American Mural Project: Recent Events - Thursday, October 4, 2007

Newman's Own Foundation Awards $500,000
to American Mural Project

AMP has received a challenge grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Newman's Own Foundation, based in Westport, CT. The funds push AMP to the halfway mark on our campaign to raise $3.3 million.

"Receiving this grant from the Newman's Own Foundation is a huge achievement for us, particularly at this stage in our development", stated Ms. Griesedieck. "So many great people around the country are helping to make this project a reality - the Newman grant validates our mission and strengthens our momentum".

Paul Newman, philanthropist and chair of the Newman's Own Foundation has followed the progress of the American Mural Project since its inception nine years ago, when he became one of its founding board members. "The Mural exemplifies the aspirations of all Americans", he said. "It is a very moving and worthwhile project".

Griesedieck received the $500,000 challenge grant at a recent charity event at Gallery Henoch in Chelsea, NY. A live auction initiated the drive to meet the match. Jane Curtin and Paul Newman auctioned off a tremendous list of items like Eli Callaway's own set of golf clubs, a diving trip with AMP advisor and renowned explorer Scott Mitchen, story time with illustrator Sandra Boynton at Workman Publishing, lunch with author Stephen Dubner (Freakonomics), a ride or drive in the exotic Callaway C 16 Speedster, followed by dinner with Reeves and Sue at Montage Resort, a day at Hearst Publications, with cartoonist and VP of King Enterprises, Frank Caruso, and consultation time with AMP founding board member Dr. Mehmet Oz at $1,000 a minute. Several hundred long-time AMP supporters helped raise $42,000 for the evening - a great kickoff for the capital campaign.