Tom's of Maine Asks the Public to 'Vote for Good' in Annual "50 States for Good"™ Program

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What could $50,000 mean for a nonprofit in your community?  Tom's of Maine is asking the public to help determine which of the finalists in its "50 States for Good" program will receive $20,000 each as well as a single $50,000 award. Voting starts today at www.50statesforgood.com and runs through September 13.  Projects range from helping those in need by harvesting crops to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to preserving natural resources like parks and waterways.  

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"Now in our third year, we continue to be inspired by the passion you see at the local level and the innovative ways people are working together to address community needs and concerns," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "We've increased the funding this year to help make a more lasting impact, and we've kept the voting component because we think it gives everyone, whether you live near a project or not, a way to be involved in helping a little good come to communities across the country."

This year's "50 States for Good" Top 20 finalists in alphabetical order are:

Tom's of Maine's "50 States for Good" initiative invited qualifying 501(c) 3 organizations with an operating budget under $2 million to apply. Applications to the program were narrowed down to 20 finalists by a panel of judges based on the organization's use of community volunteers (50%), project achievability (25%) and positive impact on the community (25%). The judging panel was composed of key leaders in the nonprofit and goodness community including: Christie Garton with USA Today's Kindness Blog, Beth Kanter, co-author of "Networked Nonprofit" and co-founder of Zoetica, and Sam Davidson, founder of Cool People Care.

Past recipients have included organizations such as the Bloomington Community Orchard in Indiana, which used the funds to contribute to local food security and educate citizens on sustainability, as well as the Philadelphia PAWS Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic, which has put the funding towards free spay/neuter surgery and basic veterinary care for dogs and cats in need. For a look at how these two organizations used their funding to make an impact, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjesC-nLFPk.

The public vote is open now through September 13, 2011. The organization with the most votes will receive $50,000 in sponsorship funding; five additional organizations will each receive $20,000. Each finalist will be showcased at tomsofmaine.com during the voting phase with the winners announced in October 2011.

Tom's of Maine is a longtime supporter of community volunteer programs including clean waterways and greater access to affordable dental care, among many other programs. In addition, since its inception, the company has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer every year.

About Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. TOMs sells high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, bar soap, and body wash products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 40 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of non-profit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to the community and encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom's of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and  community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine