Houston Charities Receive More Than $1 Million In Gifted Advertising

HOUSTON, Feb. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to the health of our charities, Houston ranks first in the nation. To celebrate that spirit of philanthropy, the Houston Chronicle Media Group is proud to join with the community in publishing the second annual HOUSTONgives, a special print and web publication celebrating the generosity of Houstonians.

A new component of HOUSTONgives this year is Houston Heroes, which recognizes 13 outstanding individuals who embody the spirit of giving. Houston Heroes were selected by HCMG editors from hundreds of nominations submitted by readers.

In addition to showcasing Houstonians' charitable works, HOUSTONgives serves as a conduit through which the community can give back. Businesses that purchased advertisements in HOUSTONgives receive equal space to donate to the charities of their choice. Not-for-profit organizations have benefited from more than $1 million in gifted advertising space since the program's inception last year.

"HOUSTONgives connects our local community, consumer, civic and commercial interests in a single integrated effort," HCMG president John T. O'Loughlin said.

Houston Heroes includes stories of community volunteers, foundation organizers and corporate leaders who help others. More than 300 Chronicle readers submitted nominations of their friends, neighbors and co-workers, and from that pool HOUSTONgives honors 11 individuals and one team.

"Reading the stories submitted by the community was humbling and inspiring," said senior editor Melissa Aguilar. "HOUSTONgives spotlights a dozen heroes, but the hundreds of nominees are testament to Houston's generous spirit."

HCMG will publish HOUSTONgives Friday online at chron.com/houstongives and as a 60-page special section in Sunday's newspaper.

Contact:
Nicki Britton | Houston Chronicle | 713-362-7486 / 713-504-1207 | [email protected]

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The Houston Chronicle, the largest newspaper in Texas with the nation's second-highest Sunday total average circulation, has evolved into a multi-media company publishing online and commercial print products, in English and Spanish, reaching specific audiences with unique delivery programs. In addition to the Houston Chronicle's 828,667 daily readers and 1.4 million readers on Sunday, Chron.com, the Chronicle's online site, averages nearly 85 million page views and 11 million unique visitors each month. The Houston Chronicle is owned by the Hearst Corporation. Follow the Chronicle on Twitter at @Houstonchron.

SOURCE Houston Chronicle