Sodexo Foundation Savors Record-Breaking Contributions to End Childhood Hunger in U.S. and Honors Student and Employee Volunteers

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In spite of an exceedingly difficult economy, or perhaps because of the need it generates, the Sodexo Foundation, the nonprofit charitable arm of Sodexo, Inc. surpassed the previous year's record-breaking contributions to fight childhood hunger at its annual fundraising dinner on June 9 in Washington, D.C. Through the generous donations of Sodexo's valued vendor partners, private corporations and individual donors, the Sodexo Foundation raised $1 million to support its many programs and initiatives focused on ending childhood hunger in America.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110613/NE18774 )

"This was just an exceptional night on so many levels," said Robert A. Stern, president, the Sodexo Foundation. "I'm, of course, in awe of our business and vendor partners who continue to give to this cause without hesitation, and when there are so many other demands competing for precious resources. Then, there are these amazing stories of volunteerism that never fail to impress and inspire. It's nothing short of moving."

The Sodexo Foundation named eight Sodexo employees as "Heroes of Everyday Life" and awarded six students with a Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarship for their exemplary efforts to fight hunger in America. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant for their designated hunger-related charity. The Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholars also received a $5,000 scholarship toward their education. In addition, 20 Regional Honorees not in attendance received a $1,000 grant in their name to support the hunger-related charity of their choice.

Attending benefactors like Sysco, recognized at the dinner by Sodexo Foundation as its 2011 Hunger Champion, were treated to video vignettes showcasing the work of Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholars Amy and Emma Bushman and Jonathan Crider as well as Hero of Everyday Life recipient Julia Pipkins.

"Sysco is honored to be recognized as the 2011 Hunger Champion by the Sodexo Foundation," said Kent Humphries, senior vice president and CEO Sysco Canada. "Focusing on hunger relief in the communities that we serve is part of Sysco's commitment to social responsibility and the stories shared here tonight by Sodexo's employee volunteers and these young scholars further demonstrate the need for all of us to continue this important work."

Perhaps one of the more poignant moments of the evening was a special video tribute done in memory of Stephen J. Brady, the late president of the Sodexo Foundation who passed away earlier this year after a long bout with cancer, and for whom the scholarships were renamed this year. Following the tribute, Brady's wife, Pascale, joined Stern on the stage where it was announced that she had accepted a seat on the board of the Sodexo Foundation. She was also presented with a mounted and framed copy of When Great Trees Fall, which was personally autographed by Dr. Maya Angelou -- a poem that holds special meaning for the Bradys.

Visibly touched by the expressions of love and support for her late husband, Brady said, "Everyone's contributions and participation have had a very personal meaning for me and for our family; they allowed Steve to make his dream and his vision a reality -- one that, especially in the last two years, helped him 'get up' and get 'fired up' every day, even on days where there was no fire left. For this, we are eternally grateful. Thank you."

More than 50 million people, including 17 million children, are at risk of hunger in the United States. The Sodexo Foundation works to ensure that every child in the United States, especially those most at-risk, grows up with dependable access to enough nutritious food to enable them to lead a health, productive life. To make a contribution to the fight against hunger or for more information, please visit www.sodexofoundation.org.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On Site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $15 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions

Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 380,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of On Site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.

SOURCE Sodexo Foundation