Dean Foods to be Honored

Dallas, TX (PRWEB)  -- The Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Dallas Chapter, with presenting partner Communities Foundation of Texas, proud partners in philanthropy, will honor Dean Foods as Outstanding Corporation, sponsored by Constant Contact, at the 24th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. The event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, Landmark Ballroom, 300 Reunion Boulevard, Dallas. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon from 12-1:30 p.m.

Dean Foods http://www.deanfoods.com, one of the nation's leading food and beverage companies, supports numerous nonprofit organizations on a national and local level. Dean Foods' primary philanthropic efforts are aimed at ending childhood hunger and teaching at-risk children and youth about proper nutrition and the importance of a proper diet. Locally, the company has provided support including donations of product and employee time to nonprofits such as Children's Medical Center, the North Texas Food Bank, the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, Notre Dame School and Mi Escuelita Preschool.

"On behalf of the employees at Dean Foods, we are grateful for this honor," stated Gregg L. Engles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dean Foods. "As a company dedicated to health and wellness through our nutritious products, dedicated employees and commitment to our communities, we are pleased to partner with organizations to assist our neighbors in need."

Dean Foods' support of Children's Medical Center created the Dean Foods Lifestyle, Exercise, and Nutrition (L.E.A.N.) Families Program. This program supports families and children affected by obesity in learning about healthy eating choices and becoming more physically active, and it works with the entire family to affect lifestyle changes. Another gift to Mi Escuelita Preschool supports the school's efforts to feed its students nutritionally balanced meals and educate them about proper nutrition.

"Dean Foods has devoted its resources of money, in-kind, and employee time to create programs that directly address children's nutritional health in ways that make the best use of the respective organization's resources," said Jan Ziegler, Mi Escuelita Preschool and nominator of Dean Foods for this award. "We have seen dramatic positive results from their generous endeavors."

In addition to Outstanding Corporation, six other awards will be presented at the luncheon to those in the community who exemplify commitment, dedication, and talent toward helping their neighbors. Additional winners are Mary and Mike Terry for Outstanding Philanthropist(s); Mayor Laura Wheat, Town of Westlake, for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser; Embrey Family Foundation for Outstanding Foundation; CREW Dallas (Commercial Real Estate Women) for Outstanding Philanthropic Organization; JoLynne Jensen, CFRE, for Outstanding Fundraising Executive; and Matthew Willis for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.

"The Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Dallas Chapter http://www.afpdallas.org/ is proud to present and pay tribute to these outstanding individuals who have exhibited such incredible civic and charitable stewardship," said Cheryl Reynolds, National Philanthropy Day Chair. "Without question, such philanthropic efforts play a critical role in our society, providing much needed funds every year, encouraging civic participation, and improving the quality of life for all people. These seven award recipients are an inspiration to so many in the community and beyond." The Greater Dallas Chapter of AFP was among the first to begin celebrating National Philanthropy Day in 1981. Today, the luncheon involves over 700 AFP members and community leaders. National Philanthropy Day celebrates the great contributions philanthropy, and those who work in the philanthropic process, make to our

community. AFP Chapters involve more than 36,000 individuals in celebrating philanthropy each year.