of people in the United States who are food insecure. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there are more than 50 million food insecure individuals in the US, including more than 16 million children.

"Giving back has been a cornerstone of Morgan Stanley's culture and values since our founding in 1935," said James P. Gorman, President and CEO of Morgan Stanley.  "Our partnership with Feeding America has long been an important way for us to create impact, and I am proud of the innovative programs we have worked on together that give children the healthy start they need for lifelong achievement."

Along with financial contributions to fight hunger, Morgan Stanley has also provided Feeding America with invaluable pro bono strategic consulting services that are expected to lead to the more efficient delivery of food to Feeding America's nearly 37 million clients.

Through the Morgan Stanley "Strategy Challenge," staff from Feeding America worked with Morgan Stanley experts in an effort to cut costs and improve service.  The group came up with a groundbreaking innovation called "Deal Café," a virtual community where Feeding America food banks can work together to find the best prices possible on non-food products to help reduce costs and share savings across the Network.

Feeding America officials believe the savings could generate as much as $10M across the entire Feeding America network of 202 food banks covering nearly every county in the United States.

Morgan Stanley employees are also big supporters of local Feeding America food banks and contribute a significant amount of volunteer hours. In the past year, there have been more than 175 Feeding America volunteer projects in which 3,134 Morgan Stanley employees have participated.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

Copyright 2012 PR Newswire.  All Rights Reserved

Tweet me: Morgan Stanley Makes Historic Gift To Feeding America To Help Feed Families In Need http://3bl.me/4qaxfk #CSR

KEYWORDS: Morgan Stanley, Feeding America, csr, feed families, food, families, community

SOURCE: Major League Baseball Players Trust

NEW YORK, May 20, 2013 /3BL Media/ PRNewswire/ -- New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis and New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson are representing their peers and going to bat for Superstorm Sandy victims, when they co-host a Players Trust all-star golf tournament on Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, Long Island on Wednesday, July 17.

Golfers and baseball fans alike will be able to combine two of America's greatest passions during an unforgettable day on one of the country's most famous golf courses – Bethpage Black – while helping Major Leaguers and the Players Trust raise funds to support Superstorm Sandy recovery and rebuilding efforts.  Already scheduled to join Ike and David in their efforts to help Sandy victims are former big leaguers Bobby Bonilla, Aaron Boone, Ron Darling, Ken Griffey Jr., Al Leiter and Jeff Nelson.  Additional players joining the cause will be announced on an ongoing basis.  

"I'm looking forward to teaming up with David Robertson, the Players Trust, and members of the fraternity of Major League baseball players, to help raise funds and awareness for Superstorm Sandy victims," stated Ike.  "This July, New York will become the center of the baseball universe, and it's only fitting that the baseball-playing community use this as an opportunity to assist the thousands of people in the area impacted by the storm who support our great game on a daily basis."

"As Major League baseball players we're given a stage to help raise awareness for victims of natural disasters long after the immediate attention subsides," said David, who, along with his wife, Erin, created the High Socks for Hope foundation to lend support to those suffering in the wake of natural disasters, including Sandy. "I'm looking forward to joining forces with Ike Davis and a who's-who list of former big leaguers to do our part to help communities still suffering from the effects of such a devastating storm."

The Players Trust all-star golf tournament on Bethpage Black is part of the non-profit's Disaster Relief programming efforts. In addition to what many players have done individually, Major Leaguers have committed up to $500,000 in aid from the Players Trust to non-profit organizations helping victims of Sandy recover from the destruction.  To date, the Players Trust has directly contributed more than $175,000 to various organizations providing needed assistance to storm victims.  Among those receiving funds are Red Hook Initiative (Brooklyn); Project Hospitality (Staten Island); Rockaway Reach (Rockaway, NY); NJ 2-1-1 (New Jersey); Pitch In for Baseball and Points of Light's Long Island Recovery Volunteer Center.  A separate $100,000 contribution from the Players Trust to New York State's Natural Heritage Trust will go toward the removal of hundreds of downed trees and improvements to damaged turf on public golf courses.

On November 2, 2012, Major Leaguers joined forces with the Commissioner's Office in contributing a combined $1 million to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Feeding America to assist emergency relief efforts in the most devastated areas along the East Coast affected by Sandy. On May 9, the MLBPA and MLB-operated Baseball Tomorrow Fund joined with the New York Mets Foundation to contribute up to $1 million through a relief grant program for youth baseball and softball organizations that were directly affected by the storm.

Golf tournament participation levels begin with the $8,000 Single, which includes one foursome with a celebrity pairing, a unique, gift-filled SWAG bag and photo for each golfer, and four tickets to the post-event dinner, to be held at luxurious Carlyle on the Green. Double, Triple and Home Run sponsorship levels are also available, and each includes tickets to the Trust's exclusive 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game viewing party to be held the night before the golf tournament at the St. Giles Hotel and attended by many of the celebrity golfers. Portions of the costs are tax deductible.

Since hurricanes struck the U.S. Gulf Coast in 2005, the Players Trust has contributed more than $3 million in the wake of natural disasters in the U.S., Haiti and Japan, long after the spotlight faded.  These funds have been used by non-profit organizations to provide and/or sustain services and aid such as senior housing, mobile medical units and after school programs in the Gulf Coast; improved drinking water, medical supplies, prosthetics and training in Haiti; mobile community cafes, organic agriculture, mental health clinics and volunteer centers in Japan and new homes for families in tornado-ravaged Tuscaloosa, AL and Joplin, MO.

For more information, please visit MLBPlayers.com (http://www.mlb.com/pa/trust/allstar_golf.jsp), call 888-714-0755 or send an e-mail to PlayersTrust@mlbpa.org.

About the Major League Baseball Players Trust
Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities.  Each year the Players Trust distributes more than $1.5 million in annual grants and programs, and inspires hundreds of thousands of high school students to volunteer in their communities through the Action Team national youth volunteer program.

For additional information, please visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com and visit the Players Trust channel on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/MLBPlayersTrust.  Follow the Trust on Twitter: @MLBPlayersTrust.

Copyright 2012 PR Newswire.  All Rights Reserved

Tweet me: Ike Davis & David Robertson to co-host Superstorm Sandy benefit golf tournament on Bethpage Black http://3bl.me/r38gmc #CSR

KEYWORDS: major league baseball trust, bethpage Black, Superstorm Sandy, csr, sustainability, golfers, Baseball

SOURCE: Deloitte

Congratulations to the Marines for winning the Chairman’s Cup for the 4th straight year. Ooh rah! It’s an honor for Deloitte to sponsor the Warrior Games because rehabilitative sport has such a long-lasting impact on both these athletes and their families. We celebrate and salute all the competitors.

View photos on our Facebook album page here>>

View individual photos here:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151470053296896&set=pb.189737266895.-2207520000.1369059335.&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151479394816896&set=a.10151475244931896.1073741833.189737266895&type=3&theater

About the Warrior Games

The Warrior Games, presented by Deloitte and organized by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), are designed to introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic sport competition and encourages them to stay physically active.  The competition was held in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11-16, 2013.  Two-hundred sixty injured service members and veterans participated in the fourth annual event, representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from the U.K.  Teams competed in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track & field and wheelchair basketball. 

Tweet me: Check out #WarriorGames photos on Deloitte's Facebook page. http://3bl.me/ak8w3y @sustainableDeloitte Contact Info:

Deloitte

KEYWORDS: Deloitte, warrior games, Veterans, USOC, Paralympic, rehabilitative sport

SOURCE: Coinstar, Inc.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® was founded with two simple goals: to help as many kids as possible by raising funds for children’s hospitals, and to keep funds in the community in which they were raised.

Keeping true to that mission, today Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has grown to encompass 170 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, which, in turn, use generated funds where they’re needed the most. Donated dollars and change make it possible for children to receive treatment for every imaginable disease and injury — from asthma and broken bones to cancer and heart defects.

Since 1983, CMN Hospitals have raised more than $4.3 billion dollars, most of it $1 at a time. But the need is ever-pressing to provide ongoing treatment, support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care.

Please make a donation today to help kids in your area! The need has never been greater to improve a child’s life, and it starts with the power of change.

Learn more about our hospitals and Miracle stories happening every day by visiting CMNHospitals.org or connecting with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Tweet me: .@Coinstar's #CoinsThatCount features @CMNHospitals http://bit.ly/11KBZkQ donate to helps kids in your area!

KEYWORDS: Coinstar, coins that count, children's miracle network, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, helping kids, helping communities

SOURCE: Accenture

NEW YORK, May 20, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Back on My Feet (BoMF) today announced Accenture has awarded Back on My Feet – a national nonprofit organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness transform their own lives and achieve employment and independent living – $300,000 to expand the organization’s skills based training initiatives. This grant brings Accenture’s support of BoMF to $619,000 since 2011.
 
This grant reflects Accenture’s Skills to Succeed initiative, which aims to equip 500,000 people around the world by 2015 with the skills to get a job or build a business.
 
“Skills to Succeed combines the passion, experience and commitment our people have for nurturing talent and giving back to the community,” said Michael Scimo, managing director, human capital & diversity, North America, Accenture. “We share Back on My Feet’s commitment to providing people with the skills they need to open the doors to economic independence and long-term employment.”
 
The grant will support Back on My Feet’s “Next Steps” program which combines personal coaching with access to financial literacy courses, housing opportunities, financial aid and job skills training, including partnerships with employers to assist BoMF members in securing jobs.
 
“Accenture’s commitment to Back on My Feet goes beyond funding to include volunteering and true program engagement,” said Anne Mahlum, founder and CEO of Back on My Feet. “They are a game-changing partner and Back on My Feet would not be what it is today without their support.”
 
Accenture currently provides job preparation and mentoring for Back on My Feet in 10 cities in the United States. As a result of this latest grant from Accenture, Back on My Feet will be able to equip approximately 600 people with job skills for a total of 1,095 since the Next Steps program was founded in 2011.
 
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with 261,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. Through itsSkills to Succeed corporate citizenship focus, Accenture is committed to equipping 500,000 people around the world by 2015 with the skills to get a job or build a business. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com.
 
About Back on My Feet
Back on My Feet (BoMF), launched in Philadelphia in 2007, is a national for-purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living. The organization creates a community built on the very profound and innate desire for all of us to feel recognized appreciated and supported. Back on My Feet does not provide food nor shelter, but instead provides coaching, resources, financial aid, job training and access to employment opportunities. The organization has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Atlanta, New York City and Austin. Back on My Feet Los Angeles will launch in October 2013. The organization has received media support including attention from NBC Nightly News, ABC World News, CNNand The Today Show for its ingenuity in tackling this difficult social issue. More information can be found at backonmyfeet.org.
 

Media Contacts:
Sam Hyland
Accenture
samuel.hyland@accenture.com
+1 (917) 452-5184
 
Rachelle Damminger
Back on My Feet
Office: 215-772-1080 x 107
Cell: 856-904-5767
rachelle@backonmyfeet.org

Tweet me: Accenture Grants @BackonMyFeet $300K to Expand Skills Based Training Initiatives http://3bl.me/q4k28a #CSR

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity, Education, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Community, Engagement, Positive Change, Social Development, Social Change, Social Actions, Volunteerism, Accenture, back on my feet, grant, philanthropy, skills, Training, csr, Corporate Citizenship, community

SOURCE: Mars, Incorporated

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 20, 2013 / 3BL Media/ PRNewswire/ -- Almost daily, Kyle Busch and members of his No. 18 M&M'S® Toyota team practice to improve their efficiency changing tires and pouring gas, to ensure they can save precious seconds necessary to maintain track position. Today, the team banded together with colleagues from Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR and M&M'S to make improvements of a different kind.

This unique team, comprised of more than 50 volunteers, is helping build two Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte homes in the Charlotte area, which includes the future homes of Yasin Mohamed and Egland Isak and their three children, as well as Kung Mang and Sung Thluai and their two children. The effort is part of M&M'S M'Prove America™ campaign, a year-long partnership with Habitat designed to fund construction of new Habitat homes across the United States.

Fans can join Busch and M&M'S by pledging to volunteer their time and talents at Habitat for Humanity build sites across the country at www.mproveamerica.com. This year, M&M'S is encouraging its associates and fans to log an ambitious 1.5 million minutes – or 25,000 hours – of volunteer time with Habitat. 

"Charlotte has always been good to the NASCAR community – and especially to me and my teammates," said Kyle Busch. "So it feels great to help two local families fulfill their dreams of homeownership. I encourage all race fans to join M&M'S in the effort to M'Prove America in their own hometowns, as there are few things in life as rewarding as helping a neighbor."

In addition to encouraging fans to volunteer time, M&M'S is also making a donation of $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity to fund the construction of Habitat homes in 2013. Later this month, M&M'S will also introduce specially marked M'Prove America packages of red, white and blue M&M'S® Brand Candies in stores nationwide.

The M&M'S M'Prove America campaign will also be on display during the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway when Busch gets behind the wheel of a special No. 18 M&M'S M'Prove America Toyota.

About Mars Chocolate North America:
Mars Chocolate North America is the North American chocolate operations of Mars, Incorporated.  In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today.  Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.  More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Mars brands include: Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA CO.™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience –SERAMIS®, CIRKU™ and COCOAVIA™.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to bring God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat's blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

About Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte
Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1983, Habitat Charlotte has served more than 1,200 families. Visit www.habitatcharlotte.org or call 704-376-2054 for more information.

About Joe Gibbs Racing
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR, currently fielding three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams, four NASCAR Nationwide Series teams and a driver development program.  Its driver lineup consists of Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth in the Sprint Cup Series, while Brian Vickers and Elliott Sadler joins those three in the Nationwide Series along with  Drew Herring and Darrell Wallace, Jr. Wallace will also run a full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports. Based in Huntersville, N.C., and owned by Joe Gibbs – a three-time Super Bowl winner as head coach of the Washington Redskins and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame – JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, winning three Cup Series championships, and four Nationwide Series owner's championships along with more than 175 NASCAR races, including three Brickyard 400s and the 1993 Daytona 500. 

Copyright 2012 PR Newswire.  All Rights Reserved

Tweet me: Kyle Busch, His Team, Joe Gibbs Racing & NASCAR® Help Build 2 Charlotte-Area Habitat for Humanity Homes @MarsGlobal http://3bl.me/8q95p5

KEYWORDS: Mars, csr, sustainability, Toyota, toyota team, America, NASCAR®, Habitat for Humanity

SOURCE: Union Pacific

Omaha, Neb., May 20, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Union Pacific Railroad today announced a billboard campaign aimed at encouraging drivers and pedestrians to cross tracks only at approved railroad crossings.

At the center of the campaign are billboards that include important safety tips such as "Always expect a train," "Trains travel 41 feet in the blink of an eye. Look again." and "Some shortcuts cut your life short." The campaign also features Spanish-language billboards with the phrase "Cuidado con el tren," (Use caution around trains).

These messages will be displayed on billboards during the next six months in 12 cities:

• Houston
• San Antonio
• Ennis, Texas
• Laredo, Texas
• Lufkin, Texas
• Midland, Texas
• Odessa, Texas
• El Paso, Texas
• Plaquemine, La.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Chicago

"The safety of our employees and the communities in which we live and work is our No. 1 priority," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific executive vice president-Operations. "Engaging people with these billboards will support our broad public outreach and education activities as we strive to foster safe behaviors and safe communities."

The billboards will raise awareness that a train could be using the railroad tracks at any time and to always approach them with caution. Union Pacific encourages drivers and pedestrians to follow all laws regarding grade crossings and railroad safety.

In addition to the billboard campaign, Union Pacific's UP CARES initiative promotes pedestrian and driver safety through a variety of outreach channels:

• Grade crossing education and enforcement, during which motorists violating rail crossing signage and laws are educated about the dangers of such actions. Related "positive enforcement" initiatives reward drivers who operate safely at grade crossings.
• Safety trains, hosting local law enforcement, media and public officials and providing them the opportunity to ride in the locomotive cab and see traffic violations from a locomotive engineer's point of view. This also allows Union Pacific to connect with community leaders and help them better understand the railroad's safety focus.
• Communication blitzes, which educate the public via community events, media outreach and paid advertising. Media outreach coincides with safety trains in UP communities.

For more information, visit UnionPacificCares.com

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2012, Union Pacific invested $18 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure, including a record $3.7 billion in 2012. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

Tweet me: .@UnionPacific is #Engaging Public through #Biligual Safety Campaign http://3bl.me/gnpq27 #CSR

KEYWORDS: Education, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, union pacific, train safety, csr, bilingual safety, educate public, employees, community

SOURCE: Corporate Citizenship

Last month, a group of scientists sent an open letter to ten supermarkets, accusing them of “seriously misinforming customers on health risks”.

The Voice of Young Science (VoYS) campaign says that by using “negative claims” – advertising products as free from ingredients such as MSG, aspartame, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or parabens – supermarkets are playing up unfounded health fears. Such labelling, they say, is as meaningless as marketing a “low sodium drain cleaner”, or “asbestos-free deodorant”.

In a recent speech, author Mark Lynas called the controversy over genetic modification “one of the greatest science communications failures of the past half-century”. Once an anti-GMO campaigner with Friends of the Earth, he has since been swayed, and now argues that “millions, possibly billions, of people have come to believe what is essentially a conspiracy theory”.

Why do supermarkets use negative claims? Marks & Spencer told VoYS that its products are free from GMOs due to “customer concerns”. Asda says its policies are “led by our customers”. We end up in a kind of vicious cycle, with supermarkets helping to perpetuate health scares rather than looking at the evidence.

Click here to continue reading on Corporate Citizenship

Tweet me: The customer is not always right! http://ow.ly/l8q6o @ccitizenship #Health #CSR

KEYWORDS: behaviour change, Consumer Behaviour, csr, customer behaviour, evidence, genetic modification, GM, GMO, Government, media, negative claims, Responsibility, Science, Supermarkets, trust

SOURCE: AOL Inc.

In one monster day of service to celebrate AOL's 28th anniversary, nearly 3,000 AOLers came together in 25 cities around the globe on Thursday, May 16, to bring to life the AOL value, We're in the business of helping people. Period. 

As the day dawned in Bangalore, Tel Aviv, London and Dublin, New York and the East Coast and across the U.S. to AOL's West Coast locations, the fourth annual AOL Monster Help Day got under way with employees rolling up their sleeves to assist charities, clean up parks, create artwork for hospitals, support the troops, read to children and many more projects- 54 in all.

These projects were selected by employees, who refocused their passion for their work to causes they feel strongly about. Just a few of the many organizations to which AOLers donated their time: Red Cross in New York, Deieichhoernchen in Dreieich, Centrepoint in London, Digital Harbor Foundation in Baltimore and Free the Children in Toronto.

To review the service project, see photos, testimonials, etc. check out Monster Help Day!

Tweet me: Check out @AOL's #MonsterHelpDay- a day when employees step away from their busy work schedules & give back http://monsterhelp.aol.com/

KEYWORDS: People, Social Action & Community Engagement, AOL, Monster Help Day, Service, volunteer, csr, employees, give back

SOURCE: MSLGROUP Americas

A non-profit is – by definition – a purpose-driven organization. But how do you create shared values that rally and align influencers and employees?

Communications leaders from more than 15 leading non-profits explored the issue this week at a special MSLGROUP Great Minds event.

As competition for dollars intensifies, smart organizations have shifted from simply pushing information out to employees to engaging and energizing them to deliver growth and impact. These groups recognize that all they really have to offer their funders, volunteers and other supporters is trust that they share the same values and a reputation for delivering on those values.    

Before shaking up the breast cancer community by rebranding with a laser-focused goal in 2010 to end breast cancer, the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) knew it had to align its staff, scientists and supporters, said Michelle Zelsman, Director of Marketing and Communications.

“When we launched our deadline 2020 for ending breast cancer, people told us that what we were doing was going to put some people out of business. We knew it was hard, but we stayed focused on the number of lives that would be saved, and kept all our advocates focused on that,” Zelsman said.

The focus on a clear, shared goal and compelling storytelling is paying off. Scientists are approaching the research differently and the conversation is starting to shift, Zelsman said.

A much larger, iconic non-profit, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is working on similar employee engagement issues.

“Our most important asset is our employees,” said Nick Conger, senior communications specialist at WWF.

But keeping 6,000 employees and 5 million supporters in 100 countries engaged can be challenging. To help, WWF recently launched a Master Storyteller’s program designed to train and equip staff and build community – critical elements of a successful employee engagement initiative. Conger said they're teaching their employees to be "future oriented, connect to everyday lives and speak in plain language" when communicating about WWF and its mission.

To successfully connect people, purpose and performance, organizations must:
   •    Be credible, authentic and transparent
   •    Create systems and channels that enable real-time communications
   •    Activate all four generations of the workforce
   •    Create, train and equip  brand champions
   •    Empower people to tell and share stories
   •    Replace rulebooks with shared beliefs
   •    Build communities that align purpose and goals and celebrate success

Sheila Gruber McLean is a Senior Vice President and Co-Lead of MSLGROUP's industry-leading Cause/CSR offering, PurPle (Purpose + People). Sheila has extensive experience in Cause/CSR, media, public affairs, non-profit and corporate communications.

Tweet me: How can a #nonprofit create shared values to rally & align influencers/employees? @MSL_DC's #MSLPurPle event explores http://3bl.me/dg735c

KEYWORDS: Event, Marketing, Media & Communications, Cause Marketing, PR, Community, Engagement, Social Actions

SOURCE: General Motors

DETRIOT, May 17, 2013 /3BL Media/ – The General Motors Foundation is pledging $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity to help victims of the recent tornadoes in five Texas counties. The funds will be used to help restore neighborhoods devastated by Wednesday’s storms.

“Helping Texas residents rebuild and repair their homes is a critical priority for Habitat for Humanity International in the aftermath of the recent tornadoes,” said Selim Bingol, vice president, GM Global Communications and Public Policy and Chairman of the GM Foundation. “Through the $500,000 grant from the GM Foundation and the recently donated Chevrolet Express Vans, we are helping the organization immediately provide financial and other important resources to those in need.”

Habitat for Humanity is assessing the impact on affordable housing in the affected areas and will assist with clean up, repairs and new construction efforts.

In addition to GM Foundation’s donation, Chevrolet donated 24 Chevrolet Express vans in 2012, creating the organization’s first-ever fleet of mobile response units. With their work behind them, some of the mobile response units are making their way from Superstorm Sandy-affected areas to Hood, Johnson, Montague, Parker and Wise counties to assist in recovery efforts. The vans are filled with tools and equipment from Lowe’s and Robert Bosch Tool Corporation

The GM Foundation’s support of Habitat for Humanity in 2013 also includes a $1 million grant for neighborhood revitalization efforts in 12 U.S. cities, including Arlington and Austin, Texas, where teamGM Cares volunteers will be deployed this year.

“From leadership giving and corporate gifts to much-needed vehicles and volunteers to assist with recovery efforts, Dan Akerson, the GM Foundation and Chevrolet are leading the way to help families rebuild their lives,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “This latest pledge will help the residents of impacted Texas communities come home again.” 

In 2012, GM’s Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson and his wife, Karin, provided a $1 million personal gift to Habitat for Humanity’s “Leaders to ReBuild Detroit” initiative.

The GM Foundation’s support of Texas also includes a recent $100,000 grant to the Red Cross to aid emergency management officials with relief efforts in West, Texas. The GM Foundation also donates annually to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program to ensure the organization has funds to provide immediate relief when disaster strikes.

About the General Motors Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates.  Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM.  The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us atwww.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community atwww.habitat.org/blog.

Tweet me: GM Foundation is pledging $500,000 to @Habitat_org to help victims in #Texas http://3bl.me/sys87k @GM

KEYWORDS: GM Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, disaster relief

SOURCE: Toyota

Tweet me: Now accepting grant apps for #ToyotaFamilyLearning, launched by @Toyota and National Center for Family Literacy. http://3bl.me/fxs2de

KEYWORDS: Education, Toyota, National Center for Family Literacy, community, NCFL, Toyota Family Learning

SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc.

by Courtney Beard

There are certain things in life most would consider “once in a lifetime” occurrences. The feeling that you get when your dad releases his grip one last time – and you find yourself riding a bicycle on your own; or waking up in amazement as you discover money from the tooth fairy under your pillow after losing your first tooth.

On November 4, 2008 – people all over the world witnessed a once in a lifetime moment when Barack and Michelle Obama won the race to the White House – becoming America’s first African American President and First Lady. It was only in my wildest dreams that I would ever have the pleasure to meet them both.

Continue reading Courtney's experience in the IT Training and Certification Program.

Tweet me: .@CiscoSystems employee honored as military #veteran at the @WhiteHouse http://3bl.me/n525hm via @CiscoCSR #IT

KEYWORDS: Cisco, cisco sytems, Military Veterans, White House, IT Training and Certification Program, Veterans, john chambers

SOURCE: Imperial Oil

• Annual campaign surpasses $4 million for third consecutive year
• More than 1,100 employees and annuitants participated in Day of Caring events

Calgary, AB., May 16, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil Canada, in association with its employees and retirees, raised nearly $4.4 million for United Way-Centraide in 2012.

“I am inspired by the generosity of our employees and retirees to the United Way,” said Rich Kruger, chairman and CEO of Imperial Oil. “I was very involved with the United Way in Houston and I look forward to continuing my involvement in Canada.”

Imperial’s 2012 United Way campaign was one of the most successful in company history on a variety of fronts. Funds raised topped the company’s record-breaking 2011 campaign. Over 1,100 employees and retirees across Canada volunteered over 6,750 hours in Day of Caring activities, which benefited United Way-supported agencies across the country.

“We are grateful to Imperial Oil and all of their employees for their deep commitment to making lasting change in their communities,” says Dr. Jacline Abray-Nyman, President & CEO, United Way Centraide Canada. “With their support, United Way Centraides can continue to achieve meaningful, long-term improvements to the quality of life in Canadian communities, by addressing not just the symptoms of problems but also getting at the root causes. It’s about making fundamental changes to community conditions.”

Included in the overall campaign donation is $191,000 raised from the limited-edition $25 Esso United Way Gift Card program. For every card sold at participating Esso retail sites in Canada, Imperial donated $2 to the United Way.

Imperial Oil is one of Canada’s largest corporations and a leading member of the country’s petroleum industry. The company is a major producer of crude oil and natural gas, Canada’s largest petroleum refiner, a key petrochemical producer and a leading marketer with coast-to-coast supply and retail service station networks.

For more information about Imperial's community investment activities, please visit www.imperialoil.ca/Canada-English/community.aspx.

ExxonMobil Canada, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), has a long history in Canada that dates back to the 1940s. The company is a leader in the Atlantic Canada offshore, where it operates the Sable project in Nova Scotia, is lead owner of the Hibernia project in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), where it is developing the Hebron project. ExxonMobil Canada has interest in the Terra Nova project in NL, operates the Sable project in Nova Scotia and has additional assets in Western and Northern Canada.

United Way is a national non-profit organization that works in partnership with others to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our communities. With the generous support of Canadians, we help kids be all that they can be, build healthy people and strong communities and move people from poverty to possibility. For more information, please go to www.unitedway.ca

- 30 -

For further information:

Christine Graves

Imperial Oil, Public and Government Affairs

(403) 237-2710

Tweet me: .@ImperialOil, ExxonMobil Canada raise a record $4.4 Million for @UnitedWayCanada http://3bl.me/pfxkwz #changestartshere #volunteer

KEYWORDS: Imperial oil, ExxonMobil, United Way, United Way-Centraide, Rich Kruger, day of caring, volunteer, United Way Campaign, United Way of Canada, Centraide Canada, UWC-CC

SOURCE: Caesars Entertainment Corporation

LAS VEGAS, May 15, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Throughout the month of May, in celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Caesars Entertainment’s Total Vegas Resorts invite active and retired military members to enjoy several entertainment and dining offerings free of charge or at discounted prices. Military personnel can present their government-issued military identification cards in exchange for the following offers:

Bally’s Las Vegas

• Be a guest at Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding, a theatrical performance that satires an Italian-American wedding where you participate in all aspects of the event.  Bring a friend, as tickets for the month of May are buy one, get one free on General Admission and VIP tickets.
• The deepest pool in Las Vegas featuring Bally’s classic style and charm, Blu Pool is offering free admission and half-price bottle service to active military members with valid ID.

Caesars Palace

• Named “Best Pools in Las Vegas” by Travel + Leisure, the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis is offering free admission and half-price bottle service to active military members with valid ID.
• Enjoy provocative shadow dancers in a sensual atmosphere at Shadow Bar, which is offering free admission and half-price bottle service to active military members with valid ID.
• Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Chef Gordon Ramsay’s take on an authentic English pub experience in Las Vegas, is offering a two-for-one burger entrée to active military members with valid ID.

Flamingo Las Vegas

• Comedian George Wallace, known as "the guy who can roll the room over if it's dead,” will be offering one free ticket to members of the military both past and present with a valid ID.
• X Burlesque, one of the sexiest shows on the Strip, is offering $20 off General Admission and VIP tickets with a free X Burlesque shot glass.   
• The original celebrity tribute spectacular, Legends in Concert, will provide free Golden Circle or Main Floor admission with a valid Military ID.
• Voted “The Best Show in Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review –Journal, America’s most-loved brother-sister, Donny & Marie, are offering two-for-one balcony seats during the month of May to anyone who brings a military ID to the Flamingo box office.  

• Enjoy views of a 15-acre wildlife habitat while dining at Paradise Garden Buffet, which is offering a two-for-one lunch buffet Monday through Friday to active military members with valid ID.

Harrah’s Las Vegas

• The longest-running solo play in Broadway history, Defending the Caveman, is offering free admission for active duty and veteran military personnel with each paid admission.

• The Olympic-size outdoor swimming Pool at Harrah’s, is offering free admission and half-price bottle service to active military members with valid ID.
• Showcasing the ultimate burger selection with signature Chef Kerry Simon flair, KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers is offering a two-for-one burger entrée to active military members with valid ID.
• Toby Keith’s: I Love This Bar & Grill featuring a true southern home-style menu is offering a complimentary military burger and French fries to active military members with valid ID.
• Flavors Buffet, one of the most diverse buffets on the Strip, is offering a two-for-one lunch buffet Monday through Friday to active military members with valid ID.

Paris Las Vegas

• The first “American Idol” winner to secure a residency in Las Vegas, Taylor Hicks salutes Military personnel every night with a tribute song entitled “Nineteen.”  During the month of May, Hicks is also offering 10 two-for-one tickets to each of his show to those who show a military ID at the Paris box office.
• World-famous adult hypnotist Anthony Cools is providing a two-for-one deal on General Admission tickets.
• Featuring a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, the Soleil pool is offering free admission and half-price bottle service to active military members with valid ID.
• Enjoy creative burger selections at Le Burger Brasserie, a French interpretation of the classic American Sports Grille, which is offering a two-for-one burger entrée to active military members with valid ID.
• Offering a well-rounded experience of French cuisines, Le Village Buffet is offering a two-for-one lunch buffet Monday through Friday to active military members with valid ID.

Planet Hollywood

• Gordon Ramsay BurGR, internationally-acclaimed Chef Gordon Ramsay’s first burger experience restaurant, is offering a two-for-one burger entrée to active military members with valid ID.
• Spice Market Buffet, featuring fare from around the world, is offering a two-for-one lunch buffet Monday through Friday to active military members with valid ID.

The Quad Resort & Casino

• The over-the-top production of Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas, featuring the world’s best female impersonators performing as some of music’s biggest superstars, has an ongoing half-price ticket offer.
• World champion juggler, Jeff Civillico, who entertains and wows audiences with physical humor, stunts and juggling is offering up to four free tickets with a military ID.
• Las Vegas’ #1 interactive show, Recycled Percussion is providing an ongoing 50 percent discount off tickets and merchandise with military ID.

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

• Named “Best Male Strip Show in Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and given five-stars by Las Vegas Weekly, Chippendales has an ongoing 50 percent off discount to all military personnel with ID.
• Experience spellbinding views at VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub, which is offering free admission to active military members with valid ID.
• All-American Bar and Grill, the casual dining restaurant featuring wood-grilled dry-aged steaks, burgers and fresh seafood, is offering a two-for-one burger entrée to active military members with valid ID.
• Experience an around-the-world feast at Carnival World Buffet, which is offering a two-for-one lunch buffet Monday through Friday to active military members with valid ID.

To purchase tickets for entertainment and for current show dates and times, please visit: www.lventertainment.com. For more information on Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas Resorts restaurants, please visit: www.caesars.com or for reservations, call (800) 342-7724.

Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts

Experience TOTAL Vegas with Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts: Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Bally’s Las Vegas and The Quad Resort & Casino. Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest casino-entertainment company. Caesars is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

###

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Jo

Public Relations Specialist

Caesars Entertainment

JJo@caesarspalace.com

702.785.6341

Michelle Monson

Public Relations Coordinator

Caesars Entertainment

Mmonson@caesars.com

702.467.3598

Tweet me: Active and retired military members, @CaesarsEnt salutes you with discounts and freebies at their Vegas resorts! http://czr.bz/12nLzUv

KEYWORDS: caesars entertainment, vegas resorts, military, csr, military appreciation month, caesars palace

SOURCE: Discovery Communications, Inc.

-- TLC’s CAKE BOSS Buddy Valastro, stars of TLC’s HONEY DO and Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni to work alongside Discovery employees --

-- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to visit work site --

Silver Spring, Md., May 16, 2013 /3BL Media/ – More than 125 Discovery Communications' employees and on-air talent from across the United States, including Buddy Valastro of TLC’s CAKE BOSS and Dave Salmoni of Animal Planet, will be in the Atlantic City suburb of Ventnor City, New Jersey, from May 16-18 to work with Habitat for Humanity on major home rehabilitations in partnership with residents affected by Superstorm Sandy. Ventnor City Mayor Mike Bagnell will work alongside Discovery employees and talent for the duration of the build and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be on site for the second day of the build.

Habitat for Humanity, the 6th largest home builder and the largest private home builder in the United States, works in more than 1,500 locations across the country and was one of the first on the scene for rebuild efforts in the region. Leaders from Habitat for Humanity International and Atlantic County Habitat for Humanity worked closely with Discovery to determine projects where the company's employees and on-air talent could make an impact on recovery efforts already under way.

"Since its inception, Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying viewers' curiosity and making a difference through programs that educate and enlighten, and we also recognize that our mission extends beyond the screen," said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. "We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this important ‘Rebuilding Atlantic City' project and to demonstrate the positive impact that businesses can make in answering the call to service."

“New Jersey has made significant strides rebuilding and recovering in the six and a half months since Superstorm Sandy,” said Governor Chris Christie.  “I’m proud of how our communities and residents have shown the world our strength, determination and resilience. Through the support and volunteerism of individuals and organizations across the globe, we experienced the human spirit at its best. I would like to thank Discovery Communications, Habitat for Humanity and TLC for being a part of that spirit as they partner together to repair homes for the residents of Ventnor.”

“Like almost every community in New Jersey, Ventnor was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. Since the day of the storm, Ventnor has been in recovery mode and our citizens have done a wonderful job helping each other to rebuild our community,” said Ventnor City Mayor Mike Bagnell. “I’d also like to thank Discovery Communications, TLC and Habitat for Humanity for coming to our town and partnering with us to move Ventnor forward. Sandy knocked us down, but not out.”

“This event is just one way that Habitat for Humanity is responding to those who are still suffering from the devastation of the storm,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.  “We are delighted to work with partners like Discovery Communications to help families rebuild their lives and strengthen communities.”

The initial idea and inspiration behind Discovery's ‘Rebuilding Atlantic City' project came from David Zaslav as part of the company's Discovery Impact initiatives, which leverage the power of Discovery's brands, businesses and employees to give back and make a difference in the communities in which they live and work. In 2011, Discovery employees rebuilt homes in tornado-ravaged suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama.

Buddy Valastro of TLC’s CAKE BOSS will work with Discovery employees in the rebuilding efforts in his home state of New Jersey. A new season of CAKE BOSS returns to TLC on Monday, May 27 at 9 p.m., followed by a brand-new project BAKERY BOSS, where Buddy helps transform a struggling family-run bakery into the success they desperately need.

Also participating in the rebuild efforts are Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni and the stars of TLC’s HONEY DO, Jonathan Waud, Kevin Peake and Benjamin Patterson. HONEY DO, premiering June 17 at 10 p.m., follows a dream team of handy men who come to the aid of one wife with a totally relatable problem - she's got a "honey do" list a mile long - and her husband doesn't know where to begin.

To further Discovery’s impact, Discovery Education is also presenting an exciting and educational assembly for the students and staff of Atlantic City Public Schools’ Sovereign Avenue School.  The assembly will offer students a sneak peek of the upcoming Discovery Channel series NORTH AMERICA, and will include special appearances by Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni and TLC’s CAKE BOSS, Buddy Valastro.

In conjunction with the rebuilding efforts, Whirlpool is generously donating household appliances including washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators to several homes that were greatly affected by the storm. The 30 appliances will be installed throughout the three-day project by Discovery Communications’ volunteers and Habitat leaders.Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity have been working together for more than a decade to create decent, affordable housing around the world. Over the past 13 years, Whirlpool has contributed more than $78 million in cash and product to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

About Discovery Impact
Through its Discovery Impact programs, Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) leverages the power of its brands, businesses and employees to give back to the world. From programming that inspires and educates to annual events that make a direct impact on the communities in which we live and work, Discovery strives to celebrate, support and sustain the majesty of the earth's people, animals and natural beauty. For more information about how Discovery is making an impact, please visit: http://impact.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than two billion cumulative subscribers in 223 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 162 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of 20 television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

About Whirlpool brand

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion in 2012, 68,000 employees, and 65 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. Whirlpool brand recognizes that consumers lead busy, active lives and continues to create solutions that help consumers optimize productivity and efficiency in the home. In addition to designing appliance solutions based on consumer insight, Whirlpool is one of Habitat for Humanity's largest corporate partners, donating a refrigerator and range to every new Habitat for Humanity home built in North America. For more information on Whirlpool brand please visit www.whirlpool.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whirlpoolUSA. Additional information about the company can be found at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

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Tweet me: .@DiscoveryComm employees and talent and Habitat for Humanity help rebuild NY, NJ after Sandy. http://3bl.me/vckww6 #ourimpact Contact Info:

Michelle Russo
+1 (240) 678-6375
michelle_russo@discovery.com

Catherine Frymark
+1 (240) 893-9840
Catherine_frymark@discovery.com

KEYWORDS: discovery communications, Habitat for Humanity, Superstorm Sandy, New York, New Jersey, Volunteers, Honey Do, Dave Salmoni, Buddy Valastro, Chris Christie