PHOENIX, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Charities knows how hard the economy has hit Valley nonprofits and this year is stepping up more than ever with awards totaling $457,500 to 80 charitable organizations. This represents a 17 percent increase in giving over last year.
Since its inception in 1996, Cox Charities has awarded more than $3 million to local nonprofits that support youth and education. Cox Charities raises the funds it donates through employee personal contributions and through the support of the community at large. Every dollar raised goes directly to the community.
This year, Cox Charities launched its Power of One campaign providing the opportunity for Cox customers to add $1 to their bill payment. Each dollar is then combined with donations from other Cox customers, Cox employees and corporate partners to do the most good for Arizona youth and education causes.
Funds raised by Cox Charities directly support programs like Jobs for Arizona's Graduates' (JAG) National Student Leadership Academy. The Academy provides at-risk students like Alex with leadership and personal skills and the chance to demonstrate these skills at the school, community, regional, state and national levels. Alex was abandoned in her early teens and later dropped out of high school her freshmen year. JAG provided the support Alex neeed to blossom despite her difficult circumstances. Now, she is a proud high school graduate in her second semester at Mesa Community College and is currently prepping cadre Academy leaders for JAG's National Student Leadership in Washington D.C.
"It's stories like Alex's that illustrate the very reason why Cox Charities exists and inspire us to give even more," said Steve Rizley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cox Arizona.
Note to media: For interviews, please contact at JAG's Executive Director Graciela Candia at graciela.candia@jagaz.org 602-216-9505.
Cox Charities
Since its inception, Cox Charities has awarded more than $3.4 million to Arizona nonprofits that share Cox's commitment to our youth. Cox Charities partners with the Valley of the Sun United Way as its fiscal agent and administrative partner.
SOURCE Cox Charities
