(SAN DIEGO) June 17, 2009 – In honor of its 10th anniversary, the Cox Kids Foundation has made a surprise donation totaling $100,000 to 10 local non-profit organizations to assist San Diego County children and families in the areas of health and social services, education, and technology. The surprise donations were announced during the foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration event last night at PETCO Park.

The philanthropic arm of Cox Communications, the Cox Kids Foundation is funded by employees who donate a portion of every paycheck to the foundation. Those contributions are then matched 100% by Cox Communications.

“In honor of our 10th anniversary, the Cox Kids Foundation has donated $10,000 each to 10 non-profits who were among our original partners and who are committed to making a difference in the lives of San Diego County children and families,” said Sam Attisha, Vice President of External Affairs for Cox Communications.

The Cox Kids Foundation, which is a fund of the San Diego Foundation, is managed by a board of 40 Cox employees who volunteer their time to oversee the foundation and determine how the funds are allocated. Since 1999, the Cox Kids Foundation has raised more than $3 million to support children and families in need throughout San Diego County. In 2009, it will donate more than $500,000 to the San Diego community.

The 10 organizations include:

Barrio Station – Helps disadvantaged high risk youth avoid negative lifestyles and reach their potential; www.barrio-station.org/.

Casa de Amparo –Supports those affected by and at risk of child abuse and neglect through a range of programs and services that promote healing, growth and healthy relationships. www.casadeamparo.org/.

Center for Community Solutions – Provides counseling to children who have been exposed to domestic violence; www.ccssd.org/.

Elementary Institute of Science – Offers after-school science and technology learning opportunities to children; http://www.eisca.org/.

Interfaith Community Services - Provides basic human services and enrichment programs to low-income, homeless and underserved people; www.interfaithservices.org/.

North County Latinas Association – Creates a healthy quality of life for all Latinas by empowering them socially and economically through education; www.sd-ncla.org/.

San Diego Center for Children - Provides art and music therapy to children struggling with severe emotional and behavioral disorders; www.centerforchildren.org/.

San Diego MANA – Empowers Latinas through leadership development, community service and advocacy; www.sdmana.org/.

STAR/PAL – Provides free youth programs and positive interaction with committed volunteers including law enforcement officers and firefighters;
www.starpal.org/.

St. Vincent de Paul Village, Inc. – Toussaint Teen Center – Provides group housing for homeless youth, ages 14-17, to help them grow into healthy and successful adults; www.svdpv.org/.

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