MetLife Foundation Announces its 2010 Thanksgiving Charity Program

Foundation will donate $500,000 to selected charities; Jets fans, Giants fans, and general public encouraged to participate during Thanksgiving week

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- MetLife Foundation today announced its first-ever Thanksgiving charity program, kicking off on Sunday, November 21. Fans of the New York Jets and New York Giants, and members of the general public, will have the opportunity to actively participate and make a real difference by helping to determine how a special half-million dollar gift will be shared among four charities. Selections can be made online at www.MetLife.com/thanksgiving, where everyone can see which charities are available to choose from and read about the important work they do.

The organizations that will be sharing in this year's special contribution include:

• Alzheimer's Association. Helping those affected by Alzheimer's and committed to prevention, treatments and a cure.
• Food Bank for New York City. The city's major hunger relief organization for 27 years, working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs.
• Jump Start for Young Children. Ensuring that every child in America enters school prepared to succeed through individualized tutoring and mentoring.
• KaBOOM! Four out of five kids don't have a place to play, and KaBOOM! is the national non-profit that builds playgrounds, provides playground building resources online and advocates for more places to play.

"In the spirit of Thanksgiving, when Americans gather with family and friends, MetLife Foundation asks the public to join us to support the fine work of these organizations," said Dennis White, president & CEO of MetLife Foundation. "Not just New York football fans, but anyone can go online to find out how to participate, learn more about the charities and see how they will share the $500,000 donation."

MetLife is a cornerstone sponsor of the New Meadowlands Stadium, and fans attending the New York Jets games on Sunday, November 21 and Thanksgiving Day, and the New York Giants game on Sunday, November 28 will be able to vote in person at the game, as they enter the stadium through the MetLife corner called "MetLife Central."  

"Being a cornerstone sponsor of New Meadowlands Stadium gives us a terrific opportunity to engage with fans in a memorable and approachable way," said Beth Hirschhorn, SVP and CMO for MetLife. "With MetLife Central and our Countdown Card program, we're enhancing the game day experience by providing opportunities where fans can share in the unique benefits and access we receive as a sponsor. In this instance, the on-site program now allows us to mobilize a passionate fan base to support our Foundation with a great cause."

Results of the voting, ending on Sunday, November 28, will be announced on Monday, November 29. The charity getting the most votes will receive $175,000 from MetLife Foundation, the second-highest vote getter will receive $125,000, and the remaining two charities will each receive $100,000, which amounts are subject to change in the event of a tie between any of the charities.

Separately, on Thanksgiving evening, MetLife will host a group from New York City's YMCA in its skybox suite at MetLife Central. With their families, these special guests will have the opportunity to celebrate the holiday and enjoy that night's football game with the special thrill of seeing the game from a cornerstone suite.  

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 by MetLife to continue its longstanding tradition of contributions and community involvement. The goal is to empower people to lead healthy, productive lives and strengthen communities. Underlying the Foundation's programs is a focus on education at all ages and a commitment to increasing access and opportunity. The Foundation makes grants in health, education, civic affairs and culture.

SOURCE MetLife Foundation