Shepherd's Gift Foundation Announces First Group Of 2012 Recipients

NEW BERLIN, N.Y., July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Shepherd's Gift Foundation, the charitable arm of Chobani, is pleased to announce its plans to give over $2MM, collectively, to 17 diverse organizations throughout the country. This contribution will allow the Shepherd's Gift Foundation to support each of these groups' respective efforts to create positive, long-lasting change in their communities. Through the Shepherd's Gift Foundation, Chobani gives 10% of its profits annually to individuals and organizations worldwide furthering its nothing but good philosophy.

The first group of 2012 Shepherd's Gift Foundation recipients include:

• American Turkish Society in New York, N.Y.
• Bristol Good Neighbors in Bristol, R.I.
• Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, N.Y.
• D.C. Central Kitchen in Washington, D.C.
• Deep Center in Savannah, G.A.
• Grow Montessori in Atlanta, G.A.
• Hands Extended Loving People (HELP) in Ludington, M.I.
• Luke's Wings in Washington, D.C.
• Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees (MVRCR) in Utica, N.Y.
• New York Kurdish Film Festival in Philadelphia, P.A.
• N.Y. FarmNet in Ithaca, N.Y.
• Rensselaer Plateau Nordic, Inc. in Albany, N.Y.
• Sing for Hope, Inc. in New York, N.Y.
• Trips for Kids® in Charlotte, N.C.
• Twin Falls Community Foundation in Twin Falls, I.D.
• Twin Falls Tonight in Twin Falls, I.D.
• YWCA in Utica, N.Y.

"I strongly believe that to move forward, you have to give back. That's why I created the Shepherd's Gift Foundation—to empower others," said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder, President and CEO of Chobani. "This Foundation is meant to help our local and global communities teach, learn and grow. I personally congratulate each of the recipients and commend them for their amazing work. They are inspiring the birth of new 'Shepherds'."

Inspired by Hamdi's mother, the Shepherd's Gift Foundation was founded to empower organizations and individuals who exemplify what it means to be a "Shepherd," defined as those who give without expecting anything in return. The importance of having a generous spirit was a lesson Ulukaya's mother instilled in him when he was just a boy. Through funds, partnerships and programs, the Shepherd's Gift Foundation shines a light on those that are creating positive, long-lasting change in their communities and around the world. All organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit their causes online where they are reviewed by the Shepherd's Gift Foundation's Executive Board, which includes Ulukaya.

In addition to creating positive, long-lasting change in their communities, the Shepherd's Gift Foundation aligns itself with organizations and individuals who are making an impact on the ground through solution-based initiatives. Previous recipients include: The Global Enrichment Foundation, an organization working to end the hunger crisis in Somalia.

For more information on the Shepherd's Gift Foundation, what it means to be a Shepherd or to submit an individual or organization for consideration, please visit: http://shepherds-gift.chobani.com.

About Shepherd's Gift Foundation

The Shepherd's Gift Foundation is committed to empowering those who exemplify what it means to be a Shepherd – one who gives without expecting anything in return, working selflessly for a better world, while possessing a generous spirit. Through funds, partnerships and programs, the Shepherd's Gift Foundation shines a light on those that create positive, long-lasting change in their communities and the world around them. As Chobani's charitable arm, the Shepherd's Gift Foundation gives 10% of the company's annual profits to support causes that are solution-based and grassroots in spirit. To learn more, visit: http://shepherds-gift.chobani.com.

About Chobani 

Maker of America's #1 selling yogurt brand—authentic strained Chobani Greek Yogurt—Chobani was founded on the belief that people have great taste; they just need great options. That is why Chobani produces only the highest quality, best tasting products made with only natural ingredients out of their South Edmeston, N.Y. production facility. The company is also constructing a second domestic 900,000 square-foot production plant in Twin Falls, I.D., which will be the largest yogurt manufacturing facility in the county. As part of Chobani's Nothing But Good philosophy, Chobani is committed to supporting local farmers and strengthening its surrounding area economies. Chobani uses milk from New York-area farms and gives a portion of its annual profits to charities worldwide through the Shepherd's Gift Foundation, the company's charitable arm. All Chobani products are gluten free, Kosher certified, made with milk free of rBST and provide two times more protein than regular yogurt, five live and active cultures, including three strains of probiotics. Chobani retails for MSRP $1.29/6oz, $3.29/16oz, $5.99/32oz, and $3.99/Champions 4-pack. Chobani products are available nationwide. For more information, visit chobani.com. 

SOURCE Chobani