Tens of Thousands of Americans Unite in Volunteerism This Weekend

Make A Difference Day will take place this Saturday, October 24, 2015 in neighborhoods throughout the country, bringing Americans together for the common good. Tens of thousands will participate in the nation's largest day of volunteerism, sponsored by Gannett's USA TODAY in partnership with TEGNA, Points of Light, the nation's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, and Newman’s Own®, Inc.

Thousands of volunteers participate in planned projects, from cleaning parks to working with local animal rescues. Independently created projects are scheduled across the country, comprising efforts from individuals, corporations, universities, communities, states and nonprofit organizations. Those looking to start a project or join an existing one can do so at makeadifferenceday.com. The site has information on projects across the country detailing how they will help others on October 24. The interactive database also allows visitors to search for events in their community. The Gannett Foundation, supported by Gannett, is contributing $400,000 in community grants and leading more than 80 volunteer projects across the country on Make A Difference Day.

"Make A Difference Day is an opportunity for Americans to come together for the sole purpose of making their communities stronger by giving back,” said Bob Dickey, president and chief executive officer, Gannett Co., Inc. "Gannett is built on serving our local communities and empowering people to create positive change. With Make A Difference Day, we are inspired and gratified to see the communities and participants around the country who come together to make a positive impact for so many people and causes each year.”

The TEGNA Foundation, supported by TEGNA, will contribute $170,000 in community grants for Make A Difference Day. Combined, TEGNA employees and their families will take part in nearly 50 Make A Difference Day projects across the country.

“At TEGNA, our purpose is to empower the people we serve. We are committed to making a difference and being a partner in people’s lives,” said Gracia Martore, president and CEO, TEGNA. “Seeing communities across the country come together is inspiring and demonstrates the best of the American spirit. It’s a reminder that all of us have the power to do something, big or small, that can make a positive and meaningful impact.”

A longtime supporter of Make A Difference Day, Newman’s Own, Inc. is the food company founded by Paul Newman that gives all profits and royalties from the sale of its food products to charitable causes. Newman’s Own, Inc. will award $130,000 in grants to the top 13 projects that make a difference in their local communities.

"Newman’s Own is all about supporting people doing great things. We are proud to support of Make a Difference Day and recognize those volunteers who are making a difference in their local communities,” said David Best, president and chief operating officer of Newman’s Own, Inc.

“Make A Difference Day has become an enduring tradition that brings people together, across differences, to help solve community problems," said Tracy Hoover, president and CEO of Points of Light. "With projects throughout the country, it's a great opportunity to start volunteering or, if you already volunteer, it's a great time to invite a friend to join you."

Award honorees will be presented with their awards at an event in Washington, DC, in spring 2016. In addition to the $130,000 in grants to the top 13 projects donated by Newman’s Own, a $10,000 All-Star Award funded by both the Gannett Foundation and the TEGNA Foundation will be presented to a former national honoree who exhibits continued excellence in volunteerism.

About Gannett

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an international media and marketing solutions company that informs and engages more than 115 million people every month through its powerful network of broadcast, digital, mobile and publishing properties. Our portfolio of trusted brands offers marketers unmatched local-to-national reach and customizable, innovative marketing solutions across any platform. Gannett is committed to connecting people – and the companies who want to reach them – with their interests and communities. For more information, visit www.gannett.com.

About USA TODAY

Founded in 1982, USA TODAY delivers high-quality, engaging content through unique visual storytelling across all platforms. An innovator of news and information, USA TODAY reflects the pulse of the nation and serves as the host of the American conversation — today, tomorrow, and for decades to follow. USA TODAY is the nation’s number one newspaper. USA TODAY's award winning news site reaches more than 50M unique visitors a month across its digital platforms with more than 20M application downloads. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), formerly Gannett Co., Inc., is comprised of a dynamic portfolio of media and digital businesses that provide content that matters and brands that deliver. TEGNA reaches more than 90 million Americans and delivers highly relevant, useful and smart content, when and how people need it, to make the best decisions possible. TEGNA Media includes 46 television stations (including those serviced by TEGNA) and is the largest independent station group of major network affiliates in the top 25 markets, reaching approximately one-third of all television households nationwide. TEGNA Digital is comprised of Cars.com, the leading online destination for automotive consumers, CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions, and other powerful brands such as G/O Digital, Cofactor, Clipper and Sightline Media Group. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.

About Newman’s Own

Newman’s Own, Inc., founded by Paul Newman in 1982, offers more than 200 varieties of great tasting food and beverage products including salad dressings, pasta sauces, coffee, salsa, cookies, candy, snacks, frozen pizza, frozen skillet meals, and refrigerated lemonades, as well as a line of premium pet food products. Newman’s Own Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to donate all of its royalties and after tax profits from the sale of Newman’s Own products for charitable purposes. More than $400 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982. Learn more at newmansown.com and newmansownfoundation.org.

About Points of Light

Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of non-profits and corporations, Points of Light engages four million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.

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