Food Drive Funds Buy $742,070 of Nutritious Food for Hungry Central Texans
At a time when almost one in five Central Texans live in a household at risk of hunger, the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) received a much needed donation of $145,600 from employees of Applied Materials, Inc., and the Applied Materials Foundation. The funds were raised during the company’s “2013 Applied Materials Austin Annual Food Drive” and combine the contributions of its employees and contractors with dollar-for-dollar matching funds from The Applied Materials Foundation.
“Every year we set a lofty fundraising goal. I’m proud we exceeded our expectations, but I’m even more proud that we are able to help our community at this magnitude,” said Rick Gesing, Austin site manager and corporate vice president, Semiconductor Manufacturing and Supply Chain at Applied Materials, Inc. “Our employees bring their same intense work ethic and creativity to making an impact in our community. I’m proud of their efforts.”
For several weeks during the holiday season, Applied Materials employees participated in numerous creative and fun events to encourage donations. This year’s fundraisers included a crock pot cook-off, 5k food drive run/walk, spaghetti luncheon, golf tournament, and bike ride. Participation in these activities, combined with personal donations, helped the company’s employees, contractors and the Applied Materials Foundation surpass their 2012 donation by $2,814.
The $148,414 donation by Applied Materials employees and the Applied Materials Foundation allows CAFB to substantially increase its buying power, by leveraging one dollar into five dollars-worth of food, to provide up to $742,070 of food for the community. Funds will be used to nourish hungry Central Texans directly from CAFB programs or through the Food Bank’s hunger relief network of 300 Partner Agencies across 21 counties.
“Once again the Applied Materials Food Drive is leading the way for corporate employee donations in Central Texas,” said Hank Perret, CAFB president and CEO. “On behalf of the 300,000 clients we serve every year, and all of us engaged in the fight against hunger, I cannot thank these Applied Material employees and the Applied Materials Foundation enough for their tremendous efforts to help end hunger in our community.”
About the Applied Materials Foundation
The Applied Materials Foundation, a California nonprofit corporation qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, was established in 1994 by Applied Materials, Inc., the global leader in providing innovative equipment, services and software to enable the manufacture of advanced semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic products. The Foundation's mission is to make a positive social contribution in regions where Applied Materials employees work and live through philanthropic investments in the areas of education, civic development, arts and culture, and the environment.
About Applied Materials, Inc.
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in providing innovative equipment, services and software to enable the manufacture of advanced semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic products. Our technologies help make innovations like smartphones, flat screen TVs and solar panels more affordable and accessible to consumers and businesses around the world. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.
About Capital Area Food Bank of Texas:
The mission of the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. Founded in 1981, CAFB provides food and grocery products through a network of 300 Partner Agencies and feeding and nutrition programs across 21 Central Texas counties, serving 48,000 people every week. For more information on CAFB and its programs, visit www.austinfoodbank.org or call 512/282-2111
